2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a familiar sight, echoing Jeep's design traditions while offering a fresh take as a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. It launched with a variety of trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each delivering on its promise of capability or comfort. The SUV's design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with options ranging from basic cloth seats to premium quilted leather in the Summit Reserve. Despite some reflective issues with gloss black controls, the interior was generally praised for its quality and luxury.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, following updates in 2022, remained largely unchanged. It was available in several trims, including the sporty R-Line versions. The Tiguan offered a range of exterior and interior colour options, though choices were limited by trim. The Highline R-Line trim stood out with its sporty appearance and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Tiguan featured quality materials and a spacious cabin, though some ergonomic choices, like touch-sensing controls, were criticized for usability issues. Despite these quirks, the Tiguan's interior was considered upscale, with excellent visibility and a solid build.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a V6 and a V8 engine, both paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the V8 delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Cherokee excelled in off-road capability, especially the Trailhawk trim, which featured advanced 4WD systems and off-road enhancements. Fuel consumption ranged from 11.3 to 14.1 L/100 km, depending on the engine and drivetrain. The Grand Cherokee was praised for its nimble handling and ride quality, though the Quadra-Lift air suspension was noted for adding complexity.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. It featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion AWD system. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, but its powertrain was criticized for turbo lag and delayed downshifts. Fuel economy was estimated at 9.8 L/100 km, though real-world testing showed slightly higher consumption. Despite its powertrain quirks, the Tiguan was praised for its stable handling and comfortable ride, with excellent road feel and nimble maneuverability.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort for front passengers, with heated seats and steering wheel as standard in Canada. Visibility was improved, and the panoramic sunroof added an airy feel. Rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, and cargo capacity was 1,067 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,004 litres with seats folded.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, with some configurations including a third-row seat. Front seats were comfortable, with power adjustments and heating. The dashboard's touch-sensing controls were criticized for usability, but passenger space was generous, with ample legroom and headroom. Cargo capacity was 1,064 litres behind the second row, expanding to 2,078 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available in higher trims. The optional front passenger interactive display added entertainment options.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch display in lower trims and a 10.25-inch display in R-Line trims. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its interface was criticized for complexity. The voice-recognition system underperformed, and touch-sensing controls were seen as a distraction.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, including blind spot monitoring and full-speed forward collision warning. Active Driving Assist offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, with a hands-free version expected in 2022. The safety structure was composed of high-strength materials, though crash-test ratings were pending.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with optional IQ.Drive package adding adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Tiguan's safety technology was praised for its effectiveness, though crash-test ratings were incomplete. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ for 2022, but this did not apply to 2023.