2021 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Acura RDX

When it came to visual appeal, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, stood out as a striking SUV. Its styling changes, while understated, conveyed a sense of sportiness without delving into overtly aggressive design cues. Unlike some crossovers that tried to look like off-road vehicles, the RDX maintained a refined aesthetic with no oversized skid plates or exaggerated features that did not match its daily-driving nature.

The A-Spec Package further enhanced the RDX's appearance by incorporating sport seats with simulated suede inserts, unique stitching, and ambient lighting that gave the cabin a sporty vibe. The RDX without the A-Spec Package also impressed with a sleek design, but the added touches of the A-Spec elevated its sporty character.

On the other hand, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan impressed with its clean lines and balanced proportions, offering a conservative and upscale look. Its design was timeless, ensuring it would age gracefully. The Tiguan's larger size, particularly the long-wheelbase version, provided ample interior space, almost on par with mid-size SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.

The Tiguan's interior focused on modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense layout. The VW's understated approach used shiny detailing, available digital instrumentation, and a well-integrated touchscreen. However, the use of hard plastics and flimsy feeling steering wheel stalks reminded drivers it was not an Audi.

The 2021 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters. The SH-AWD system, an option worth considering even in non-snowy regions, distributed up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels and 100% to either wheel, enhancing handling.

Drivers could choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes using the Integrated Dynamics System, which adjusted powertrain response, steering effort, and, on Advance trims, suspension firmness. While the A-Spec's suspension lacked adaptive dampers, it had sporty behavior thanks to 20-inch alloy wheels and performance all-season tires. Despite some body motion on uneven roads, the RDX A-Spec delivered a fun-to-drive experience with quick steering and strong brakes. The turbo engine's broad torque and artificially enhanced engine notes in Sport+ mode added to its appeal.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan utilized a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower at 4,360 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, power was sent to the front wheels by default, with 4Motion AWD available for an additional $1,400 on most models, and standard on SEL Premium R-Line.

While adequate, the Tiguan's powertrain exhibited turbo lag, especially during passing maneuvers and freeway merges. The engine sometimes felt breathless, particularly under the SUV's nearly 4,000-pound curb weight. EPA estimates for fuel economy were 25 mpg combined for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD. Achieving only 22.6 mpg during testing, the Tiguan showed no significant advantage in fuel efficiency.

Nevertheless, the Tiguan offered a pleasant driving experience, with light and responsive steering, a soft ride, and refined braking, making it suitable for urban and suburban environments. However, its suspension lacked isolation over sharper bumps. Predictable handling and quiet highway manners made it comfortable for long trips, even if it wasn't designed for spirited driving.

Despite being classified and priced as a compact SUV, the 2021 Acura RDX offered significant passenger and cargo space in a well-packaged form, making it an excellent value. The front seats, especially in the A-Spec trim, provided comfort with 12-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. Although supportive for front passengers, the rear seats compromised leg support due to a low and flat cushion and an overly reclined seatback angle, leading to a slouched seating position.

Storage space within the cabin could have been more convenient, with a large but hard-to-reach tray under the center console. The cargo capacity measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and expanded to 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. When including the maximum cargo volume with the front seats moved forward, the RDX totalled 79.8 cubic feet, although this method wasn't common practice for real-world use.

Volkswagen Tiguan's interior prioritized comfort with large doors, high seating hip points, and a range of front seat adjustments. The V-Tex leatherette upholstery mimicked real leather, and dual-zone climate control kept temperatures pleasant. The Tiguan's rear seat offered excellent legroom, foot space, AC vents, USB ports, and soft front seat-back material.

Tiguan's 40/20/40-split folding rear seat configuration added versatility. Depending on the three-row seat option, cargo space ranged from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row. Maximum capacity varied between 65.7 and 73.5 cubic feet, ensuring sufficient space for carrying various loads.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Tiguan held an advantage over the RDX, with up to 73.5 cubic feet in certain configurations compared to the RDX's 58.9 cubic feet (not using the method of moving front seats forward). This made the Tiguan a better option for those needing more cargo room.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, a touchpad-based control system. While it differed from the Lexus approach, it required adaptation as it mirrored the screen's layout, potentially causing input errors. The system also distracted users who had to confirm actions on the screen. Despite these challenges, it offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home compatibility, improving the overall user experience. The RDX A-Spec included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, providing an exceptional sound experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB3 infotainment system starting with the SE trim. The MIB3 system included an 8-inch touchscreen, faster processing, and expanded services like wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi for up to four devices, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Despite some quirks, the MIB3 interface was an improvement. The six-speaker sound system in all but the SEL Premium R-Line trims could not handle moderate volumes without distortion, but the SEL Premium R-Line had a nine-speaker Fender premium audio, which performed better. VW's Digital Cockpit instrumentation appeared in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, providing a modern interface.

Acura equipped every 2021 RDX with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert required the Technology Package at a minimum, which many buyers missed in the base trim leases. Despite lacking pedestrian detection and traffic-sign recognition, the AcuraWatch systems were smooth and accurate, enhancing their usability.

The RDX earned high marks for safety, securing a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, although it received four stars for frontal-impact and rollover resistance tests.

Volkswagen equipped every 2021 Tiguan with IQ Drive, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was available starting with SE trim, lane-keep assist with SEL trim, and automatic high-beam headlights with SEL Premium R-Line. Front and rear parking sensors were available in all except S and SE trims.

In testing, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist performed adequately but had delay issues in specific scenarios. The Tiguan's parking sensors were effective, although their automated systems could be overly sensitive.

The IIHS awarded the Tiguan a “Top Safety Pick” for SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims due to effective LED headlights. Detailed NHTSA results were incomplete for the Tiguan.