2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

In 2021, the BMW X3 maintained its position as a leading luxury compact SUV. It showcased a coveted blend of sophistication and sporty appeal. This third generation, introduced in 2018, experienced several enhancements by 2020, including a plug-in hybrid variant and M performance models. BMW strived to perfect the small SUV formula initially marred by its predecessors like the X1, delivering an authentic luxury feel. The exterior design mirrored the grandeur of a downsized BMW X5, with a robust and prestigious appearance that commanded attention.

Inside, the X3 continued BMW’s tradition of a cold, mechanical interior design. It radiated a high-tech ambiance with a functional dash layout, differentiating it from rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. Although not as visually captivating, the X3’s interior was undeniably practical. Trims for the 2021 model included the sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the eco-friendly xDrive30e plug-in hybrid. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i versions arrived with standard 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment system with navigation, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Additional packages offered genuine leather, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, and heated-and-ventilated seats, among other luxuries. The M40i trim further enhanced the standard offerings with 19-inch alloy wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, unique exterior stylings, and an M Sport suspension.

Conversely, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan embraced a more understated, conservative design. The Tiguan’s clean lines and balanced proportions were hallmarks of its aesthetic, exuding a timeless appeal. Volkswagen corrected the sizing issues of the first-generation model by introducing a longer-wheelbase version, making it spacious enough to rival the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.

Internally, the Tiguan provided an intelligently designed cabin with modern geometric forms and a purposeful control layout. Despite some elements like the engine start button's unusual placement, the overall interior boasted a functional yet somber tone, uplifted by shiny details and an integrated touchscreen infotainment system. However, the Tiguan fell short of embodying the luxury of an Audi due to its abundance of hard plastics and slightly flimsy steering wheel stalks. Available in S, SE, and SEL trims, the Tiguan's pricing ranged from $25,245 to $39,095, plus a $1,195 destination fee. The SEL trim with 4Motion AWD aimed to offer a comprehensive package, featuring improved storage, generous legroom, and comfortable seating for up to seven with an optional third row.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered a spectrum of powertrains to cater to diverse driving preferences. The base sDrive30i and xDrive30i trims came equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 248 horsepower via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i was rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i boasted all-wheel drive. This engine provided ample power for daily driving, impressively handling both city navigation and highway acceleration smoothly.

The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid paired a turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor, generating a combined 288 horsepower. It allowed for brisk acceleration, especially at lower speeds, with a 17-mile electric-only range. Recharging took about 3.5 hours with a 240-volt Level 2 charger and almost 12 hours with a standard 120-volt outlet. Proving its prowess beyond eco-friendliness, the M40i variant featured a 382-hp twin-turbo inline-six engine, renowned for dynamic acceleration and enhanced cornering capabilities. For true performance seekers, the 473-hp X3 M served as an ultimate fusion of speed and family practicality.

In comparison, all 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan models were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower at 4,360 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at just 1,600 rpm. Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels, with the 4Motion AWD system available as a $1,400 option or standard in the SEL Premium R-Line.

While the Tiguan’s engine was adequate, it suffered from turbo lag, making the vehicle feel sluggish in specific scenarios until the turbocharger spooled up. Coupled with a nearly 4,000-pound curb weight, the SUV might have felt breathless during aggressive maneuvers such as highway merging or overtaking. The Tiguan’s EPA ratings were 25 mpg (combined) for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD models, but real-world testing revealed an average of about 22.6 mpg for the AWD version, hinting at no significant fuel economy benefits despite its uninspired throttle response.

However, the Tiguan offered a pleasant driving experience with light yet responsive steering, a comfortable ride, refined brakes, and nimble handling ideal for urban and suburban settings. It lacked suspension isolation over sharp bumps, diminishing its refinement. While it couldn't match a hot hatch like the VW GTI on twisting roads, the Tiguan excelled in highway manners, making it perfect for longer drives.

The 2021 BMW X3 excelled at offering practical space within its luxury shell. With the rear seats folded, it provided a substantial 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space, placing it among the leaders in the small luxury SUV segment. This capacity was still an impressive 28.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in use. A standard power liftgate and an optional hands-free variant enhanced usability. The vehicle delivered ample space for all passengers, with the front seats offering generous headroom and legroom, as well as a commanding driving position. The rear seats were comfortable for adults, even on extended journeys. For the driver and front passenger, real buttons and dials complemented the main touchscreen, facilitating ease of use.

In the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, comfort was paramount. Large doors and high hip points facilitated easy entry and exit. The front seats provided flexible adjustments, superior support, and excellent visibility, enhanced by Volkswagen’s effective dual-zone climate control and quality V-Tex leatherette upholstery. The rear seat area was spacious, offering great support and generous legroom. Rear passengers benefited from air conditioning vents, USB charging ports, and soft front seatbacks. The ample space made it suitable for new parents using reverse-facing child seats.

A noteworthy feature of the Tiguan was its optional panoramic sunroof, which came with a wind deflector eliminating noise during operation. Storage, however, was limited with modest compartments and an awkwardly placed smartphone slot. The vehicle’s 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo and passenger configurations. Depending on the presence of the third-row seat, it offered between 33 and 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, extending to 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, making it highly utilitarian for its class.

The 2021 BMW X3 stood out with its standard 10.2-inch touchscreen running the intuitive iDrive infotainment system. It offered both touch and dial control, catering to varied user preferences. Unlike its rivals, the X3 included standard Apple CarPlay but made Android Auto optional. Additional technological options comprised wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and an outstanding 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. An innovative gesture control feature allowed users to control basic functions by waving their hands, though this could be problematic for expressive talkers.

For the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, the introduction of the MIB3 infotainment system starting with the SE trim was a significant upgrade. The 8-inch touchscreen came with faster processing and a broader array of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi for up to four devices, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Amazon Alexa, and various Car-Net connected services like remote engine start and automatic crash notification.

While the MIB3 system was a step forward, it exhibited some user interface quirks and less-than-stellar voice recognition. The standard six-speaker audio system was incapable of handling certain music genres at moderate volume without distortion. The higher-tier SEL Premium R-Line offered a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system, providing a better audio experience. Both SEL and SEL Premium R-Line featured Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit, delivering an understated yet sophisticated information display.

The 2021 BMW X3 came equipped with an array of advanced driver-assistance features as standard. These included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. It also featured standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. For those seeking additional safety, options like adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, adaptive headlights, and a head-up display were available.

Similarly, Volkswagen outfitted every 2021 Tiguan with its IQ Drive collection of safety features. This encompassed forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. From the SE trim upwards, the Tiguan included adaptive cruise control, while the SEL trim added lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist. The SEL Premium R-Line further featured automatic high-beam headlights and a comprehensive front-and-rear parking sensor system.

During testing, the Tiguan's adaptive cruise control showed smooth braking in various conditions but was slow to react when traffic situations changed suddenly. Lane-keep assist was effective but sometimes inconsistent. The blind-spot warning indicator was conveniently placed for visibility. Safety features like the reversing camera and automatic post-collision braking added another layer of protection.

The 2021 Tiguan earned the "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in its SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims due to high-performing LED headlights, though the NHTSA had not completed crash-test ratings for this model.