2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Lexus RX showcased a modern design aesthetic with its large grille, angular headlamps, shapely body, and floating roof. Inside, it featured sumptuous seating with perforated leather upholstery, though the center console design was considered bland. Lexus offered the RX in five variants: RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, with the RX F Sport being the most performance-focused. The 2021 model retained the elongated headlights and refined front-end design introduced in 2020, which aimed to address previous criticisms. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with available upgrades like 20-inch wheels and triple-beam LED headlights. The F Sport Appearance package added unique styling elements and performance dampers. The interior boasted standard features like NuLuxe-trimmed seats and power-adjustable front seats, with available upgrades including semi-aniline leather upholstery and heated second-row seats. However, the center console's dated appearance and the infotainment system's functionality were points of contention.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, with its clean lines and balanced proportions, offered a conservative, upscale, and timeless aesthetic. It was notably large for its class, nearly matching the interior space of a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento. The Tiguan's upsizing resulted in a roomy interior, accommodating four adults comfortably, with an optional small third-row seat expanding capacity to seven. The interior featured modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout, though the engine start button's placement on the center console was unusual. The cabin's somber tones were offset by shiny detailing and a well-integrated touchscreen infotainment system. However, the use of hard plastic 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. Pricing ranged from $25,245 to $39,095, excluding the destination charge.

The 2021 Lexus RX, RXL, and RX F-Sport were powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid models combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, delivering 308 horsepower managed by an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). The front-wheel-drive RX 350 achieved 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the all-wheel-drive versions saw slightly lower fuel economy. The RX Hybrid models managed up to 31 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The RX's suspension and handling adjustments made it more dynamic, with the F Sport Handling package adding adaptive variable suspension and sportier features. The RX was a comfortable cruiser, with the F-Sport model offering a bit more spirited driving. The RX's top speed was limited to 124 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the drivetrain.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 4Motion AWD system was optional on most models and standard on the SEL Premium R-Line. The Tiguan's powertrain was adequate but suffered from turbocharger lag, making it feel breathless during passing maneuvers. The front-wheel-drive Tiguan achieved 25 mpg combined, while the AWD version managed 24 mpg. During testing, the AWD model averaged 22.6 mpg. The Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light, responsive steering, a compliant ride, and refined braking action. However, it struggled with sharper speed bumps and railroad tracks, and its tires gave up grip early in corners. The Tiguan was quiet and composed on the highway, making it suitable for long road trips.

The 2021 Lexus RX was highly functional, seating five in the two-row RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h, and six or seven in the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid. Front-seat occupants enjoyed ample space, and the second-row seating was comfortable for adults. The third row in the RXL models was tight for any age. The RX's cargo space was limited, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row versions offered just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort, with large doors and tall seating making entry and exit easy. The front seats offered a wide range of adjustments, and the V-Tex leatherette upholstery provided good support. The back seat was spacious, with generous legroom and foot space, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. The Tiguan's 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allowed for flexible cargo and passenger configurations. Cargo volume ranged from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, depending on the presence of the third-row seat, with a maximum capacity of 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet. The Tiguan also featured a large panoramic sunroof and useful storage spaces, though some were on the smaller side.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hotspot, six USB ports, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, a panoramic roof, wireless charging, navigation, a 12-speaker audio system, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The touchpad controller for the infotainment system was functional but took up valuable center console space. The RX did not offer wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system starting with the SE trim, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, faster processing, and expanded features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi for up to four devices, SiriusXM 360L, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and Car-Net connected services. The MIB3 system was an improvement, though the voice recognition technology and standard six-speaker sound system had limitations. The SEL Premium R-Line featured a nine-speaker Fender audio system. Both the SEL and SEL Premium R-Line included Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation, offering an understated approach to technology and information display.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, scoring Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The RXL and RXL Hybrid, with their longer bodies, were not tested by IIHS. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, enhanced vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which offered a suite of driver-assist technologies. The RX lacked hands-off piloting-like software found in some competitors. It had two complete sets of LATCH connectors in the rear outboard seats.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came with 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. The SE trim added adaptive cruise control, while the SEL included 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 and lane-keep assist were effective but had some inconsistencies. The Tiguan's parking sensors and automatic braking system could be overly sensitive. The standard reversing camera provided a clear view, with a top-down surround-view available on the SEL Premium R-Line. Car-Net connected services offered numerous safety features, including automatic collision notification and Family Guardian alerts. The IIHS awarded the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick rating for the SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, while the NHTSA had not published complete crash-test results.