2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

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 a range of trims in Canada, all equipped with 4Motion AWD, and showcased a sportier look in the R-Line models. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line boasted a sophisticated cabin with leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and new technology, although 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.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey, while adhering to the classic minivan design, offered a sense of style with its kinked sliding doors and character lines. The Touring trim, which topped the lineup, featured dark grey 19-inch alloy wheels and quality leather upholstery. The interior was designed for family convenience, with a low console, ample storage, and a tri-zone climate control system. The Odyssey's Magic Slide second-row seats provided flexibility for child safety and ease of access to the third row. The third-row seat was comfortable for adults, and the cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row and up to 3,984 litres with seats removed.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system, offering various driving modes and an Active Control system for different terrains. Despite its nimble handling, the Tiguan experienced turbo lag and could benefit from more power. Fuel efficiency was moderate, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km. The Tiguan's ride and handling were satisfactory for everyday driving, though it lacked excitement for more spirited driving.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It used a 10-speed automatic transmission and was front-wheel drive only. The Odyssey's fuel consumption was estimated at 10.6 L/100 km combined, less efficient than hybrid competitors. However, the Odyssey offered an enjoyable driving experience, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. The brakes, though, showed signs of strain on downhill grades, especially when fully loaded, which could affect braking performance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was spacious, with an interior comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered optional third-row seating, though cargo space was limited with it in use. The Highline R-Line trim provided comfortable leather seats with power adjustments and excellent visibility. The second row was roomy, with rear air conditioning and storage options. The switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard was a notable change, though it could be challenging to use. Cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and versatility. Its low stance made entry easy, and the Touring trim featured quality leather seats with power adjustments and ventilation. The Odyssey's storage solutions were plentiful, with various compartments and a centre console tray. The Magic Slide second-row seats offered flexibility for child safety and access to the third row, which was comfortable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row and up to 3,984 litres with seats removed, rivaling larger SUVs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone mirroring, and a premium audio system. However, the voice recognition system was disappointing. The Tiguan also offered Park Assist for autonomous parking, standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Touring was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity. It featured CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies for monitoring and communicating with rear passengers. The rear entertainment system included a 10.2-inch display and wireless headphones. However, the infotainment system was considered outdated, with a small screen and limited voice command capabilities. The Touring trim also included a premium audio system and wireless charging.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard safety features like Front Assist and Side Assist. It 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 was unresponsive. The 2021 model earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and improvements in 2022 could enhance this score.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a rear-seat reminder. The Odyssey's safety systems were sometimes overly sensitive, and the blind-spot monitoring system's warning light was not ideally placed. The Odyssey earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.