Is your old compact 4-door sedan getting on it age? Are you tired of the every-day trunk-Tetris struggle to get a few bags and other gear in the boot? What you need is a compact SUV that will effortlessly fit your life, your family and meet or exceed all your other needs.
In this segment, there are more options than anyone can shake a stick at. Not all are equal and when it comes to making the right choice, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan and the 2020 Honda CR-V rise to the top.
Staying fresh in this category is of the utmost importance. With just shy of 20 players, stand-out safety features, the latest in infotainment and comfort are a must. The same goes for powertrains. These two vehicles rely on highly efficient turbocharged engines. The Volkswagen Tiguan has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder which develops 184-horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. of torque. In the Honda CR-V’s corner, there’s a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder unit that delivers 190-horsepower and 179 lb.-ft. of torque. Transmissions are a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for Honda and an 8-speed automatic for VW. Many drivers still prefer a conventional automatic transmission for the more direct throttle response although the Honda’s CVT is a fine performer. Despite the variations in powertrain components, combined average fuel consumption for both is on par at 8.1L/100km, when set up with the available AWD systems.
Dynamically-speaking, both SUVs offer fully-independent suspensions but the Tiguan, conceived for the German Autobahn, has a slight advantage in responsiveness. As well, the extra torque available at lower engine speeds give the Volkswagen an appreciable extra push.
When it comes to fitting your life within these vehicles, the Tiguan’s optional 3rd row of seats can come in very handy in a pinch. Otherwise, both provide over 1,000 liters of trunk volume behind the second row of seats. For five occupants, interior room is plentiful, as are infotainment features.
Both SUVs, from the most basic trims, include standard touchscreen displays (7-inch for the Honda, 6.5-inch in the VW), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a number of other infotainment technologies. For a true high-end experience, only the Tiguan can be equipped with the 12.3-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. As well, for more attitude, the R-Line package transforms your family SUV into quite the athlete.