2023 BMW X1 vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, distinguishing itself from its more ostentatious competitors. Its 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's exterior was further enhanced by redesigned aluminum wheels and new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate. In Canada, the Tiguan was available in four trim levels, all equipped with standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. The R-Line models offered a sportier appearance, with the Comfortline R-Line Black Edition featuring a trendy blacked-out look. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line boasted a sophisticated cabin with leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting, although the lower half's hard plastic betrayed its mass-market status.

The 2023 BMW X1 evolved from its predecessor with a more robust and refined design. Its larger, squarer kidney grille and flush door handles gave it a modern look, complemented by standard LED headlights and taillights. The X1's colour palette expanded to include dynamic options like Blue Bay Lagoon and Utah Orange. The interior featured a premium feel with the BMW Curved Display, SensaTec 2.0 seat coverings, and a sophisticated centre armrest. The M Sport Package added sportier elements, while the Premium Essential Package included features like a panoramic moonroof. The X1's cabin was designed for comfort and practicality, with thoughtful touches like a wireless charging pad and ample storage space.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the 4Motion AWD system, which could decouple the rear axle to save fuel. The Tiguan offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, along with Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad settings. Despite its nimble handling, the Tiguan's performance was hindered by turbo lag and a lack of power, resulting in a fuel economy of 9.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 BMW X1 received a significant power boost with its 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the X1 to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and tow up to 1,587 kilograms. The new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission provided a more engaging driving experience, especially with the M Sport Package's paddle shifters. The X1's Adaptive M Suspension and damping systems improved comfort and stability, while its fuel economy was rated at 8.4 L/100 km combined.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs, with an optional third row. The Highline R-Line trim featured comfortable leather seats with power adjustments and excellent outward visibility. The second row provided ample headroom and legroom, accommodating adults and children alike. 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 2023 BMW X1's larger dimensions resulted in a more spacious cabin, with impressive headroom and legroom. Cargo space was practical, offering 727 litres behind the rear seats and 1,619 litres with them folded down. Heated seats were part of the Premium Essential Package, which also included a heated steering wheel and wireless device charging. The wireless charging pad was cleverly designed to keep devices secure during spirited driving.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. However, the voice recognition system was disappointing, and the Park Assist system was standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2023 BMW X1 introduced the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8, integrating a 10.7-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch driver information display. The system was responsive, with effective voice commands and seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Premium Enhanced Package added a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. The X1 featured four USB-C ports and an optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, along with available Travel Assist and Emergency Assist features. The Travel Assist system 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.

The 2023 BMW X1 included standard active blind-spot monitoring with an exit warning function and a front-collision warning system with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The Driving Assistant Professional suite offered advanced driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control with stop & go. The Premium Enhanced Package added a 360-degree surround-view camera system, while Active Park Distance Control and Back-Up Assistant provided additional safety measures.