2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class offered a retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, while its interior boasted a sophisticated design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system and matching virtual instrument panel. The cabin's multicolor ambient lighting allowed for a customizable atmosphere, enhancing the luxurious feel. Despite its transformation into a luxury vehicle, the G-Class retained its off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for those seeking both style and substance.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a more understated and conservative design. Its clean lines and balanced proportions gave it a timeless aesthetic that was likely to age well. The Tiguan was notably large for its class, offering a spacious interior comparable to larger SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe. This second-generation model corrected the size issues of its predecessor, providing ample room for passengers and cargo. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring a no-nonsense control layout and modern geometric forms. While the Tiguan's design might not have been as flashy as the G-Class, it offered a comfortable and functional environment for everyday driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, particularly the G550 model, which featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Despite its hefty curb weight of 5,551 pounds, the G550 was surprisingly quick, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. It came equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, making it a formidable off-road machine. The G-Class also offered adjustable suspension and three independent locking differentials, enhancing its off-road prowess. For those seeking even more power, the AMG G63 variant delivered 577 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. However, the G-Class's fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. While adequate for daily driving, the Tiguan's engine suffered from turbo lag, which could be noticeable during acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission sent power to the front wheels, with the option for 4Motion AWD. The Tiguan's fuel economy was more favorable, with EPA ratings of 25 mpg combined for FWD models and 24 mpg for AWD. Despite its less powerful engine, the Tiguan offered a pleasant driving experience with light steering, a compliant ride, and nimble handling, making it well-suited for urban and suburban environments.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class excelled in both luxury and utility. It offered a spacious interior with comfortable seating and ample storage options. The G550 provided 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 68.6 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Its body-on-frame construction allowed for a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The G-Class's tall roofline and standard sunroof contributed to an airy cabin feel, while the second row accommodated three adults comfortably. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available as part of expensive packages.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort and practicality. Its large doors and tall seating positions made entry and exit easy, while the front seats offered a wide range of adjustments for optimal support. The Tiguan's back seat provided excellent legroom and foot space, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for added convenience. The SUV's 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo configurations, with a maximum capacity ranging from 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet, depending on the presence of a third row. While storage space was somewhat limited, the Tiguan's interior was designed for functionality and comfort.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class featured advanced technology, highlighted by twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These customizable screens allowed drivers to tailor the display to their preferences, creating an immersive experience when combined with the Burmester Surround Sound system. The G-Class's infotainment system ran on the latest COMAND software, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for intuitive operation. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and WiFi, though wireless device charging was notably absent.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system, starting with the SE trim. This platform offered an 8-inch touchscreen, faster processing, and a range of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Tiguan's infotainment system was an improvement, though some quirks in the user interface and voice recognition persisted. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a nine-speaker Fender audio system, while other trims had a standard six-speaker setup. Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit instrumentation provided a modern and understated approach to technology.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a robust suite of safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the G-Class had not been rated for crash-worthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA. The vehicle's size and weight provided inherent safety advantages, but also posed risks to pedestrians and smaller vehicles.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with the IQ Drive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, thanks to its high-performing LED headlights. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test results for the Tiguan.