2021 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This review focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the F Sport models boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for a Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material quality was excellent, with familiar Lexus design elements like a sculpted metal-faced gauge cluster. However, the center stack showed its age, featuring an outdated CD player and elevated climate-control buttons. Despite these quirks, the NX offered a functional and comfortable interior, though it lacked open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured clean lines and balanced proportions, offering a conservative yet upscale design that was likely to age well. The Tiguan was large for its class, nearly as spacious inside as a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento. This second-generation model corrected the size issues of its predecessor, providing a roomy interior with optional third-row seating for up to seven passengers, though the third row was best suited for children.

Volkswagen's interior design combined modern geometric forms with a no-nonsense control layout. The cabin featured shiny detailing, digital instrumentation, and a well-integrated touchscreen infotainment system. However, the use of hard plastics and flimsy steering wheel stalks detracted from the overall premium feel. The Tiguan was available in S, SE, and SEL trims, with sporty R-Line variants offering additional design and equipment upgrades. Our test vehicle, an SEL with 4Motion AWD, was priced at $35,040, including destination charges.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind the smoother transitions offered by newer eight-, nine-, and ten-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a competitive time for its segment. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control, which electronically enhanced the engine note through the car's speakers.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD variant had similar numbers but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX 300 had a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph. The adaptive suspension system, available on the F Sport, made up to 650 adjustments for a smoother ride. The NX offered three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, each affecting throttle response and power-steering assist.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower at 4,360 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission sent power to the front wheels by default, with 4Motion AWD available for an additional $1,400 on most models and standard on the SEL Premium R-Line. The engine suffered from turbo lag, causing a delay in acceleration, but once the turbo spooled up, it delivered a satisfying amount of torque.

The Tiguan's fuel economy was 25 mpg combined for FWD models and 24 mpg for AWD. During testing, the AWD model averaged 22.6 mpg. The Tiguan offered a pleasant driving experience with light, responsive steering, a compliant ride, and refined braking. However, it struggled over sharp speed bumps and railroad tracks, revealing a lack of suspension isolation. On curvy roads, the Tiguan's tires lost grip early, and the suspension allowed too much body motion, encouraging slower driving. Despite these issues, the Tiguan was quiet and composed on the highway, making it suitable for long road trips.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom for two adults in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. While engine noise could intrude, road and wind noise were well-muted. The NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with large doors and tall seating hip points for easy entry and exit. The front seats offered a wide range of adjustments and excellent visibility, while the V-Tex leatherette upholstery mimicked real leather. The back seat provided generous legroom and foot space, with air conditioning vents and USB charging ports for passengers. A large panoramic sunroof was available, and storage space included a large glovebox and fabric-lined door panel bins. The Tiguan's 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allowed for flexible cargo configurations, with cargo volume ranging from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 73.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The system included predictive traffic information, detour preview, ETA calculation, and fuel station guidance. New for 2021, the Navigation package added HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a personal concierge service. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the Lexus infotainment system was criticized for its user-unfriendly interface. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The NX also offered a moonroof, heated steering wheel, and a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system on higher trims. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to control various functions remotely, and Lexus Enform Services Connect provided maintenance alerts and notifications.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system starting with the SE trim. MIB3 featured an 8-inch touchscreen, faster processing, and expanded features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi for up to four devices, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Car-Net connected services included remote engine starting, automatic crash notification, and Family Guardian safe teen driving settings. The MIB3 system was an improvement but had some quirks, and the voice recognition technology was lacking. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system, while other trims had a six-speaker setup. The SEL and SEL Premium R-Line also included Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard, with park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights available as options. The NX received top "Good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS, with "Superior" front crash-prevention technology and an "Acceptable" LATCH system rating. The NHTSA awarded the NX a five-star overall safety rating. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the IQ Drive collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Starting with the SE trim, adaptive cruise control was included, while the SEL added lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist. The SEL Premium R-Line featured automatic high-beam headlights and front and rear parking sensors. The adaptive cruise control demonstrated smooth braking but was slow to react to changing traffic conditions. Lane-keep assist was effective but inconsistent, and the blind-spot warning indicator was easy to see. The Tiguan's parking sensors could be overly sensitive, and the reversing camera provided a clear view. The SEL Premium R-Line offered a top-down surround-view camera. Car-Net connected services included automatic collision notification, emergency calling, and Family Guardian alerts. The IIHS awarded the Tiguan a "Top Safety Pick" rating for SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, while the NHTSA had not published complete crash-test results.