2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it had become a high-end SUV with a starting price of $92,000, which could soar to $250,000 with various upgrades. The test model, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, showcasing a timeless design with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a conservative yet upscale design that was both timeless and practical. It was larger than its predecessor, providing ample interior space comparable to a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento. The Tiguan's interior was roomy and accommodating, with a focus on comfort and functionality. The test model, priced at $35,040, came with SEL trim and 4Motion AWD, offering a pleasant driving experience with light steering and a compliant ride. However, the Tiguan's interior featured more hard plastic than luxury brands, and its infotainment system, while improved, had some quirks.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring off-road capability. The Range Rover provided a smooth and quiet ride, with an adaptive air suspension that filtered road harshness. However, its steering was slow in response, and the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity resulted in side-to-side wallow on uneven roads. The EPA estimated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but the test model averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and optional 4Motion AWD. While the engine was adequate, it suffered from turbo lag, and the Tiguan's nearly 4,000-pound curb weight contributed to a perception of lethargy. The EPA rated its fuel economy at 25 mpg combined with FWD and 24 mpg with AWD, but the test model averaged 22.6 mpg. Despite this, the Tiguan offered a nimble and maneuverable driving experience, though its suspension struggled with sharper bumps and undulating roads.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, but shorter passengers found entry challenging. The front seats were decadently comfortable, while the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in a slouched seating position. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for a small center-console bin. Luggage volume was also restricted, with a maximum cargo space of 59.8 cubic feet. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with large doors and tall seating hip points for easy access. The front seats offered a wide range of adjustments, and the back seat provided excellent support and generous legroom. The Tiguan's interior featured a large panoramic sunroof and effective dual-zone climate control. Storage space was limited, but the 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo arrangements. Cargo volume ranged from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, with a maximum capacity of 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet, depending on the configuration.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover boasted fully digital instrumentation and infotainment with three displays, offering numerous features and functions. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, could be navigated with practice. However, using the touchscreens while driving was distracting, and the head-up display was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Range Rover also featured a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for digital owner’s manual access.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system, available from the SE trim, with an 8-inch touchscreen and faster processing. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi, SiriusXM 360L, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. While the MIB3 system was an improvement, it had some user interface quirks, and the standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass-heavy music. The SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims featured Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation, maintaining an understated approach to technology.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, but the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the IQ Drive collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Starting with SE trim, adaptive cruise control was included, with additional features like lane-departure warning and automatic high-beam headlights available on higher trims. The Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, thanks to high-performing LED headlights.