2021 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was noted for its clean lines and balanced proportions, offering a conservative, upscale, and timeless aesthetic that appealed to those who appreciated understated styling. Its design was expected to age well, and the SUV 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 up to seven passengers with an optional third-row seat, though it was best suited for children. The interior featured modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout, with some criticism directed at the hard plastic materials and flimsy steering wheel stalks. The Tiguan was available in several trims, including sporty R-Line variants, with pricing ranging from $25,245 to $39,095, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, offering two rows of seats instead of three. The styling similarities extended to the interior, where the Passport shared the Pilot's dash layout and the awkward "button shifter" design. Despite this, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials. It was available in Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite trims, each offering a range of features from 20-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights to leather upholstery and advanced audio systems. The Passport's design choices and trim levels provided a blend of comfort and functionality, catering to a variety of consumer preferences.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, was adequate but suffered from turbocharger lag, affecting acceleration responsiveness. The Tiguan's nearly 4,000-pound curb weight contributed to a perception of lethargy during passing maneuvers. Fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined for FWD models and 24 mpg for AWD, though real-world testing showed an average of 22.6 mpg for the AWD version. Despite these drawbacks, the Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light steering, a compliant ride, and refined braking, though it struggled with suspension isolation over rough surfaces.

The 2021 Honda Passport, on the other hand, featured a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided strong acceleration and smooth power management, with the option of FWD or AWD. The Passport's ride was a blend of comfort and refined handling, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and drive modes for various terrains. It was capable of towing up to 3,500 pounds with FWD and 5,000 pounds with AWD, making it a versatile choice for those needing extra capability.

Inside the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, comfort was prioritized with large doors, tall seating, and adjustable front seats for excellent visibility. The interior featured V-Tex leatherette upholstery and a dual-zone climate control system. Rear-seat space was generous, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for passengers. The Tiguan offered a panoramic sunroof and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for flexible cargo options. Cargo volume varied depending on the presence of a third-row seat, ranging from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, with a maximum capacity of 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet.

The 2021 Honda Passport excelled in cargo space, offering 100.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and up to 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet was available in an under-floor storage tray. The Passport's upright seating provided excellent visibility, and the interior featured deep storage bins and door pockets. Rear seats offered ample headroom and legroom, with the ability to recline and slide for added comfort.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system, available from the SE trim, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a range of connected services. While the system was an improvement, it had some quirks, and the standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass-heavy music. Higher trims offered a nine-speaker Fender audio system and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation, providing a more refined technology experience.

For the 2021 Honda Passport, Honda made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard across all trims, integrated with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While this was a positive move, the system's dated graphics and confusing menu layout were drawbacks. The inclusion of a volume dial was appreciated, though the overall audio interface lacked refinement.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with the IQ Drive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in certain trims, though NHTSA crash-test results were incomplete.

The 2021 Honda Passport offered a comprehensive set of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, though it had "Acceptable" ratings for headlights and child-seat anchor ease of use.