2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, inspired by the larger Blazer midsize crossover SUV, was a stylish subcompact vehicle. It featured dark gray plastic trim around its lower perimeter, triple front lights similar to the Hyundai Kona, and two-tone paint schemes reminiscent of the Kia Soul. The Activ trim added a rugged appearance with front and rear skid plate trim, unique 17-inch aluminum wheels, sport terrain tires, a larger grille, and standard two-tone paint. The interior design was excellent, with a well-thought-out control layout, useful storage, and attractive detailing, although it did have some hard shiny plastic that felt out of place at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, completely overhauled for the 2018 model year, maintained a stylish yet conservative German design. It featured clean lines, a horizontal grille with the new flat VW logo, and a simple, car-like appearance. Inside, the Tiguan's interior was plain, with dull surfaces and hard black plastic, a departure from VW's previous high standards. However, the focus on electronics was evident, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system that stood out.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two engine options. The base models came with a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Higher trims featured a turbocharged 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine delivering 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque, with a 9-speed automatic transmission for AWD models. The Trailblazer's powertrain was agreeable, with torque available from 1,600 to 4,000 rpm. It averaged 26.6 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg. The Trailblazer exhibited good roll control, steering, and braking but had a firm ride and some quirks in driving dynamics, such as transmission hesitation and suspension impact harshness.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It drove either the front or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan's powertrain offered snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag, but it was only moderately quick due to its larger size and weight. The Tiguan's cabin was well-insulated from wind noise, making it a quiet highway cruiser. Its handling was impacted by its size, with a longer wheelbase resulting in less nimble performance. The suspension provided a comfortable ride, even on rough roads, but the steering was light.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer's interior had some drawbacks. Cloth seats were only available in lower trims, while higher trims featured leatherette that trapped sweat. The automatic climate control struggled to keep the cabin cool, especially with the automatic engine stop/start system. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats were flat and lacked air conditioning vents. The cargo space was practical, with 25.3 cubic feet expanding to 54.4 cubic feet when the rear seats were folded down. The front passenger seat also folded down, providing 8.5 feet of cargo length.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality. The second row of seats could slide up to seven inches, making the third row useful. The third row, available in front-drive models and as an option in AWD models, had enough legroom for shorter adults and kids. The second-row seats folded flat, providing 65.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row collapsed and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The Tiguan's front seats offered plenty of room, and the abundant glass and seating position made it feel spacious.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer offered two infotainment systems. The base system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Teen Driver technology, and Chevrolet Connected Access services with a WiFi hotspot. The upgraded system for Activ and RS trims featured an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and cloud-connected vehicle personalization. The Trailblazer also had USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless smartphone charging, and a 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The interface was simple and intuitive, with physical controls for power, volume, and tuning.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system, called MIB II, was set to be replaced by MIB3 in the following year. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen with a glass surface, bright colors, and a responsive processor. The Tiguan S had a single USB-C port, while higher trims had USB-A ports and a wireless charging pad. VW's Digital Cockpit, available on top SEL trims, was a fully digital instrument panel that could display a panoramic map. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with a comprehensive safety package, including 10 airbags and Chevy Safety Assist, which featured forward-collision alert with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and a safe following distance indicator. Additional options included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assistance, a high-definition reversing camera, and adaptive cruise control. However, the forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control were sometimes over- or under-reactive, and the lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist were inconsistent. Crash-test ratings were pending at the time of review.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its standard safety package, adding forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance and LED headlights with automatic high beams were reserved for the top SEL trim. VW's Car-Net telematics package connected the vehicle to an owner's smartphone or watch, offering remote locking, status checks, and vehicle location. Additional features included real-time parking information, points of interest, roadside assistance, and geofencing for teen driver monitoring. The Tiguan was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for SEL Premium models with LED headlights.