The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is a well-rounded crossover SUV, just don’t expect to use its third row for anyone bigger than the family dog.
Pros Spacious digs Classy, conservative design Good standard tech Lots of crash-avoidance gear
Cons Comical third row So-so fuel economy Can get expensive with options R-Line’s just a tease
The current-generation Tiguan launched for the 2018 model year, and it's received only superficial changes since. For 2020, the Tiguan adds a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is now standard, as is additional safety content including forward-collision alert with automatic braking and a blind-spot warning system. There's a new SE R-Line Black trim that packages 20-inch dark wheels, sunroof, fog lights, and parking-alert sensors. Volkswagen is also shortening its warranty on all of its 2020 models from a standout 6 years/72,000 miles down to a more typical 4 years/50,000 miles. But two years of complimentary maintenance is now included.
Pros Refined driving experience, available third row, excellent fuel economy.
Cons Not as quick as its rivals, ride gets firm with large optional wheels.
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on all models.Volkswagen's Car-Net telematics system standard; Wi-Fi available with subscription.SEL model includes heated steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers.
PROS Ample space for passengers and cargo Three-row seating is useful in a pinch Intuitive tech interface Offers longer warranty period than most competitors
CONS Subpar acceleration and responsiveness Ranks low in fuel economy for the class Optional larger wheels make for a bumpy ride
Feeling like a modern, but not as rugged incarnation of the classic '80s and '90s Jeep Cherokee, the Jeep Patriot is a simple crossover that makes a decent budget choice. It may look like the boxy, truck-like Cherokee of yore, but the Jeep Patriot is a very different animal. It's dated up against rivals—including the latest Cherokee and the pint-sized Renegade parked across the Jeep showroom—but the Patriot may be worth a look if value is one of your main priorities.
Pros Boxy exterior reminds us of the old Cherokee (in a good way) Pint-size dimensions are great in town Decent off road Strong value
Cons Interior is tight and dated Surprisingly mediocre fuel economy Awful CVT Lack of safety technology
The 2017 Jeep Patriot ranks 18 out of 18 Compact SUVs. If you're looking for a budget-friendly SUV that you can take off road, the 2017 Jeep Patriot is one of the more affordable choices. However, if you spend most of your time on-road, other compact SUVs will serve you better in terms of reliability, comfort, and safety.
Pros Skilled off road with available four-wheel drive Rugged, easy-to-clean cabin
Cons Few standard and available features Interior materials look cheap Engines are sluggish and thirsty Boorish optional CVT
You might be attracted to the 2017 Jeep Patriot because of its low price. But there's not much else about the Patriot to make it worthy of your consideration, especially because an all-new model is likely just around the corner.With a replacement likely coming next year, the Jeep Patriot carries forward unchanged for 2017.
Pros Optional flip-down tailgate speakers Above-average off-road capability with Freedom Drive II Attractively priced.
Cons Unrefined and sluggish base engine that's paired to a droning CVT Steering wheel doesn't telescope Subpar crash test scores Unsophisticated ride quality when going over bumps Minimal cargo space Chintzy cabin materials.
