2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser presented a design that was understated yet functional, with subtle styling features that became apparent after spending time behind the wheel. Its hood was uniquely dished in the center, enhancing the driver’s forward sight lines, which was particularly useful for navigating obstacles. The fenders bulged slightly to accommodate wheel travel and visually indicated the vehicle's width. The Land Cruiser Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a distinctive grille, and bronze BBS wheels, while the interior offered luxury close to Lexus standards with black perforated leather seating and a functional, albeit plain, dashboard.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan boasted clean lines and balanced proportions, offering a conservative and timeless aesthetic. It was larger than its predecessor, providing a spacious interior comparable to larger SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Tiguan's interior was roomy, with ample space for four adults and an optional third row for additional passengers. The cabin featured modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout, with shiny detailing and a well-integrated touchscreen infotainment system. Despite some hard plastic surfaces, the Tiguan maintained an upscale feel, especially in the SEL trim with its digital instrumentation.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, provided the Land Cruiser with impressive off-road capabilities. It featured a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and a Multi-Terrain Select control knob, allowing drivers to adapt to various terrains. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene driving experience, with controlled body roll and excellent visibility, making it a comfortable choice for long journeys.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. While the engine was adequate for daily driving, it suffered from turbo lag and felt underpowered during acceleration. The Tiguan's fuel economy was reasonable, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined for FWD models. The SUV provided a pleasurable driving experience with light steering, a compliant ride, and nimble handling, although it struggled with suspension isolation over rough surfaces. On highways, the Tiguan was quiet and composed, making it suitable for long trips.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a dual-purpose design, with features like skid plates, tow hooks, and a roof rack for off-road adventures. The standard model included a three-row configuration, accommodating up to eight passengers, while the Heritage Edition featured a two-row setup. The interior boasted four-zone climate control, numerous cup holders, and a cooling box in the center console. The Land Cruiser's split tailgate design was both practical and charming, enhancing its utility for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with large doors and tall seating positions for easy access. The interior provided generous legroom and support, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for rear passengers. The Tiguan's cargo space was versatile, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat and a maximum capacity of up to 73.5 cubic feet. While storage space was limited, the available panoramic sunroof added to the cabin's appeal, and the SUV's design allowed for easy installation of child safety seats.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers and integrated navigation. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were common in competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was a standout feature, aiding in off-road navigation and tight parking situations.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system, offering an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi connectivity, 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 featured a nine-speaker Fender audio system and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like pre-collision detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also included the Star Safety System and 10 airbags, providing comprehensive safety coverage despite the lack of crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the IQ Drive suite, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from IIHS for its SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, thanks to high-performing LED headlights.