2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Despite its unique dimensions, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its siblings, making it difficult to distinguish without checking the badge. Its design was characterized by an athletic stance and a generous 20 centimetres of ground clearance, offering a more forgiving ride over soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern and stylish cabin, featuring round shapes across the dash, polished metal details, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The interior boasted Mercedes-Benz's renowned fit and finish, with a beefy steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, refreshed for the year, maintained a conservative yet timeless design, aligning with Volkswagen's larger Atlas models. The updated front styling included a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan offered four trim levels in Canada, all with standard 4Motion AWD. The R-Line models featured a sportier look, with the Comfortline R-Line Black Edition offering a trendy blacked-out appearance. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line boasted a luxurious cabin with perforated leather upholstery, touch-sensing controls, and ambient lighting with 30 colour options. However, the hard plastic in the lower half of the cabin hinted at its mass-market status. The Tiguan's interior was spacious, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard features.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-4 engine, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GLB offered a 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h. The 4MATIC AWD system provided better handling in various conditions, with features like hill-start assist and downhill speed regulation. The GLB's fuel consumption was estimated at 11.1 L/100 km in the city and 8.9 L/100 km on the highway.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and 4Motion AWD system allowed for power distribution to the rear wheels when needed. The Tiguan offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, along with Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad settings. Despite its 19 centimetres of ground clearance, the Tiguan was best suited for well-traveled paths. The Tiguan's fuel efficiency was rated at 9.8 L/100 km combined, with a short drive averaging 9.5 L/100 km.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, affecting the second row and cargo space. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback with adjustable recline and a 40:60 split seat bottom that could slide six inches. In the seven-passenger GLB, the third row was retractable, providing 144 litres of cargo space behind it. The five-passenger version offered 764 litres behind the second row and 1,755 litres with the second row folded. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated options.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, a spacious compact crossover, offered an optional third row. The Highline R-Line featured leather-wrapped front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The second row provided ample headroom and legroom, accommodating adults and children comfortably. The Tiguan's cargo space was generous, with 339 litres behind the third row, 934 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 1,854 litres. The two-row configuration offered 1,064 litres behind the back seat and 2,078 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring voice control and keyword activation. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, and smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches and added a Burmester Surround Sound System. Optional features included navigation with augmented reality, adaptive suspension damping, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available in all but the base Trendline, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, and smartphone mirroring. The Highline R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB included standard safety features like active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, and attention assist. Available features included active LED headlamps, adaptive cruise control, and the Advanced Driver Assistance Package with active steering assist and lane-keeping assist. The Pre-Safe system activated safety measures in the cabin during an imminent collision, while Pre-Safe Sound helped reduce hearing loss.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with available Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, while Emergency Assist slowed the SUV 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 its safety score.