2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan had undergone a significant transformation since its 2018 redesign, addressing its previous shortcomings in size and price. The exterior maintained a stylish yet conservative German aesthetic, with clean lines and a horizontal grille that seamlessly connected the headlights. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal, featuring plain and uninspired design elements with hard black plastic surfaces. Despite this, the Tiguan offered advanced electronics, including an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system, which stood out as highlights in an otherwise simple cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 showcased Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a refined luxury brand. The XT5 received updates in 2020, including a new engine option, revised styling, and enhanced technology, which carried over to the 2021 model. The exterior featured standard LED lights and 20-inch wheels, giving it a sophisticated and stylish appearance. Inside, the XT5's interior design was more upscale than its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer, with cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents. The Premium Luxury trim exuded elegance, rivaling even the Cadillac Escalade in terms of finery.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. Despite its larger size and curb weight of 3,757 pounds for FWD and 3,847 pounds for AWD, the Tiguan offered a snappy throttle response with minimal turbo lag. However, its performance was only moderately agile, and passing on the highway required patience. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its longer wheelbase, resulting in a less nimble feel, but it provided a comfortable driving experience with a soft suspension.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. The V6 was standard on the XT5 Sport and available on the Premium Luxury trim. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which was smooth when upshifting but clunkier when downshifting. The XT5's throttle response was immediate with the V6, but it could benefit from additional low-end torque. The XT5 achieved about 25 mpg in AWD during a 2,000-mile test drive, surpassing the EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined for the V6. The base engine achieved 23 mpg combined with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, offering a versatile interior with a second row of seats that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. While the third row was not spacious, it provided enough legroom for shorter adults and children. Front-drive Tiguans came standard with the third row, while AWD models offered it as an option. The Tiguan's cargo capacity was impressive, with 65.7 cubic feet when the third row was collapsed and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The driver's seat felt roomy, with ample hip and shoulder room, and the abundant glass in the greenhouse added to the sense of spaciousness.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 accommodated four adults comfortably in two rows, though the back seat offered limited headroom for taller occupants. The front seats, while visually appealing, were not as comfortable on long road trips due to a hard bottom cushion. The XT5 provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space, which was less than some competitors but benefited from a deep rear cargo area. The cargo-management system allowed for secure storage of loose items, and a hands-free programmable height liftgate was available. However, small-item storage was limited, with no convenient place for a smartphone within eyesight.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which was set to be replaced by MIB3 in the following year. Despite this, 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 offered bright colors, responsive touch controls, and a glass surface. The Tiguan included a single USB-C port in the front, with additional USB-A ports in higher trims. VW's Digital Cockpit, available on top SEL trims, provided a customizable digital instrument panel. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 boasted a streamlined infotainment system and center stack, contributing to its elegant design. The climate control system was housed in Piano Black plastic with haptic feedback, and a chrome toggle switch adjusted the temperature. The XT5 offered a heated steering wheel, heated outboard rear seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen with a rotary controller on the center console. Standard features included one-touch phone pairing, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, Bluetooth, wireless charging, and USB ports. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot were also standard.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its standard safety package with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were reserved for the top SEL trim. VW's Car-Net telematics package connected the vehicle to a smartphone or watch, offering remote locking, status checks, and vehicle location. The Tiguan was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for SEL Premium models with LED headlights, while most models with halogen headlights received a poor rating.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a range of safety features, including front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert with side blind-zone alert. Cadillac's Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, allowing hazards to be seen at a distance. The XT5 also included GM's Teen Driver software, which allowed parents to limit vehicle features and view a report card of driving habits.