2021 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Buick Enclave

2021 Buick Enclave
2021 Buick Enclave
$40,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
$25,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Buick Enclave
$40,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
$25,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
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CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Buick Enclave is 6.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is the better choice, offering a more balanced combination of design, performance, technology, and safety features at a more competitive price.

Overview

MSRP

$40,300

MSRP

$25,245

Average price

$30,076

Average price

$21,635

Listings

1008

Listings

2036
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Poor value for money
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Stereo is lacking
  • Interior materials feel cheap

2021 Buick Enclave Reviews Summary

Buick’s best crossover SUV is its biggest crossover SUV, and especially when equipped with its top trim level. The 2021 Buick Enclave Avenir is stylish and upscale, roomy and quiet, and powerful, and athletic. More than any other vehicle in the automaker’s four SUV lineup, the Enclave is what best represents Buick’s past, if not its electrified future. But this SUV certainly is no bargain.

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews Summary

You may have noticed that crossover SUVs are popular. Among them, compact models dominate, having essentially replaced the traditional midsize sedan in American driveways. Offering room for five people, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and more cargo than any family car, they are the preferred method of transportation for a broad cross section of new vehicle buyers. But that’s not the only explanation for the runaway success of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan.
No video found
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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.6L 310 hp V6

Engine

2.0L 184 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

310 hp @ 6800 rpm

Horsepower

184 hp @ 4400 rpm

MPG City

18

MPG City

23

MPG Highway

26

MPG Highway

29
2021 Buick Enclave
2021 Buick Enclave
$40,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
$25,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Buick Enclave
$40,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
$25,245MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Buick Enclave is 6.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is the better choice, offering a more balanced combination of design, performance, technology, and safety features at a more competitive price.

Overview
MSRP
$40,300
$25,245
Average price
$30,076
$21,635
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.8
Expert reviews

6.3 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Poor value for money
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Stereo is lacking
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Summary
Buick’s best crossover SUV is its biggest crossover SUV, and especially when equipped with its top trim level. The 2021 Buick Enclave Avenir is stylish and upscale, roomy and quiet, and powerful, and athletic. More than any other vehicle in the automaker’s four SUV lineup, the Enclave is what best represents Buick’s past, if not its electrified future. But this SUV certainly is no bargain.
You may have noticed that crossover SUVs are popular. Among them, compact models dominate, having essentially replaced the traditional midsize sedan in American driveways. Offering room for five people, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and more cargo than any family car, they are the preferred method of transportation for a broad cross section of new vehicle buyers. But that’s not the only explanation for the runaway success of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.6L 310 hp V6
2.0L 184 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
310 hp @ 6800 rpm
184 hp @ 4400 rpm
MPG City
18
23
MPG Highway
26
29
Look and feel
2021 Buick Enclave
9/10
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
7/10

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to the brand's glory days with its big, shiny, and impressive design. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally-sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave stood out as the largest of Buick's four SUVs, offering a luxurious and spacious option for consumers. Available in Preferred, Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims, the Enclave's pricing ranged from just over $41,000 to just under $55,000. The Avenir trim, in particular, added a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels, enhancing its premium appeal.

Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist approach to instrumentation and controls, with organic forms and polished accents. The two-tone interior treatment included soft, perforated, piped, and embroidered leather, although the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter was initially fussy but became intuitive with use. Overall, the Enclave's design and interior aimed to blend luxury with practicality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, offered clean lines and balanced proportions, resulting in a conservative, upscale, and timeless aesthetic. This second-generation model corrected the size issues of its predecessor, providing a roomy interior nearly as spacious as a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento. The Tiguan's design was understated but elegant, with a focus on functionality and comfort.

Inside, the Tiguan featured modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout. The cabin's somber tones were brightened by shiny detailing, digital instrumentation, and a flush touchscreen infotainment system. However, the use of hard plastics and flimsy steering wheel stalks detracted from its premium feel. The Tiguan was available in S, SE, and SEL trims, with sporty R-Line variants. Pricing ranged from $25,245 to $39,095, with our test vehicle, an SEL trim with 4Motion AWD, priced at $35,040.

Performance
2021 Buick Enclave
8/10
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
6/10

Under the hood, the 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 produced 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at a low 2,800 rpm, providing strong acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave's nine-speed automatic transmission delivered smooth shifts, and the FWD model allowed for momentary tire spin before traction control intervened. Our test vehicle, priced at $57,090, included the Avenir Technology Package, which enhanced the suspension and added advanced safety features. The Enclave's suspension provided a comfortable and composed ride across various driving conditions, and the steering and brake response were well-tuned. The EPA rated the Enclave at 21 mpg in combined driving, and our testing confirmed an average of 21.2 mpg, allowing for a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower at 4,360 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at a low 1,600 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission sent power to the front wheels by default, with the 4Motion AWD system available as an option. The Tiguan's powertrain was adequate but suffered from turbocharger lag, resulting in delayed acceleration. The nearly 4,000-pound curb weight contributed to a sense of lethargy during passing maneuvers. The EPA rated the Tiguan at 25 mpg in combined driving with FWD and 24 mpg with AWD, but our testing showed an average of 22.6 mpg. Despite its powertrain limitations, the Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light steering, a compliant ride, and nimble handling. However, the suspension struggled with sharper speed bumps and railroad tracks, and the tires lacked grip during enthusiastic driving. On the highway, the Tiguan was quiet and composed, making it suitable for long road trips.

Form and function
2021 Buick Enclave
9/10
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
9/10

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and a basic massaging function, while the front passenger seat offered 10-way adjustments. Both seats were heated, ventilated, and wrapped in soft leather. The Enclave's center console provided comfortable padding and storage options, and the second-row captain's chairs and third-row bench seat offered generous space. The Enclave's third-row seat was roomy and easy to access, and the cargo area provided 23.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with large doors and tall seating hip points for easy entry and exit. The front seats offered a wide range of adjustments and excellent visibility, with V-Tex leatherette upholstery mimicking real leather. The back seat provided generous legroom and foot space, along with air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The Tiguan's 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allowed for flexible cargo and passenger configurations, with cargo volume ranging from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 73.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Storage space was limited, but the available panoramic sunroof added to the cabin's airy feel.

Technology
2021 Buick Enclave
5/10
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
6/10

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times, voice recognition, and a user-friendly interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and USB charging ports in all three rows. Upgrades included a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Enclave's 8-inch touchscreen was the largest available, and it lacked integration with smart home digital assistants. The 10-speaker Bose sound system was also underwhelming compared to competitors. The available rear camera mirror provided a useful live video feed of the rear view.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system starting with the SE trim, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, faster processing, and expanded features. Highlights included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi for up to four devices, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and a range of Car-Net connected services. The MIB3 system was an improvement, but the user interface had quirks, and the voice recognition technology was lacking. The standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass-heavy music, while the SEL Premium R-Line's nine-speaker Fender audio system offered better performance. The SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims also featured Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation.

Safety
2021 Buick Enclave
4/10
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
8/10

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety systems were effective but limited in availability. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were only available starting with the Essence trim, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and parking sensors, was standard on Premium and Avenir trims. Adaptive cruise control with enhanced automatic emergency braking was only available with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave lacked lane-centering assistance, rear automatic braking, self-parking, and Level 2 driving assistance technology. The NHTSA awarded the Enclave a five-star overall rating, though frontal-impact protection received four stars. The IIHS gave high marks but rated the headlights as Marginal, preventing a Top Safety Pick accolade.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with the IQ Drive collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. SE trim added adaptive cruise control, while the SEL included lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist. The SEL Premium R-Line featured automatic high-beam headlights and front and rear parking sensors. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist were effective but had some inconsistencies. The Tiguan's parking sensors and automatic braking could be overly sensitive. The standard reversing camera provided a clear view, and the SEL Premium R-Line offered a top-down surround-view. Car-Net connected services included automatic collision notification, emergency calling, and Family Guardian alerts. The IIHS awarded the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick rating for SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, while the NHTSA had not published complete crash-test results.

Cost Effectiveness
2021 Buick Enclave
3/10
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
8/10
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