2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet appealing design, distinguishing itself from its often less attractive competitors. Its refreshed styling included a new front design that aligned with Volkswagen's larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan's exterior was further enhanced by redesigned aluminum wheels and new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate. The SUV was available in several trims, with the SEL R-Line offering a sportier look and a choice of four paint colors, including the striking Atlantic Blue Metallic. Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line boasted a refined cabin with leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting, though the lower half's hard plastic hinted at its mass-market status. Standard features included keyless entry, push-button start, and heated front seats, with additional options like remote engine start and a panoramic sunroof available on higher trims.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent an evolutionary redesign, maintaining its familiar broad, rounded face and large sheet metal expanses. The most notable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger touchscreen, offering a modern look. Premium materials, including leather and rich wood trim, contributed to a luxurious feel, while the solid construction ensured a quiet ride. The Range Rover's interior quality surpassed that of competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, rivaling more expensive options like Maybach and Bentley.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission delivered power to the front wheels, with an optional 4Motion AWD system available. The AWD system could direct up to half of the power to the rear wheels when needed, enhancing fuel efficiency by decoupling the rear axle when not in use. Drivers could select from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings available on AWD models. Despite its modest ground clearance and shallow approach angles, the Tiguan offered a pleasant driving experience, though turbo lag was noticeable during acceleration. The Tiguan's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg combined, with our test drive achieving 24.7 mpg. While the Tiguan handled well in normal driving conditions, it lacked the performance edge some enthusiasts might seek.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrain options: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The P400 powertrain provided effortless acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the V8 offered even more power. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. Standard rear-wheel steering improved maneuverability, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road performance. The Range Rover's ride quality was smooth and quiet, making it one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact crossovers with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered a standard third-row seat in FWD models, while AWD versions focused on cargo space. The SEL R-Line trim provided leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, excellent visibility, and a panoramic sunroof. The second row was roomy and comfortable, with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard added sophistication but proved challenging to use. Cargo space was generous, with up to 73.4 cubic feet available in AWD models.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console. The second row provided power recline and sliding adjustments, climate controls, and USB-C ports. The optional third row was accessible via a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space ranged from 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row to 93 cubic feet with seats folded. The split tailgate and adjustable air suspension facilitated loading.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM 360L. The SEL R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. Natural voice recognition required a subscription, and Car-Net services offered remote access and safety features. Park Assist was standard on the SEL R-Line.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with a 35-speaker upgrade available. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote parking, and a smartphone app for remote control and monitoring.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with Front Assist and Side Assist, with Travel Assist and Emergency Assist added to the IQ Drive system. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, while Emergency Assist could safely stop the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's improvements aimed to enhance safety further.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features such as frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. These features performed well during testing, with the surround-view cameras proving especially useful off-road. While the Range Rover's safety features were adequate, some competitors offered additional advanced options.