2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, having undergone a significant redesign in 2018, presented a stylish yet conservative exterior that was unmistakably Volkswagen. Its clean lines and horizontal grille, adorned with the new flat VW logo, gave it a contemporary look without venturing into adventurous design territory. However, the interior did not quite match the exterior's appeal, as it was characterized by plain and somewhat dull surfaces, with an abundance of hard black plastic. Despite this, the Tiguan offered a modern touch with its optional digital dashboard and glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system, which stood out as highlights in an otherwise simple cockpit.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, maintained a robust presence with its large silhouette and subtle design updates from 2018. The interior, reminiscent of mid-2000s design, featured a massive, multi-tiered center dash and a standard 7-inch touchscreen that appeared small against the expansive dash space. While the front seats were bulky, the second-row seats offered ample headroom and legroom, providing comfort and support. The Sequoia's trims ranged from the entry-level SR5 to the range-topping Platinum, each offering a variety of features, including the new Nightshade Special Edition with its unique styling touches.

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, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered a snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag. However, the Tiguan's larger size and weight, ranging from 3,757 to 3,847 pounds, meant that it was only moderately quick, especially when fully loaded. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its long wheelbase, resulting in a less nimble feel, though it provided a comfortable ride with its soft suspension.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, came standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration despite the Sequoia's hefty weight of up to 6,000 pounds. The Sequoia's driving dynamics were akin to a pickup truck, with a soft suspension and strong brakes. It could tow up to 7,400 pounds, though it lagged behind competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe in towing capacity.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, with a versatile second row that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. While the third row was not spacious, it offered 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 provided ample hip and shoulder room, and the abundant glass and seating position made the Tiguan feel larger than it was.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin, with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 120 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. Its power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, allowing easy access to the cargo area. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia offered deep in-door pockets and a massive center console, providing plenty of storage options.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, which, despite being on the verge of an upgrade, was one of the best on the market. The base S trim had a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen with bright colors and a responsive interface. The Tiguan also included VW’s Digital Cockpit on top SEL trims, offering a customizable digital instrument panel. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. Our test model featured a larger 9-inch screen, though it still felt small on the large dash. The Sequoia's infotainment system was easy to use, with simple menu navigation and large hard buttons. While the digital trip computer was small, it was straightforward to operate.

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, advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were reserved for the top SEL trim. The Tiguan was equipped with Car-Net, a telematics package offering remote access and monitoring features. The IIHS rated it a Top Safety Pick for SEL Premium models with LED headlights.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came fully equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Despite its age, the Sequoia offered a generous list of safety features, though it scored only four out of five stars in the NHTSA's rollover test.