2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, evolved from the GL-Class, which debuted in 2006. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GLS instead found its niche among affluent families seeking a luxurious, three-row SUV. The 2021 model featured softened angles and lines, giving it a more svelte appearance compared to its predecessors. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen that spanned nearly two-thirds of the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-centric design.

The GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63. Standard features on the GLS 450 included remote keyless entry, nine USB ports, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. The GLS 580 added a V8 engine, heated-and-cooled front seats, massaging front seats, and more. The AMG GLS 63, with its aggressive bodywork and performance-inspired interior, stood out with a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, with its clean lines and balanced proportions, offered a conservative yet upscale design that promised to age well. Larger than its first-generation predecessor, the second-generation Tiguan provided a roomy interior comparable to the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. The spacious cabin accommodated up to seven passengers with an optional third-row seat, though the third row was best suited for children.

Inside, the Tiguan featured modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout. The cabin, while not as luxurious as an Audi, included shiny detailing, digital instrumentation, and a flush touchscreen infotainment system. 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, had a sticker price of $35,040, including the destination charge.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, generated 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph. All engines included Mercedes’ EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed.

The GLS 63 featured an adaptive air suspension system, adjustable ground clearance, and multiple drive-mode settings, including Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The E-Active Body Control option provided a composed ride, even on rough roads, and the GLS handled like a smaller car, making it easy to maneuver in urban settings.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sent power to the front wheels, with 4Motion AWD available as an option. The Tiguan's powertrain, while adequate, suffered from turbocharger lag, making it feel breathless during passing maneuvers. The test model's nearly 4,000-pound curb weight contributed to this perception of lethargy.

The Tiguan returned 25 mpg in combined driving with FWD and 24 mpg with AWD, though our AWD test model averaged 22.6 mpg. Despite its powertrain limitations, the Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light, responsive steering, a compliant ride, and nimble handling. However, it struggled with sharper speed bumps and railroad tracks, and its tires lacked grip in corners. On the highway, the Tiguan was quiet and composed, making long road trips more enjoyable.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Seven-passenger seating was standard, with optional second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to six. The third row, while not as spacious, was suitable for full-size adults. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The driver and front passenger enjoyed numerous storage compartments, though the center console was relatively small.

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 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, and expanded to a maximum of 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a massive touch screen and a trackpad controller. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required for connectivity. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like “Find me a gas station” and could be activated by saying “Hey Mercedes.” The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system, available starting with the SE trim. MIB3 included an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi for up to four devices, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system had some quirks, and the voice recognition technology was lacking. The SEL Premium R-Line featured a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system, while other trims had a six-speaker system. The SEL and SEL Premium R-Line also included Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with IQ Drive, which included 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 Tiguan also had a reversing camera, automatic post-collision braking, and Car-Net connected services with features like automatic collision notification and Family Guardian alerts. The IIHS awarded the Tiguan a “Top Safety Pick” rating for SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims.