Comparison - Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line 2021 - vs - Ford Explorer ST 2021

General

Other Names:

Also called:

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Also called:

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2021 Volkswagen TIGUAN R Line test: Still in the game?
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SE R-Line // LOADED Style
Volkswagen Tiguan (2020) - AutoWeek Review
Is the 2021 VW Tiguan R-Line a better SUV than a CR-V
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Is A Restyled Premium
Life With a New 2020 VW Tiguan | 5 Likes & Dislikes
SOLID CHOICE! 2022 VW Tiguan R Line Review
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan review and drive
Ford Explorer Hybrid Review // This or Highlander Hybrid
2021 Ford Explorer ST // HUGE Price
The 2020 Ford Explorer ST Deserves the ST Badge
2017 Ford Explorer: Review
Ford Explorer off road, drive on snow, ice
The 2020 Ford Explorer ST Is A Three-Row Hot Hatch With One Surprising Flaw!
2016 Ford Explorer Limited - Review, Walkaround
Average Price: 
£
32,730
Updated: 
25 Feb 2021
$
52,605
Updated: 
25 Jan 2020
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2021
2021
Total Seating: 
5
6
Transmission: 
7-speed dual-clutch
10-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
18.60gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Pure White
#F6F6F6
Deep Black Pearl
#25211E
Dolphin Grey Metallic
#808080
Nightshade Blue Metallic
#2B7E99
Reflex Silver Metallic
#D9D9D9
Oryx White Mother-of-Pearl
#F7F7F7
Color: 
Carbonized Gray Metallic
#4F453E
Star white Metallic Tri-coat
#FDFFFB
Atlas Blue Metallic
#0741D6
Rich Copper Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#4A1414
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#E60E28
Agate Black Metallic
#303030
Iconic Silver Metallic
#C7CAD0

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan's #8 ranking is based on its score within the Compact SUVs category. Currently the Volkswagen Tiguan has a score of 7.9 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 25 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

PROS
Comfortable ride
Generous cargo space

CONS
Engine feels underpowered at times
Less engaging handling compared to some rivals
Below-average fuel economy ratings

By: 
usnews.com

In advance of a more thorough update for the 2022 model year, VW makes a few changes to the Tiguan for 2021. The base S and mid-range SE models receive new 17-inch wheel designs and the latter of the two receives standard adaptive cruise control. Likewise, the top-spec SEL Premium R-Line model gains a power-adjustable front passenger's seat.

PROS
Agile driving behavior,
optional third row of seats,
fuel-efficient powertrain.

CONS
Poky acceleration,
firm ride,
dowdy interior design.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan compact crossover is spacious and comfortable, and also the league-leader in modesty.

PROS
Big interior
Smooth ride
Automatic emergency braking standard
Big cargo area
Straight shooter

CONS
…and a little boring
Not very fuel-efficient
Small third row
New one on the way

By: 
thecarconnection.com

Ford has made a few tweaks to its mid-size crossover for 2021, such as making heated seats standard on the XLT, offering a heated steering wheel as an optional feature on that model, and including an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat on the Limited, ST, and Platinum models. A Sport Appearance package is now available on the XLT trim, and it includes 20-inch aluminum wheels that are coated in Carbonized Gray paint.

Pros
Smooth and controlled ride,
cargo friendly interior design,
comfortable front seats.

Cons
Third row space is tight,
plasticky interior bits,
most desirable models are pricey.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2021 Ford Explorer is recognizable, but new. It should be on every family SUV shopper’s list.

Pros
Wide range of powertrains
Good looks
Great active safety tech
Available hybrid
Quiet interio

Cons
Hybrid isn’t refined
Not a great value
Cramped third row
Clunky second row

By: 
thecarconnection.com

New Sport Appearance package available on XLT trim.Minor changes to standard and optional feature availability.

Pros
Strong engines for quick acceleration
Rear-wheel-drive platform improves handling and towing
Roomy cargo area

Cons
Too much wind noise at highway speeds
The price can get frighteningly expensive in a hurry
Lackluster interior material quality

By: 
edmunds.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
18.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
24.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
16
24
Cylinders: 
4
Inline
6
V
Engine Size/Displacement: 
1.50L
3.00L
Torque: 
184ft-lbs
at 1 500rpm
415ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
Horsepower: 
147hp
at 5 000rpm
400hp
at 5 500rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
37.70Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
yes
Side view Camera: 
no
yes
On steering wheel: 
Audio and cruise Controls On Steering Wheel
Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
More in Convenience: 
Front/rear Parking distance control
Start/stop system with regenerative braking
Adaptive cruise control ACC stop and go including speed limiter
Multifunction front facing camera
Electromechanical speed sensitive power steering
Leather Steering Wheel
Keyless Ignition
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
Heated Steering Wheel
Automatic Parking Assist
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
177.50in
199.30in
Width: 
73.10in
78.90in
Height: 
65.90in
70.20in
Ground Clearance: 
7.90in
8.30in
Front Track: 
62.40in
66.90in
Rear Track: 
61.90in
66.90in
Wheel Base: 
105.40in
119.10in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
41.20
40.70
Rear Head Room: 
39.80
40.50
Front Leg Room: 
43.00in
Rear leg room: 
39.00in
Front Hip Room: 
59.20in
Front Shoulder Room: 
59.10in
61.80in
Rear Hip Room: 
59.10in
Rear Shoulder room: 
59.10in
61.90in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
61.60cu.ft
87.80cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
1653lbs
5600lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
34.50cu.ft
18.20cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
21.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
21.00degrees
Curb Weight: 
3397.00lbs
4701.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
no
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
Heated rear window
Power adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors with surround lighting, front passenger exterior mirror lowering function
Hands-Free Entry
Heated Mirrors
2 One-Touch Power Windows

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
Heated front seats
Backrest release for left front seat
Lumbar support in front seats
Front seats with height adjustment
Top comfort seats in front
Height Adjustable Passenger Seat
Sport Front Seats
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Ventilated Driver Seat
Ventilated Passenger Seat
Leather
6 -Way Power Passenger Seat
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
8 -Way Power Driver Seat
Passenger Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
longitudinally movable and folding with load-through hatch and centre armrest
Folding center armrest
Power Folding Split-Bench Third Row Seats
Rear Ventilation Ducts With Fan Control
Folding Rear Seatback
Multi-Level Heating

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Shock absorption in front
Front Stabilizer Bar
Rear Suspension: 
Rear shock absorption
Rear Stabilizer Bar
Suspension Info: 
Sports suspension
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Air Care Climatronic 3 zone automatic climate control with enhanced air filter and controls in the rear
Automatically-heated washer nozzles in front
Remote unlocking for rear seat backrest
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
Three Zone Climate Control

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
8 speakers
2 USB-C ports in the front, 1 USB-C charging socket on the centre console in the rear
App-Connect including App-Connect Wireless for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
SD card slot
12V socket in centre console
Bang & Olufsen Premium Brand Speakers
Satellite Radio W/Real Time Traffic Satellite Radio
USB With External Media Control
3 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
USB Connection
1 Subwoofer(S)
12 Total Speakers
Surround Audio Surround Audio (Discrete)

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
yes
Rear defogger: 
no
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Heated rear window
Rain sensor windscreen wipers
Automatic headlight control system
Windscreen wipers/ intermittent wipe + 4 position delay
Privacy glass for rear side windows and rear window
Body-color door handles with black insert
Liftgate Appliqué - black
Black mesh insert with chrome bars
EXPLORER badge on hood
Rain-Sensing Wipers
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
20"
20 In.
Wheels more: 
Temporary Spare Tire
All Season Tires
Underbody Mounted Spare Tire
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
225.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
40
Diameter: 
R20
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R20

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Front disc brakes
Ventilated Front Disc
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
Rear disc brakes
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Anti theft alarm system with interior monitoring, backup horn and towing protection
Anti theft wheel bolts
Rigid safety cell with front and rear crumple zones
Front passenger airbag deactivation
Height adjustable front 3 point seatbelts + pretensioners
Active pedestrian safety system
Hill hold control
Turn Signal Mirrors
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Dual Front With Head Protection Chambers Side-Mounted Airbags
Post-Collision Safety System
LED Headlamp
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System

Options

Packages: 
Smoker's Package
ST High-Performance Pack
Equipment Group 401A
Premium Technology Package
ST Street Pack
Exterior Options: 
Wheel Lock Kit
Roof Rails
License Plate Bracket
Dual Panel Moonroof
Splash Guards
Roof-Rail Crossbars
Interior Options: 
2nd Row Bench
Dual-Headrest DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System
Cargo Area Management System
All-Weather Floor Mats W/Carpet Mats
Cargo Mat

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Ebony, leather
#000000