2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet appealing design, distinguishing itself from its less attractive competitors. Its refreshed exterior featured new front styling that aligned with Volkswagen's larger models, such as the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. The restyled grille, standard LED headlights, and redesigned aluminum wheels contributed to its sophisticated appearance. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line offered a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, advanced technology, and ambient lighting, although the lower half's hard plastic hinted at its mass-market status. The SUV's overall aesthetic was both timeless and subtly enhanced for 2022.

In contrast, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, while not a visual standout, offered a unique proposition as a plug-in hybrid minivan. Despite its somewhat dated and soft styling, the Pacifica Hybrid provided practicality and efficiency. The Limited-trim test vehicle, equipped with the S Appearance Package, featured black Nappa leather upholstery and a Uconnect Theater rear-seat entertainment system. However, the Pacifica Hybrid's design did not attempt to disguise its minivan identity, focusing instead on functionality and efficiency, which were its primary selling points.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system, which could decouple the rear axle to save fuel. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, along with Offroad settings. Despite its enjoyable drive, the Tiguan's engine exhibited some turbo lag, and its fuel efficiency was rated at 9.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The Tiguan's ride and handling were satisfactory for everyday driving, though it lacked excitement for more spirited driving.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured a plug-in hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a dual-motor electric drive system, delivering 260 horsepower. The electric drive system provided immediate torque, allowing the Pacifica to feel adequately powered even when fully loaded. It could travel up to 51 kilometres on electric power alone, with a combined fuel economy of 6.3 L/100 km. The Pacifica Hybrid's powertrain seamlessly transitioned between electric and gasoline modes, offering a smooth and efficient driving experience. However, its driving dynamics were unremarkable, with light steering and regenerative brakes that occasionally felt too grabby.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact SUVs with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. The Highline R-Line trim offered comfortable leather seats with power adjustments and excellent visibility. The second row provided ample headroom and legroom, while the optional third row compromised cargo space. The Tiguan's cargo capacity ranged from 339 litres with all seats up to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid excelled in comfort and utility, offering three comfortable rows of seats and significant cargo space. The Limited trim featured quality leather upholstery, triple-zone climate control, and ample storage options. The second-row seats were more comfortable than the standard Pacifica's Stow n' Go seats, though they required removal for maximum cargo space. The Pacifica Hybrid provided 914 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 3,978 litres with the second-row seats removed. Its practicality and efficiency made it an ideal choice for transporting people and cargo over short distances.

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 all but the base trim, offered an 8-inch touchscreen, connected services, and smartphone mirroring. The Highline R-Line included a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. However, the voice recognition system was disappointing, and the Park Assist system was standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, offering appealing graphics and a user-friendly interface. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. The FamCam overhead camera system allowed parents to monitor rear-seat passengers. The Pacifica Hybrid also offered a 20-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and Amazon Fire TV for the rear-seat entertainment system. However, the voice recognition technology was inconsistent, and the rear-seat entertainment system was less appealing to tech-savvy passengers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard safety features such as Front Assist and Side Assist. It also offered Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, and Emergency Assist, which could safely stop the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. 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 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid boasted a comprehensive package of standard safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system. While it lacked adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist, it offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping assist. The Pacifica Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection received four stars.