2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, characterized by its creased and symmetrical styling. The refreshed front end aligned it with Volkswagen's larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan offered four trim levels in Canada, all with standard 4Motion AWD, and prices ranged from $33,395 to $43,395. The R-Line models boasted a sportier appearance, with the Highline R-Line showcasing a rich Atlantic Blue Metallic paint and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line featured a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, touch-sensing controls, and ambient lighting. However, the lower half of the cabin revealed its mass-market status with hard plastics. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with additional options like a panoramic sunroof available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer stood out with its appealing styling, featuring well-proportioned character lines and the option for a contrasting roof colour. Available in four trim levels, the Trailblazer's pricing ranged from $25,998 to $30,298, with AWD standard on all but the LT trim. The RS trim, tested, had a sticker price of $37,653, which seemed excessive given the cabin's hard plastic materials. Despite this, the Trailblazer's interior offered a sense of style, with a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat and a high seating position for easy entry and exit. The rear seat, though roomy, was less comfortable due to its flat design. Cargo space was practical, with 716 litres available, expanding to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. 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. The Tiguan's Hill Descent Control engaged in Offroad mode, but its 19 cm ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. The suspension system provided a nimble and responsive ride, though pushing the Tiguan revealed limitations in tire and suspension performance. Fuel efficiency was moderate, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The AWD model came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a more sophisticated rear suspension for improved handling. The RS trim rode on 18-inch wheels, offering a zippy and nimble driving experience. However, the Trailblazer was loud on highways, and its suspension struggled with speed bumps. Off-road capabilities were limited, even with the Activ trim's enhancements. Fuel efficiency was slightly below expectations, with a combined rating of 9.0 L/100 km.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs, with an optional third row. The Highline R-Line trim provided leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and excellent outward visibility. The second row was roomy, accommodating adults comfortably. 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 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though small, was highly functional, with a dashboard tray and the ability to hold items up to 2.5 metres long. The RS trim featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, while the rear seat offered ample legroom but lacked comfort. Cargo space was practical, with 716 litres available, expanding to 1,540 litres with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat also folded flat for additional versatility.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen, offered connected services, smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM radio. The Highline R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. However, the voice recognition system was disappointing. The Tiguan also offered Park Assist for autonomous parking.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The RS trim included a Bose audio system and wireless charging. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation. Additional features included remote engine starting and a keyless entry keypad system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with available Travel Assist and Emergency Assist for enhanced safety. The 2021 model earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 updates aimed to improve this score.

The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer came with 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology. Chevy Safety Assist provided a suite of ADAS features, with options for blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The Trailblazer earned top crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.