2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class made its debut in 2020 and seamlessly fit into Mercedes-Benz’s extensive lineup of SUVs. Measuring 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase, it was positioned between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Despite being a part of this family, distinguishing the GLB from its lineup-mates required a close look at the badge on the tailgate. The SUV bore the unmistakable Mercedes-Benz DNA, an attractive and taut design that showcased an athletic stance. Its 7.9 inches of ground clearance was more forgiving for soft roads and speed humps compared to the lower slung GLA and GLC.

The interior of the GLB was a sight to behold. Round shapes were strategically repeated across the dashboard, giving it a striking, aerospace-inspired look. The carefully crafted HVAC vents, shiny with their polished metal details, and the single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen, contributed to the elegance of the cabin. The fit and finish were quintessentially Mercedes-Benz, excellent in every regard. The beefy, leather-gripped steering wheel added to the overall charm and driving experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative, timeless aesthetic. With balanced proportions and clean lines, some may have found it boring, but this conservative approach ensured that it aged well. Unlike the first-generation Tiguan, which was criticized for its size, the second-generation model increased in size, offering nearly the same interior space as a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento. This upsized Tiguan boasted a roomy interior, capable of accommodating four people comfortably, with the option of fitting five or even seven (with the optional third-row seat, suitable mostly for children).

Volkswagen combined modern geometric forms with a no-nonsense control layout inside the Tiguan. A unique feature was the engine start button located on the center console, rather than the dashboard. Though hard plastics marked the cabin, shiny detailing, digital instrumentation, and a flush touchscreen infotainment system uplifted the otherwise somber tones.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class featured a single engine choice—a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This power was transmitted through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with wheel-mounted shift paddles. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, while the 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) was available for an additional $2,000. Fuel economy for the GLB stood at 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined for the FWD, and 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, 26 mpg combined for the AWD.

Built on a FWD platform unlike its larger siblings, the GLB provided a solid performance. It managed a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, suitable for a family hauler. For those seeking more, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 offered a more exhilarating 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds. Opting for the 4MATIC version ensured better handling and driving feel both in foul weather and on dry roads. The Off-Road Engineering Package provided additional support for those venturing off paved paths.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the 4Motion AWD system was optional ($1,400) or standard on the SEL Premium R-Line. However, this powertrain occasionally showed turbo lag, making the engine feel breathless during power-hungry scenarios, especially in the nearly 4,000-pound vehicle.

The Tiguan's driving experience was pleasurable, thanks to light but responsive steering and a compliant ride. However, its suspension struggled over sharper speed bumps and railroad tracks. On curvy roads, the Tiguan gave up its grip too soon, making it less suitable for enthusiastic driving. Despite these shortcomings, the Tiguan remained remarkably quiet and composed on highways, ensuring comfortable long-distance trips.

The critical decision for the GLB was whether to opt for the third row. The five-passenger version offered 27.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 62.0 cubic feet with the seats folded. Opting for the third-row reduced cargo space to 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet behind the first. The third row, with modest legroom and headroom, was best suited for children or short trips. Meanwhile, the front and second-row seats provided excellent comfort, support, and adjustability, making long journeys pleasant.

In the Tiguan, comfort was paramount. With easy ingress and egress due to large doors and tall seating positions, it offered a spacious and supportive interior. The back seats were favorable, providing ample legroom and foot space, making it suitable for families, including those with reverse-facing child safety seats. The optional large panoramic sunroof enhanced the interior ambiance. The Tiguan also featured a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat and a well-shaped cargo area with up to 73.5 cubic feet of space in the two-row model, although the three-row version offered less. Despite adequate passenger comfort, the Tiguan's storage options beyond the glovebox and door panel bins were limited.

Even as an entry-level model, the GLB-Class was abundant in technology. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system offered natural language commands and personalized phrases. The standard setup included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, with smartphone integration via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium Package upgraded the screens to 10.25 inches and included keyless go. The optional Multimedia Package offered navigation with augmented reality (AR), enhancing the driving experience with graphical and live feeds. Additional tech features included adaptive damping, ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance, surround view, active parking assist, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Tiguan's tech upgrades centered on the Modular Infotainment Toolkit (MIB3) system, available from the SE trim. MIB3 brought an 8-inch touchscreen, faster response times, and expanded features such as wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi for up to four devices, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Despite some quirks in the user interface and underwhelming voice recognition, the system was effective. The SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims featured Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation. The audio system varied by trim, with the SEL Premium R-Line offering a superior nine-speaker Fender setup, unlike the standard six-speaker system in other trims.

Mercedes-Benz equipped the GLB with a range of standard and optional safety technologies. Standard features included active brake assist, adaptive braking with hill-start assist, crosswind assist, attention assist, and emergency call service. Options included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package further enhanced safety with active distance assist Distronic cruise control, steering assist, lane change assist, brake assist with cross-traffic function, speed limit assist, lane-keeping assist, Pre-Safe Plus, and Pre-Safe Sound, offering a comprehensive safety suite.

Volkswagen's 2021 Tiguan came standard with the IQ Drive suite, encompassing forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Tiguan's parking sensors functioned well but occasionally misinterpreted obstacles, leading to abrupt stops. Additional safety included a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, surround-view cameras (SEL Premium R-Line), and automatic post-collision braking. Car-Net connected services provided further safety features, including collision notification and Family Guardian alerts. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS for the SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims.