2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, characterized by its creased and symmetrical styling. This approach, while not overly emotive, appealed to those who appreciated simplicity and minimalism. The refreshed front styling aligned the Tiguan with its larger siblings, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, 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 added a sportier look, with the Comfortline R-Line Black Edition offering a trendy blacked-out appearance. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line boasted a rich cabin with leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting, though the hard plastic in the lower cabin hinted at its mass-market status.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, on the other hand, was crafted by removing the third row from the standard Atlas, resulting in a more rakish coupe-like appearance. This design change, along with a lowered roofline and shorter length, gave the Cross Sport a bold and sporty look, especially in the Execline trim with 21-inch wheels. Despite the reduced cargo space, the interior remained exceptionally roomy for five people. The Atlas Cross Sport's interior featured a mix of appealing colour combinations, though the hard, glossy plastic detracted from the overall quality impression. The Execline trim carried a price tag of $56,595, offering a stylish alternative to the standard Atlas while saving a bit of money.

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. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, with VW's 4Motion AWD system capable of directing 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, the Tiguan's engine exhibited some turbo lag, and its fuel efficiency was rated at 9.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The Tiguan's suspension and steering provided a balanced ride, though it lacked the excitement some Volkswagen enthusiasts might seek.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and an available 3.6-litre V6 producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine, paired with 4Motion AWD, provided a more satisfying driving experience, especially in the two-row Cross Sport. However, the V6's fuel economy was rated at 12.2 L/100 km in combined driving. The Cross Sport's suspension, while offering good grip and body roll control, felt too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The ride quality was harsh on imperfect roads, and road noise was more intrusive than expected.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact crossovers with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. The Highline R-Line trim offered comfortable leather-wrapped front seats with power adjustments, excellent outward visibility, and a panoramic sunroof. The second row provided ample headroom and legroom, accommodating both adults and children. 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 proved challenging to use.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and interior dimensions with the larger Atlas, offering exceptional roominess for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone climate control system. The panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel, while the cargo area provided ample storage space. However, the lack of lining in storage compartments led to potential rattling and scraping noises.

For 2022, the 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 most trims, offered 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 premium audio system. However, the voice recognition system was disappointing, and the Park Assist system was standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport featured a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Execline trim included a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system, which delivered excellent sound quality. However, the user experience with the infotainment system was often frustrating, and the voice recognition technology was lacking. Pairing a smartphone and using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was recommended for a smoother experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered standard safety features such as Front Assist and Side Assist. Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, was available, though its touch-sensing controls were challenging to use. Emergency Assist, which operated when Travel Assist was active, could bring the Tiguan 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 standard LED headlights and driver aids aimed to improve that score.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were standard, with adaptive LED headlights available on higher trims. The Execline trim featured a semi-autonomous Park Assist system and an Area View 360-degree camera system. While Travel Assist was generally accurate, it occasionally lacked refinement, and the Lane Assist technology sometimes misinterpreted road markings.