2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet appealing design, characterized by its creased and symmetrical lines. This approach, while not overly emotional, was appreciated for its simplicity and timelessness. The 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 four trim levels in Canada, all with standard AWD, and prices ranged from $33,395 to $43,395. The interior of the Highline R-Line trim was upscale, with leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and new technology, though some hard plastics revealed its mass-market roots.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and elegance, with a design that echoed the larger Range Rover’s profile in a sportier package. Its sleek, liquid form was both blocky and streamlined, featuring flush door handles and distinctive taillight lenses. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive look. Inside, the Velar’s cabin was stylish, though tighter than midsize SUVs, with high-quality materials and a polished centre stack. The infotainment system was improved with Pivi Pro, offering a more intuitive layout and useful features like voice activation and advanced navigation.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4Motion AWD, it offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport. The Tiguan’s handling was nimble in normal conditions, but its performance was limited by turbo lag and modest power output. Fuel efficiency was average, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower centre of gravity and improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The Velar’s ride was smooth, especially with the optional air suspension. The Terrain Response system provided multiple driving modes, but off-road capability was limited. The optional 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with a mild-hybrid system delivered up to 395 horsepower, enhancing performance and efficiency.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was spacious, with an interior comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered an optional third row, though cargo space was compromised with it in use. The two-row configuration provided ample luggage volume, and the cabin featured comfortable leather seats with power adjustments. However, the switch to touch controls on the dashboard was less user-friendly.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a tighter interior, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 552 litres behind the rear seats. The Velar’s design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, and the cabin featured high-quality materials and advanced technology.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard digital gauges and the MIB3 infotainment system, offering smartphone mirroring and a premium audio system in higher trims. However, the voice recognition was disappointing, and the touch controls were challenging to use. The Highline R-Line trim included advanced features like Park Assist.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar’s Pivi Pro system was a pleasant surprise, with a simplified layout and useful features like voice activation and advanced navigation. The system was customizable and included a range of practical features, such as a PM2.5 air filter and a 360-degree camera. Standard features included LED headlights and a Meridian sound system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard safety systems like Front Assist and Side Assist. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were notable additions, though the touch controls made them tricky to engage. The 2021 model earned a “Top Safety Pick” from the IIHS, and improvements in 2022 could enhance its rating.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, though U.S. ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features like adaptive cruise control with steering assist were available.