2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, distinguishing itself from its more ostentatious competitors. Its refreshed 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 standard 4Motion AWD, and prices varied from $33,395 to $43,395. The R-Line models, particularly the Highline R-Line, boasted a sportier appearance with options like 20-inch wheels and a choice of five paint colours, including the striking Atlantic Blue Metallic. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line exuded an upscale feel with leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and metallic accents, though the lower half of the cabin revealed its mass-market roots with hard plastic. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with additional options like a panoramic sunroof available on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially in the X-Line trim, offered a stylish and rugged appearance with features like matte-finish wheels and robust roof rails. In Canada, the Sorento came with standard AWD across all models, including hybrid options, with prices ranging from $34,595 to $48,085 for gas-only models. The interior of the Sorento was luxurious, with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs, starting from the EX trim, were designed with children in mind, offering ample storage and comfort. However, the third-row seating was less accommodating for adults, making it more suitable for occasional use. Cargo space was flexible, with the option to fold down the third row to expand storage capacity, and the smart power tailgate added convenience for loading.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion AWD system, which could distribute up to half of the power to the rear wheels. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, along with Offroad settings. Despite its nimble handling in normal driving conditions, the Tiguan’s performance was somewhat limited by its engine, resulting in a combined fuel efficiency of 9.8 L/100 km according to Natural Resources Canada. The Tiguan’s suspension and steering provided a balanced ride, but the engine’s torque delivery was slightly delayed, leading to a momentary turbo lag during acceleration.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of engine options, with the base model featuring a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre engine. However, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available from the X-Line trim, delivered a more satisfying 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience. The Sorento’s suspension was tuned for a blend of comfort and control, making it feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV. Despite its performance, the Sorento’s fuel efficiency was less impressive, with an average of 11.5 L/100 km during testing. The Sorento’s handling and braking were commendable, offering a responsive and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact SUVs with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered an optional third row, though it compromised cargo space. The Highline R-Line trim provided leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats with excellent visibility and a panoramic sunroof. The second row was roomy, with ample headroom and legroom, making it suitable for adults and children alike. The Tiguan’s 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 was less user-friendly, potentially causing distractions for drivers.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s interior felt luxurious, with features like Burgundy leather seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs were designed for children, offering comfort and convenience with storage solutions and USB ports. However, the third-row seating was less accommodating for adults, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space was flexible, with up to 2,139 litres available when the second and third rows were folded down. The Sorento’s smart power tailgate added convenience, though it could be unintentionally triggered when the key fob was nearby.

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 audio system. However, the voice recognition system was disappointing, and the Park Assist system was standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on lower trims, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch display with navigation and Kia Connect services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the design might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento SX included a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim. The voice recognition system was less effective than Hyundai’s, despite sharing similar technology.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard safety features like Front Assist and Side Assist. It also 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 became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model’s improvements could enhance its safety score.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor system, available on the SX trim, provided live video feeds of blind spots. The Highway Driving Assist system offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its LED headlights were rated poorly in Canada. The NHTSA awarded the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating.