2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, characterized by its creased and symmetrical styling. The refreshed front end 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 showcased a sportier look in the R-Line models. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line boasted a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and advanced technology, though the lower half's hard plastic hinted at its mass-market roots.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, including a new front fascia with "air blades" and a redesigned rear bumper. The XC60 shared its platform with other Volvo models, maintaining a clean interior design with a new digital instrument cluster. The R-Design trim added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery. Overall, the XC60's interior was subdued compared to other Volvo models, but it retained a sense of understated elegance.

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, the Tiguan's 4Motion AWD system could distribute power to the rear wheels when needed. Drivers could select from 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 modest, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. The B5 delivered 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, while the B6 offered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Both powertrains featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The XC60's mild-hybrid system provided smooth power delivery, and the B6 version achieved a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. The XC60 emphasized luxury over performance, with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact crossovers with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered an optional third row, though cargo space was compromised with it in use. The Highline R-Line trim provided comfortable leather seats with power adjustments, excellent visibility, and a panoramic sunroof. The Tiguan's second row was roomy, accommodating adults and children alike. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use. Cargo capacity was generous, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Cargo capacity varied between mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, with the former offering 611 litres with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, despite its somewhat pinched roofline. While it offered less cargo space than some competitors, the XC60's interior remained functional and comfortable.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line offering a more advanced 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 premium Fender audio system. However, the MIB3's voice recognition was disappointing, and the Park Assist system was standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The system integrated Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation, with access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. While iPhone compatibility was promised, Android users benefited from additional features. The infotainment redesign included a new layout with sideways swiping for menu access, and the digital cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, along with available Travel Assist and Emergency Assist features. 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 earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's improvements aimed to enhance its safety credentials.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The XC60's driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring. While the 2022 model hadn't been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, the 2021 model received top safety ratings, indicating a strong safety performance.