2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ford Explorer was 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan scored 7.3 out of 10. With these ratings in mind, the 2021 Ford Explorer holds a slight edge over the Tiguan. Its superior engine performance, towing capacity, and extensive safety features make it a compelling choice for those seeking a robust and versatile SUV. The Volkswagen Tiguan, with its elegant design and family-friendly attributes, remains a solid option but falls just short in overall performance and value compared to the Explorer.
Choose the 2021 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You need advanced safety features standard even at the base trim.
- A powerful engine lineup with high towing capacity is a priority.
- You desire a spacious cabin with decent cargo space, even with all seating rows in use.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan if:
Shop Now- An upscale, timeless exterior design and roomy interior are important to you.
- You seek a family-friendly SUV with excellent rear-seat comfort and easy access.
- Preference for modern infotainment with wireless capabilities and efficient climate control.
Overview | |
MSRP$32,925 | MSRP$25,245 |
Average price$31,161 | Average price$22,012 |
Listings5056 | Listings2600 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2021 Ford Explorer Reviews SummaryThere was a time when everybody in America seemingly drove an Explorer. That may be an exaggeration, but not by much. In its first four years of production, Ford sold over a million examples. In 1998, Ford was selling its second-generation Explorer at a rate of nearly 440,000 per year. Whether your family purchased an Explorer or not, this was the nameplate that invented the midsize SUV segment. Fast forward to the 2021 model year and the Explorer is in its sixth generation. It's now a three-row SUV that clocks in at a maximum of 4,700 pounds, with a price tag north of $50,000 for the Explorer Platinum trim level. Long gone are the days when it was the only game in town. Almost every automaker has a competitor. So how does the Explorer shake out for 2021? | |
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews SummaryYou 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 | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 184 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower | Horsepower184 hp @ 4400 rpm |
MPG City21 | MPG City23 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway29 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 184 hp I4 |
Torque | Torque221 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower184 hp @ 4400 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City23 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway29 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space18.2 cu ft | Cargo Space12.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight4345 lbs | Curb Weight3735 lbs |
Height69.9 in | Height66.3 in |
Length198.8 in | Length185.1 in |
Width89.3 in | Width72.4 in |
Wheelbase119.1 in | Wheelbase109.8 in |
Maximum Payload1425 lbs | Maximum Payload1146 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5300 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ford Explorer was 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan scored 7.3 out of 10. With these ratings in mind, the 2021 Ford Explorer holds a slight edge over the Tiguan. Its superior engine performance, towing capacity, and extensive safety features make it a compelling choice for those seeking a robust and versatile SUV. The Volkswagen Tiguan, with its elegant design and family-friendly attributes, remains a solid option but falls just short in overall performance and value compared to the Explorer.
Choose the 2021 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You need advanced safety features standard even at the base trim.
- A powerful engine lineup with high towing capacity is a priority.
- You desire a spacious cabin with decent cargo space, even with all seating rows in use.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan if:
Shop Now- An upscale, timeless exterior design and roomy interior are important to you.
- You seek a family-friendly SUV with excellent rear-seat comfort and easy access.
- Preference for modern infotainment with wireless capabilities and efficient climate control.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $32,925 | $25,245 |
Average price | $31,161 | $22,012 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.8 | 4.8 |
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | There was a time when everybody in America seemingly drove an Explorer. That may be an exaggeration, but not by much. In its first four years of production, Ford sold over a million examples. In 1998, Ford was selling its second-generation Explorer at a rate of nearly 440,000 per year. Whether your family purchased an Explorer or not, this was the nameplate that invented the midsize SUV segment. Fast forward to the 2021 model year and the Explorer is in its sixth generation. It's now a three-row SUV that clocks in at a maximum of 4,700 pounds, with a price tag north of $50,000 for the Explorer Platinum trim level. Long gone are the days when it was the only game in town. Almost every automaker has a competitor. So how does the Explorer shake out for 2021? | 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 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 2.0L 184 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Horsepower | 184 hp @ 4400 rpm | |
MPG City | 21 | 23 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 29 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 2.0L 184 hp I4 |
Torque | 221 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | |
Horsepower | 184 hp @ 4400 rpm | |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 23 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 29 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 18.2 cu ft | 12.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4345 lbs | 3735 lbs |
Height | 69.9 in | 66.3 in |
Length | 198.8 in | 185.1 in |
Width | 89.3 in | 72.4 in |
Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 109.8 in |
Maximum Payload | 1425 lbs | 1146 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5300 lbs | 1500 lbs |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.