2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Acura RDX presented subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These updates included modifications to the grille surround and front and rear bumper styling, along with new wheel designs and paint colours. The limited-production RDX PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, named after Honda’s Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup offered a range of trims, from the base model to the A-Spec Platinum Elite and the PMC Edition, with starting prices from $45,800 to $61,500, excluding a destination charge. The A-Spec Platinum Elite package, priced at $60,375 in Canada, boasted high-quality interior materials, solid build quality, and a quieter cabin, justifying its cost despite some design quirks.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan maintained its design from the previous year, offering a range of trims including Trendline, Comfortline, Comfortline R-Line Black, and Highline R-Line. Prices ranged from $36,675 to $47,175, plus a destination charge. The Tiguan's exterior offered six colours, four interior colours, and four alloy wheel designs, though choices were limited by trim level. Our test vehicle featured Atlantic Blue paint and Storm Grey leather seats, a combination exclusive to the Highline R-Line trim. The Tiguan's design was conservative yet aging gracefully, with sporty 20-inch wheels and adaptive front lighting. Inside, the cabin was upscale with quality materials, digital instrumentation, and a panoramic sunroof, though some materials reminded of its mid-$30,000s base price.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine, delivering 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a spirited driving experience, though fuel consumption averaged 11.4 L/100 km, higher than the rated 10.3 L/100 km. The RDX featured Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, capable of directing up to 70% of power to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) offered distinct driving modes, and the adaptive-damping suspension improved ride comfort and responsiveness. Despite its dynamic prowess, the RDX did not qualify for Acura's Type S performance badge, lacking the thrill of some German competitors.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan came with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system was standard in Canada, offering various driving modes including Eco, Normal, and Sport. Fuel economy was rated at 9.8 L/100 km, but testing showed 10.4 L/100 km. The Tiguan's powertrain was adequate for daily driving, though it lacked punch for overtaking. The ride was compliant, with good road feel and stability, though the brake pedal required more effort. The Tiguan excelled in handling, with light and lively steering and excellent tire grip, making it enjoyable to drive despite some powertrain quirks.

The 2022 Acura RDX, though a compact SUV, offered ample space for four adults and their luggage, enhanced by a standard panoramic sunroof. The interior featured a sporty design with a unique control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system. The 12-way power-adjustable front seats were comfortable, with available ventilation, while the rear seats were less supportive. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded, and included a power liftgate with hands-free operation.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered generous passenger and cargo space, with some configurations including a third-row seat. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. However, the dashboard's touch-sensing controls were ergonomically challenging. The rear seat provided ample legroom and headroom, with air conditioning vents and USB ports. The Tiguan's cargo area was spacious, with 1,064 litres behind the second row and 2,078 litres with the seats folded, featuring an adjustable load floor and handy storage solutions.

The 2022 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which required a learning curve due to its unique touchpad control. The system included a 10.2-inch display, Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The RDX offered three premium sound systems, with the top-tier ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system featuring 16 speakers. The A-Spec Platinum Elite trim included a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan came with digital instrumentation, with R-Line trims featuring a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the system's user interface was complex, with multi-layer processes for simple tasks. The voice-recognition system underperformed, likely due to inactive subscriptions, highlighting the need for a more intuitive system.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, maintaining its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder and enhanced AcuraWatch systems, offering forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The RDX earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in safety features, offering Front Assist, Side Assist, and an Automatic Post Collision Braking System. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous driving assist. The Tiguan's safety technology was effective and unobtrusive, though NHTSA testing was incomplete, and the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating did not apply for 2023.