2021 Audi Q5 vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned in 2018, presented a stylish yet conservative German exterior, maintaining a clean and simple design with a horizontal grille and flat logo. Despite its appealing exterior, the interior was less impressive, featuring plain and dull surfaces with hard black plastic. The cockpit was simple, bordering on boring, with a focus on electronics like the optional digital dashboard and touchscreen infotainment system, which were highlights in an otherwise uninspired interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 showcased a sharp and modern design, with an expressive front featuring LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear boasted bold taillights, all contributing to a classy appearance. Inside, the Q5 maintained a modern and uncluttered look, with smartly grouped controls and high-quality materials like real wood and metal. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was well-placed, and the second row offered comfortable leather seating, enhancing the overall luxurious feel.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, with the latter being a $1,300 upgrade. Despite its larger size and curb weight of up to 3,847 pounds, the Tiguan delivered a snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag. However, its performance was moderate, with the automatic transmission providing smooth downshifts but requiring patience for highway passing. The Tiguan's handling was affected by its size, with a longer wheelbase impacting nimbleness, though it offered a comfortable ride with a soft suspension.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took performance to another level with a combined output of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque, thanks to its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and 14.1-kWh battery. Weighing 4,665 pounds, it achieved 0-60 mph in just 5.0 seconds and offered impressive fuel economy of 65 MPGe combined. The Q5 PHEV featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with Quattro all-wheel drive, allowing for various driving modes, including electric-only and hybrid. Its handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking, making it a fun and efficient drive.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, offering a versatile interior with a sliding second row and an optional third row. While the third row was not spacious, it provided enough legroom for shorter adults and children. The Tiguan's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 73.5 cubic feet available in two-row models. The front seats offered ample hip and shoulder room, and the abundant glass and seating position made the Tiguan feel larger than it was, appealing to those downsizing from bigger SUVs.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging, with its battery pack under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 25.1 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second row offered reasonable legroom and headroom, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and ventilation options. The interior featured practical storage solutions, maintaining a clean and functional design.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the base trim and an 8-inch upgrade in higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with bright graphics and a responsive processor. The Tiguan offered USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and VW's Digital Cockpit on top trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot, providing a comprehensive tech package.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV boasted a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, offering customizable views. The Prestige Package included navigation, which worked with the hybrid system for optimized fuel consumption. The Q5 featured an Integrated Toll Module, a Bang & Olufsen audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay, enhancing its tech-savvy appeal.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its safety package with standard features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were reserved for top trims. The Tiguan offered Car-Net telematics for remote access and monitoring, with additional services available through a subscription. The IIHS rated it a Top Safety Pick for models with LED headlights.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, Audi Pre Sense, and electronic stability control. Available driver-assistance features included adaptive cruise control, park steering assist, and a top-view camera system. While the PHEV hadn't been rated by the IIHS, the gasoline model received top ratings, and the NHTSA awarded it five stars.