Now that the winners of our annual Top 12 Best Buys awards have been revealed (grab a copy of the April 2021 issue of CAR magazine for the full article), we can take a look at the individual categories.
So, the winner in the midsize SUV/crossover segment? Well, the Volkswagen Tiguan claimed the title for the five year in a row.
As a reminder, in one of the widest sectors, we consider distinguished, practical vehicles based on midsize platforms. Premium midsize SUVs compete in their own category, so here the mainstream marques duke it out.
Awarding the Tiguan a win for a fifth consecutive year was tempered by the fact that the arrival of a facelifted Tiguan (held back because of COVID-19) is imminent. How can we recommend it when a replacement is just around the corner? We debated all alternatives and agreed it’s still head and shoulders above the rest in this segment … not bad for five years.
The Tiguan stands out in a talented field because, like its T-Cross and Polo Vivo siblings, there’s precious little it doesn’t do exceptionally well. Fit and finish is first-rate, engines are strong and frugal, transmissions are smooth, the cabin is spacious and well equipped, and it’s a delight to drive.
In this meaty part of the car industry, the line-up remains as comprehensive as ever, serving the needs of the many, from the seven-seater Allspace to the 162 kW 2,0 TSI.
