2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between the classic two-door and the more practical four-door body style, catering to different preferences. Buyers could select from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive was a given, with multiple systems available depending on the trim. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions like the Willys and Willys Sport, Sahara High Altitude, and Wrangler Rubicon 392. The High Tide model, based on the four-door Sport S trim, was a special edition in the US, featuring LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. Despite its rugged appeal, the Wrangler's interior was basic, with a focus on durability and practicality, including floor drain plugs for easy cleaning.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, following updates in 2022, remained largely unchanged. In Canada, it was available in Trendline, Comfortline, Comfortline R-Line Black, and Highline R-Line trims, with prices ranging from $36,675 to $47,175, plus a destination charge. The Tiguan offered six exterior colours, four interior colours, and four alloy wheel designs, but choices were limited by trim level. Our test vehicle, equivalent to the Canadian Highline R-Line trim, featured Atlantic Blue paint and Storm Grey leather seats. Standard equipment included keyless entry, remote start, and an 8-way power driver’s seat. The Highline R-Line trim stood out for its sporty appearance, 20-inch wheels, adaptive front lighting, and a light bar across the grille. Inside, the Tiguan boasted an upscale cabin with quality leather upholstery, artificial wood trim, soft-touch materials, digital instrumentation, and a panoramic sunroof, all contributing to a solidly assembled feel.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine featuring eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, delivering 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, it was well-suited for slippery conditions. Despite its off-road prowess, the Wrangler's fuel consumption was high, averaging 14.0 L/100 km over a week of testing. The driving experience was unique, with a rough ride, loud cabin, and vague steering, but it offered an immersive and adventurous feel, especially with the top open and doors removed. The Wrangler's character and capabilities encouraged exploration, though it required frequent fuel stops and adjustments to its raw driving dynamics.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the 4Motion AWD system was standard, offering various driving modes like Eco, Normal, and Sport. The Tiguan averaged 10.4 L/100 km during testing, with its turbo-four providing adequate power for most situations. However, the transmission occasionally stumbled with delayed downshifts, and turbo lag was noticeable from a stop. Despite these quirks, the Tiguan's dynamic qualities were rewarding, with excellent tire grip, stable handling, and a compliant ride. Road noise was present, but the Tiguan's visibility and nimble feel made it easy to drive and park.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler posed challenges for entry and exit, especially with a raised suspension. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required frequent re-adjustment. The interior featured durable cloth upholstery, plastic and rubber materials, and a close driving position. Visibility varied, with some obstructions from the spare tire and roof, but the reversing camera and safety features helped. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry difficulties but enjoyed good accommodations once inside. Storage was limited, with netting on door panels and small compartments. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,050 litres with the seat folded.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with some configurations offering a third-row seat. Our test vehicle had comfortable front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. Storage space was generous, though the centre armrest bin was small. The dashboard's touch-sensing controls were a usability issue, but the Tiguan's rear seat offered ample legroom, headroom, and foot room. The hands-free power liftgate revealed a spacious cargo area, accommodating 1,064 litres behind the second row and 2,078 litres with the seats folded, comparable to some midsize SUVs.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, featured a basic 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a premium audio system, but our test vehicle's setup sufficed with streaming services. Additional tech included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing open-air driving comfort.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan boasted digital instrumentation, with R-Line trims featuring a larger 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system varied by trim, with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Our test vehicle included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, Car-Net services, SiriusXM 360L, and a 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, but the Tiguan's tech offerings were comprehensive.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. Safety features were optional, and the Wrangler required careful driving due to its design.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in safety features, with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Tiguan's safety tech worked well, with minimal false alerts. However, its crash-test ratings were incomplete, with concerns about the driver's door unlatching during a side-impact test. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Tiguan a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022, but this did not apply for 2023.