2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, characterized by its creased and symmetrical styling. This approach, while not overly emotive, appealed to those who appreciated simplicity and minimalism. The refreshed front styling aligned the Tiguan with Volkswagen’s larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The vehicle was available in four trim levels in Canada, all equipped with standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The interior of the Tiguan Highline R-Line was upscale, with perforated leather upholstery, touch-sensing controls, and ambient lighting, although the lower half of the cabin revealed its mass-market status with hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more generic, blending in with other compact crossovers. While it lacked distinctive styling, it offered practical features like a variety of colour options, though many were shades of grey. The interior was modern, with angular seats and available wood panels and chrome accents in higher trims. The CR-V prioritized function over form, providing ample space for five passengers and their gear. Despite its understated appearance, the CR-V was a practical choice for those seeking a reliable and functional crossover.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, with VW’s 4Motion AWD system capable of distributing up to half of the power to the rear wheels. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, along with Offroad settings. Despite its nimble handling, the Tiguan experienced some turbo lag, and its fuel efficiency was rated at 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While not designed for high-performance driving, the CR-V provided smooth acceleration and predictable cornering. The CR-V offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. Its suspension setup was similar to other vehicles in its class, providing decent handling and ride quality. The CR-V's performance was adequate for everyday driving, though it lacked the engagement of some competitors with conventional transmissions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact crossovers with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered an optional third row, though this compromised cargo space. The Highline R-Line trim provided comfortable leather seats with power adjustments and excellent visibility. The Tiguan's cargo capacity was impressive, 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 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample space for five passengers and their belongings. It boasted more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4, with 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with a hands-free power tailgate available on higher trims. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional gear. The CR-V's design focused on meeting the needs of families and individuals seeking a versatile and spacious vehicle.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line offering a more advanced Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Highline R-Line added a premium audio system and navigation. However, the voice recognition system was disappointing, and the touch controls proved challenging to use. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system for easier parking.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The CR-V provided multiple charging ports throughout the cabin, with a wireless phone charger available on the Touring trim. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though only higher trims offered satellite navigation.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard safety features like Front Assist and Side Assist. It also offered Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, and Emergency Assist, which 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 aimed to improve with standard LED headlights and advanced driver aids.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included a suite of advanced safety features as standard across all trims. These features included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The CR-V's comprehensive safety package made it a standout choice for safety-conscious buyers.