2021 Land Rover Defender vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carried forward the legacy of its predecessors, which dated back to the original Land Rover Series I in 1948. Known for its distinctive look, the Defender maintained its iconic round headlamps and boxy cabin design, which gave it a timeless appeal. The new model aimed to blend this classic vibe with modern aesthetics, featuring half-round LED headlights and a structural grille design. The interior was a testament to high-quality craftsmanship, with exposed structural elements and luxurious materials like real metal and leather, providing an authentic and thoughtfully designed space.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a more conservative and upscale design, characterized by clean lines and balanced proportions. Its understated styling was seen as timeless, ensuring it would age gracefully. The Tiguan was notably large for its class, providing a spacious and accommodating interior. The cabin featured modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout, with shiny detailing and a well-integrated touchscreen infotainment system. However, the use of hard plastics and flimsy steering wheel stalks detracted from its premium feel.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender was equipped with two powertrains in the U.S. The base model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. A more powerful option was the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, making them capable both on and off-road. The Defender boasted impressive off-road specs, including a 30.1-degree approach angle and a 35.4-inch wading depth. On-road, it offered a comfortable and solid driving experience, with a towing capacity of 8,200 pounds.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. While adequate for daily driving, the engine suffered from turbo lag, making it feel underpowered during acceleration. The Tiguan's fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD, but real-world testing showed slightly lower figures. Despite its powertrain limitations, the Tiguan provided a pleasant driving experience with light steering, a compliant ride, and quiet highway manners.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender utilized a unibody platform with extensive use of aluminum for weight reduction and strength. Its independent multi-link air suspension enhanced both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The Defender offered flexible seating configurations, including an optional jump seat in the front and a third-row seat in the long-wheelbase 110 model. Cargo space was generous, with up to 78.8 cubic feet available in the 110 model.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with large doors and tall seating positions for easy access. The interior featured V-Tex leatherette upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The back seat provided excellent support and legroom, with additional amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The Tiguan's cargo space varied depending on the presence of a third-row seat, offering between 33 and 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 73.5 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender was equipped with Land Rover's Electronic Vehicle Architecture 2.0, allowing for over-the-air software updates. The Pivi Pro infotainment system featured a 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Defender also offered multiple camera views for off-roading and a range of audio system upgrades, including Meridian sound systems.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system, available from the SE trim. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a suite of connected services. While the system was an improvement, it had some user interface quirks and subpar voice recognition. The SEL Premium R-Line trim offered a nine-speaker Fender audio system, while other trims had a standard six-speaker setup.

The 2021 Land Rover Defender came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including a perimeter alarm, airbags, electronic traction control, and a 360-degree parking aid. Although it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, the Defender underwent extensive durability testing.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with the IQ Drive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from IIHS in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, thanks to its high-performing LED headlights.