2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a refined and conservative design that stood out among its competitors. Its updated front styling aligned it with Volkswagen's larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and an available illuminated grille bar. Standard LED headlights and redesigned aluminum wheels added to its appeal. In Canada, the Tiguan was available in four trim levels, all with standard 4Motion AWD, and prices ranged from $33,395 to $43,395. The Highline R-Line trim, with its sportier look and blacked-out appearance, was particularly striking in Atlantic Blue Metallic. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line boasted a luxurious 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 heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with additional options like a panoramic sunroof available.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, meanwhile, captured a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of the Land Rover lineup. Its design emphasized off-road capability with short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and a body designed to avoid obstructions. The Bronco Sport's bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with minimal Ford branding, reinforced its rugged image. Wheel options varied by trim, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, and the interior offered a rugged yet uncluttered design. The cabin featured unique HVAC vent shapes, convenient storage cubbies, and an 8-inch infotainment screen. Interior trim levels progressed from cloth to leather-trimmed heated seats, with practical flooring options for different needs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,900 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission paired with VW's 4Motion AWD system, which could decouple the rear axle to save fuel. Drivers could select from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings available. Despite its 19 cm ground clearance, the Tiguan was best suited for well-traveled paths. The suspension system included MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link independent rear suspension, with variable assist steering. While the Tiguan offered a nimble driving experience, its power output felt limited, resulting in a combined fuel efficiency of 9.8 L/100 km.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices: a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque for Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, and a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine with 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque for the Badlands model. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, along with a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and decent ground clearance. On-road, it offered good manners, with the 2.0-litre engine providing a more suitable match for the vehicle's character.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact crossovers with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. The Highline R-Line trim offered leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, excellent outward visibility, and a panoramic sunroof. The second row provided ample headroom and legroom, accommodating adults and children alike. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with clever features like cargo space designed to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear, and the roof could support up to 68 kg. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass, optional slide-out work table, and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin provided ample storage compartments, though taller drivers faced visibility challenges. The Bronco Sport's towing capacity varied by engine, with the 2.0-litre towing up to 997 kg and the 1.5-litre up to 907 kg.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, 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 audio system. However, the MIB3's natural voice recognition was disappointing, and the Park Assist system was standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The Bronco Sport's terrain management system offered up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, with trail control technology for off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start was included on most trims, along with a 6.5-inch digital instrument panel on higher trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with available Travel Assist and Emergency Assist features. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, while Emergency Assist could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's LED headlights and driver aids aimed to improve that score.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and navigation features. AWD and a terrain management system with G.O.A.T. modes enhanced safety. The Bronco Sport received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.