2022 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet appealing design, distinguishing itself from its less attractive competitors. Its refreshed exterior featured a new front styling that aligned with Volkswagen's larger models, such as the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. The restyled grille, standard LED headlights, and redesigned aluminum wheels contributed to its modern look. In Canada, the Tiguan was available in four trim levels, all equipped with standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The interior of the Highline R-Line trim boasted a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, advanced technology, and ambient lighting, although the lower half of the cabin revealed its mass-market status with hard plastic materials.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge maintained a familiar design, closely resembling its internal combustion engine counterparts. Its exterior featured subtle differences, such as a solid panel grille and trim-specific alloy wheels, while retaining Volvo's signature Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights. The XC40's interior showcased Scandinavian design sensibilities, offering an airy and spacious cabin despite its compact SUV classification. The harmonious dashboard elements and premium materials underscored Volvo's steady progression into the luxury automotive category. The XC40 Recharge was a testament to Volvo's commitment to blending traditional design with modern electric vehicle technology.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by 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, the Tiguan's performance was somewhat limited by its engine's delayed torque delivery, resulting in occasional turbo lag. Fuel efficiency was rated at 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test achieving 9.5 L/100 km.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, delivered an impressive 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque through its dual electric motors. This setup enabled a swift 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. The XC40 Recharge featured regenerative braking and a one-pedal driving option, enhancing energy efficiency. Its lower centre of gravity improved handling, while the suspension system provided stability. The XC40 Recharge achieved a combined fuel efficiency rating of 2.8 Le/100 km and offered a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge. DC fast-charging capabilities allowed for quick recharging, making it a practical choice for electric vehicle enthusiasts.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact SUVs with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. The Highline R-Line trim offered leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, providing exceptional comfort. The second row accommodated adults comfortably, and the panoramic sunroof added to the cabin's airy feel. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration, although the optional third row reduced this capacity.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The absence of a gasoline engine allowed for a front trunk, ideal for storing charging cables or small items. The cabin featured ample storage compartments, USB power ports, and comfortable front seats. The rear seats, while suitable for outboard passengers, were less accommodating for a middle passenger. The XC40 Recharge provided up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the second row folded flat and had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for various needs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line trim 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 trim included a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system. However, the natural voice recognition feature was disappointing, prompting users to rely on smartphone integration. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was loaded with technology, including Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring. The Recharge featured a heat pump to extend its range and a 9.3-inch touchscreen with Android Automotive operating system, integrating Google services. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates, allowing for software enhancements without dealership visits. However, the range reporting system, which displayed a percentage of remaining charge instead of distance, could induce range anxiety. Despite this, the XC40 Recharge's technology suite was comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered standard safety features such as Front Assist and Side Assist, along with available upgrades like 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 became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's enhancements aimed to improve this score.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge earned the IIHS's highest Top Safety Pick+ rating, with an extensive list of standard safety features, including collision warning and avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keep assist. The XC40 Recharge also featured a new sensor platform for enhanced active safety capabilities and Volvo's Connected Safety system, which shared road condition data with other connected Volvo vehicles. These features underscored Volvo's commitment to safety and innovation.