2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among its competitors with a design that was both conservative and timeless. Its refreshed exterior featured new front styling that aligned it with Volkswagen's larger models, such as the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. The restyled grille, standard LED headlights, and redesigned aluminum wheels added a touch of modernity to its classic look. In Canada, the Tiguan was available in four trim levels, all equipped with standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The R-Line models, particularly the Highline R-Line, boasted a sportier appearance with options like the Atlantic Blue Metallic paint and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line offered a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, advanced 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 on higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, redesigned in 2021, shared its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup, giving it a commanding presence with its tall hood and large wheels. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered customization options, with our RST test vehicle showcasing a striking Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior and 22-inch wheels. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin with varying levels of luxury, from the base LS to the plush High Country. Our RST model featured Jet Black perforated leather seats with Victory Red stitching and a host of amenities, though the predominantly black interior felt somewhat dark. The Suburban's size offered ample space for passengers and cargo, but its dimensions made maneuvering in tight spaces challenging. The switch to electronic push-button transmission controls was a notable change from previous models.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Tiguan's 4Motion AWD system could distribute up to half of the power to the rear wheels, enhancing fuel efficiency when AWD wasn't needed. Drivers could select from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional settings for various terrains. Despite its nimble handling, the Tiguan's engine exhibited some turbo lag, and its performance was more focused on fuel efficiency than outright power, achieving a combined fuel consumption of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a new 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The base 5.3-litre V8 delivered 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2-litre V8, standard on the High Country and available on other trims, produced 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The new turbodiesel engine offered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, providing excellent towing capability and fuel efficiency. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased interior space. Our RST test vehicle, equipped with the 6.2-litre V8 and Magnetic Ride Control, demonstrated impressive power and towing capability, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a standout among compact crossovers, offering a spacious interior comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. The Highline R-Line trim provided exceptional comfort with leather seats, eight-way power adjustment, and a panoramic sunroof. The second row offered ample headroom and legroom, accommodating adults and children alike. Cargo space was generous, with 1,064 litres behind the back seat and a maximum of 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the available third-row seats reduced cargo capacity to 339 litres.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. Most models offered seven- or eight-passenger seating, with a third row that was comfortable for adults. The Suburban boasted 1,175 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 4,097 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. The power-sliding centre console and numerous storage compartments added to its practicality. However, the Suburban's size made it challenging to maneuver and park in tight spaces, and its height could be an issue for some garages.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line offering 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 premium audio system. However, the MIB3's natural voice recognition was disappointing, and the touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard were challenging to use.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a wealth of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT trims and above. Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, was also standard on these trims. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System, with an 8-inch touchscreen, was standard on the LS, while the LT and above featured a 10.2-inch Premium System with satellite radio. Wireless device charging and a WiFi hotspot were standard on higher trims. The Suburban's audio options ranged from a basic six-speaker system to a premium Bose 10-speaker Surround system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with standard safety features like Front Assist and Side Assist. Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance, was available, though its touch controls were challenging to use. Emergency Assist, which could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive, was another notable feature. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's improvements aimed to enhance its safety credentials.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and pedestrian braking. New for 2022 were front park assist, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and a head-up display. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection and three stars for rollover resistance.