2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that grew on you with its understated elegance. It wasn't flashy or exotic, but its subtle design choices became apparent after spending time behind the wheel. The dished hood, for instance, was not just a design statement but a functional feature that improved forward sight lines, making it easier to navigate obstacles. The fenders, slightly bulging from the smooth sides, provided space for wheel travel and visually indicated the vehicle's width. The Land Cruiser Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels, signaling its readiness for adventure. Inside, the Land Cruiser approached luxury with black perforated leather-trimmed seating and a functional, if somewhat plain, dashboard. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system was surrounded by a sea of buttons and knobs, controlling everything from HVAC to navigation. The interior was comfortable and functional, though it lacked a bit of excitement.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was a product of a complete overhaul in 2018, resulting in a stylish yet conservatively German compact crossover. Its clean lines and horizontal grille with the new flat VW logo gave it a contemporary look. However, the interior was less impressive, with dull surfaces and hard black plastic that seemed a step down from VW's previous standards. The cockpit was simple, bordering on boring, but the electronics were a highlight. The optional digital dashboard and glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system were visually appealing and user-friendly. Despite some cost-cutting measures, the Tiguan's design had its own appeal, focusing on practicality and functionality.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was renowned for its confidence and capability, powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, achieving an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, and 14 mpg combined. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was supported by its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and impressive geometry, with an approach angle of 32 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, and a breakover angle of 21 degrees. It had 8.9 inches of ground clearance and a fording depth of 27.55 inches. The Multi-Terrain Select control knob allowed drivers to adjust settings for various surfaces, while Active Traction Control and a Torsen limited-slip center differential ensured secure travel over any terrain. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene and relaxing driving experience, with controlled body roll and excellent visibility.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It was available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with the latter being a $1,300 option. The Tiguan's powertrain offered snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag, but it was only moderately quick. The automatic transmission downshifted smoothly, but passing on the highway required patience. The Tiguan's engine was relatively quiet, and the cabin was well-insulated from wind noise, though some road noise could be heard on rough surfaces. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its larger size, with a longer wheelbase that made it less nimble. The suspension was soft, providing a comfortable ride, and the drive-mode selector allowed for off-road settings. While not the most fun to drive, the Tiguan offered a comfortable and practical driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was designed for both commuting and overlanding, with standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards. The standard model featured a three-row configuration, with heated second-row seats that could slide, recline, fold, and tumble. The third row was split 50/50 with folding headrests. The Land Cruiser offered four-zone automatic climate control, with 12 cup and bottle holders in three-row models and 10 in two-row Heritage Edition models. A cooling box in the center console added convenience, and a rear-seat entertainment system was available for an additional cost. The Land Cruiser could tow up to 8,100 pounds and featured a split tailgate for easy loading and unloading.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, with a second row of seats that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. Front-drive models came with a third row, while AWD models were standard five-seaters with the third row as an option. The third row offered enough legroom for shorter adults and children, though the low cushion position was a drawback. The split second-row seats folded flat, providing 65.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row collapsed, and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The Tiguan's interior felt roomy, with plenty of hip and shoulder room in the front seats. The abundant glass and seating position made the Tiguan feel larger than it was, appealing to those downsizing from larger SUVs.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a Qi-compatible inductive charging station and Toyota Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation. The sound system included 14 JBL speakers, AM/FM radio, USB port, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a CD player. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 9-inch touchscreen interface was functional but small compared to competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera provided selectable front, side, or rear views, useful for navigating tight spaces.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system, known as MIB II, was set to be replaced by MIB3 the following year. The current system was highly regarded, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the base S trim and an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen in higher trims. The system was responsive and user-friendly, with bright colors and graphics. The Tiguan S had a single USB-C port, while higher trims had USB-A ports and a wireless charging pad. VW's Digital Cockpit was available on top trims, offering a customizable digital instrument panel. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot were standard features.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but its curb weight and rigid body structure provided an advantage in vehicle-to-vehicle encounters. It was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Star Safety System included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. The Land Cruiser had 10 airbags, active headrests, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and other safety features.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its standard safety package with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were reserved for the top SEL trim. All models came with Car-Net, a telematics package offering remote locking, status checks, and vehicle location. The IIHS rated the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick for SEL Premium models with LED headlights, while most models had halogen headlights rated poor.