2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Ford Explorer had an “E” lineage that showcased Ford’s commitment to family resemblance across its SUV range. The design, cutting across models named Escape, Edge, Explorer, and Expedition, brought back a nostalgic sense of brand loyalty. The Explorer’s aesthetics, though slightly difficult to differentiate from the Edge at a quick glance, were distinct from competitors. It featured sporty, raked belt lines and squinting visages that gave it a dynamic presence.

Trim variations influenced the exterior look, ranging from a simple black grille on the base model to full chrome on top-tier models. Six trim levels—base, XLT, Limited, Limited Hybrid, ST, and Platinum—offered progressively better features and finishes, with prices stretching from $32,925 to $52,730.

Inside, the Explorer guaranteed three rows of seating as standard. While the seats in all trims provided decent comfort, the third row remained cramped for adults. The dash design was clean, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, and a center stack with intuitive controls. Most buyers gravitated towards the XLT trim, which provided enhancements such as a power front passenger seat and upgraded finishes. Leather upholstery became standard only on higher trims, beyond the mid-tier Limited.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan exuded timeless elegance. Its clean lines and balanced proportions offered a conservative and upscale look that promised to age gracefully. Compared to its predecessor, the second-generation Tiguan grew in size, nearly matching the dimensions of larger SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento, resulting in a spacious interior.

The Tiguan's interior was roomy, particularly for the front and back seats. Notably, it could optionally include a small third row, although it was more suited for children. The German automaker’s typical geometric design was evident, combined with a no-nonsense layout. An interesting quirk was the engine start button’s placement on the center console, rather than the dashboard.

Volkswagen’s understated approach extended to the cabin's finish, with shiny detailing and an integrated infotainment system. While hard plastics and flimsy controls detracted from the overall premium feel, the Tiguan still managed to strike a balance between simplicity and sophistication. The range included S, SE, and SEL trims, with R-Line packages adding sporty flair. Pricing ranged from $25,245 to $39,095.

Weighing in at 4,345 pounds, the 2021 Ford Explorer initially seemed daunting for its 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine to handle. However, the engine produced an impressive 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, outstripping rivals like the Kia Telluride. All trims featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift capability.

The Explorer's performance increased with its Limited Hybrid version, boasting a combined output of 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims featured a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, delivering 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, and the Explorer ST pushed these figures to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft. The Explorer’s towing capacity ranged from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, making it a strong contender in its class, though it fell short of heavyweights like the Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan housed a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 184 horsepower at 4,360 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission handled power distribution, with FWD as standard and 4Motion AWD an available option.

While adequate for most needs, the Tiguan’s engine suffered from turbo lag, leading to a delay in power delivery. During demanding maneuvers, the Tiguan felt underpowered, partly due to its nearly 4,000-pound curb weight. Fuel economy was moderate, with the EPA rating it at 25 mpg combined for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD. Real-world testing showed the AWD model at approximately 22.6 mpg.

Despite some drawbacks, the Tiguan offered a pleasant driving experience with light, responsive steering, a compliant ride, and nimble handling. However, over rough terrain, the suspension revealed its limitations, and on curvy roads, the Tiguan failed to inspire confidence due to early tire slippage and excessive body motion.

The 2021 Ford Explorer provided seating for seven in its base model, with captain’s chairs in upper trims reducing capacity to six. With 39 inches of second-row legroom, it compared favorably with several rivals, though it lagged behind the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Cargo space was a mixed bag; 21 cubic feet with the third row deployed was impressive, but 81 cubic feet with all seats folded was underwhelming for its class.

Conversely, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan emphasized comfort and accessibility. Large doors and elevated seating made entry and exit effortless. The front seats offered extensive adjustments, V-Tex leatherette upholstery provided a near-premium feel, and dual-zone climate control was effective. The rear seats were spacious, with ample legroom and foot space, along with air conditioning vents and USB ports for convenience. A reverse-facing child seat fit easily, making the Tiguan ideal for families.

The Tiguan’s panoramic sunroof, glovebox, and door bins were practical, though overall storage was limited. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allowed versatile cargo configurations. Depending on the third-row option, cargo capacity varied from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, with a maximum of 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet.

The 2021 Ford Explorer offered robust tech features, even at the base level, including an 8-inch touchscreen with AM/FM radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It included a 4G WiFi hotspot, Sync 3 infotainment system, and a six-speaker audio setup. Higher trims upgraded to a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system, and additional USB ports and power points. Wireless charging and enhanced audio were available starting from the Limited trim.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced its MIB3 infotainment system from the SE trim onward, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, faster responses, and an expanded feature set. Highlights included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi connectivity, SiriusXM 360L radio, and various Car-Net services. Despite these enhancements, user interface quirks and underwhelming voice recognition were noted. The standard six-speaker audio system struggled at high volumes, with the SEL Premium R-Line's nine-speaker Fender system being a notable exception.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was recognized as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, achieving high scores across all crash tests. Standard safety features included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, boasting auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims incorporated advanced driver-assistance features through the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, adding adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and speed sign recognition.

Similarly, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard IQ Drive systems, encompassing forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was available from the SE trim, with lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist added to higher trims. The SEL Premium R-Line featured automatic high beams and parking sensors. The IIHS rated the Tiguan as a Top Safety Pick for SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, thanks to effective LED headlights.