2022 Ford Bronco vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

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 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 look, with the Highline R-Line featuring 20-inch wheels and a choice of five paint colours. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line offered a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting, although the lower half of the cabin revealed its mass-market status with hard plastic.

The 2022 Ford Bronco captivated with its retro styling and off-road prowess, making it a highly sought-after vehicle. It introduced two new models, the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, expanding its lineup to eight trims. The Bronco offered a choice between two-door and four-door body styles, with either a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine. Its design focused on off-roading, with features like short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and modular construction. Inside, the Bronco maintained a utilitarian theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs for easy cleaning. Despite its rugged appearance, the Bronco offered advanced technology, including G.O.A.T. modes and a digital instrument panel, making it a versatile choice for both off-road adventures and daily driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the 4Motion AWD system, which could decouple the rear axle to save fuel. The Tiguan offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, along with Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad settings. However, with only 19 centimetres of ground clearance, it was best suited for well-traveled paths. The Tiguan's suspension and steering provided a nimble and responsive driving experience, but it lacked the power and performance expected from its engine.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, or an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the two-door model with the four-cylinder engine, while a 10-speed automatic was standard for the V6 and all four-door models. The Bronco's off-road capabilities were impressive, with features like a two-speed transfer case and G.O.A.T. modes. It excelled in challenging terrain, such as deep water crossings and steep rock climbs, while also providing a smooth and comfortable ride on pavement.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It featured comfortable leather seats with power adjustment, excellent outward visibility, and a panoramic sunroof. The second row provided ample headroom and legroom, accommodating adults and children alike. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration, although the optional third row compromised cargo capacity.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Accessing the rear seats in the two-door model required some effort, but the four-door model offered easier access. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with up to 2,197 litres available in the four-door hard-top configuration. The Bronco also featured clever storage solutions, such as netted door pockets and accessory rails, enhancing its utility for outdoor adventures.

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, smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the natural voice recognition system was disappointing. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. modes and a forward-looking trail camera providing confidence on challenging terrain. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and helpful off-road apps, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bronco's technology features complemented its rugged design, making it a versatile choice for both off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard safety features like Front Assist and Side Assist, with available upgrades such as Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The 2021 model earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's improvements aimed to enhance its safety credentials.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control, with additional options available in higher trims. The NHTSA awarded the four-door model four stars for frontal crash protection, while the IIHS gave it top scores in several categories. The Bronco's safety features functioned reliably, providing peace of mind for drivers.