2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Lexus GX

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 a rich interior with leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting. Despite its upscale appearance, the Tiguan's lower cabin was covered in hard plastic, hinting at its mass-market status. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with additional options like a panoramic sunroof available.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX maintained a design reminiscent of its first-generation model, with the signature spindle grille and LED headlights as its distinguishing features. The cabin was crafted with the quality and refinement expected from Lexus, offering a quiet ride with the faint roar of the V8 engine. Available in Standard, Premium, and Executive trims, the GX's prices ranged from $72,100 to $83,750. The Black Line Special Edition added NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim. The GX's interior featured physical controls, though some were confusingly placed. The third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space, while the side-swinging tailgate made loading cumbersome.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,900 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission paired with VW's 4Motion AWD system, which could decouple the rear axle to save fuel. Drivers could select from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings available. The Tiguan's Hill Descent Control operated at speeds up to 30 km/h, but its 19 cm ground clearance limited off-road capability. The suspension and steering provided a nimble and responsive drive, though the engine's torque delivery resulted in some turbo lag. Fuel efficiency was rated at 9.8 L/100 km in combined driving, with a test drive averaging 9.5 L/100 km.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. A six-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD system with a limited-slip differential were standard. The GX's 4WD system distributed power 40/60 between the front and rear wheels. Despite its 2,325 kg curb weight, the GX achieved a 7.8-second 0-60 mph time. Fuel consumption was estimated at 14.5 L/100 km, with a test loop returning 14.0 L/100 km. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System improved stability and off-road capability, though the steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs, with an optional third row. The Highline R-Line trim featured leather seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The second row provided ample headroom and legroom, with rear air conditioning vents and a USB port. Touch controls replaced traditional buttons, though they were less intuitive. Cargo space was generous, with 1,064 litres behind the second row and a maximum of 2,078 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat. The interior featured comfortable seating and physical controls, though some were confusingly placed. The Black Line Special Edition added NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim. The third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access, reducing cargo space. The side-swinging tailgate made loading challenging, with 328 litres of cargo space behind the third row and 1,322 litres with it folded. Maximum capacity was 1,833 litres.

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, with an 8-inch touchscreen, offered Car-Net services, smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM. The Highline R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. Park Assist was standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the outdated Remote Touch Interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation, with a CD player and Lexus Enform services. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed, but the dual-screen view and voice recognition were highlights. Intuitive Parking Assist was standard, with optional surround-view cameras.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with available Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, while Emergency Assist could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings but included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services were also standard. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors.