2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a refined and conservative design that stood out among its competitors. Its creased and symmetrical styling, while not overly emotional, was appreciated for its simplicity and minimalism, ensuring it aged gracefully. The 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'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 with standard 4Motion AWD, and prices ranged from $33,395 to $43,395, with a destination charge of $1,950.

Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line boasted a luxurious cabin with perforated leather upholstery, advanced technology, and ambient lighting with 30 colour options. The interior's metallic accents added an upscale touch, though the hard plastic in the lower cabin hinted at its mass-market status. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with keyless entry and remote engine starting available from the Comfortline trim. The updated Tiguan maintained its appealing looks while adding a touch of flair, ensuring it remained fresh until a full redesign.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered nine distinct trim levels, each with a unique blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering. Its blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights were unmistakable, even from afar. The Base trim had a primitive charm with steel wheels, while the Raptor stood out with its wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage Edition added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid upholstery. The Bronco's styling was not just for aesthetics; functional features like cleats above the headlights and raised fins aided in cargo securing and obstacle navigation.

Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with a broad dash and sealed switches for easy cleaning. The interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, with marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs for easy maintenance. Sturdy handholds and customizable features ensured passenger security during bumpy rides. The Bronco's interior was quieter than a Jeep Wrangler, and its design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

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 delivered power to the 4Motion AWD system, which could send up to half of the power to the rear wheels. The Tiguan offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, along with Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad settings. Despite its 19 centimetres of ground clearance, the Tiguan was best suited for well-traveled paths. The MacPherson struts and multi-link independent rear suspension provided a nimble and responsive ride, though pushing the Tiguan revealed limitations in power and performance. Fuel efficiency was a supposed benefit, with an average of 9.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices: a 2.3-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, a twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 in the Raptor with 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. All engines came with a 4WD drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The base engine was adequate for most adventures, while the V6 was better suited for the heavier four-door model. The Raptor's engine provided exhilarating power, though not necessary for most drivers. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. Its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curving roads, but the Bronco felt confident and maneuverable, especially with its camera systems.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a giant among compact crossovers, with an interior spacious enough to rival smaller midsize SUVs. The Highline R-Line offered leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and excellent outward visibility. The second row provided ample headroom and legroom, accommodating adults and children alike. The switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard added sophistication but proved challenging to use. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape maximized interior space, with ample room in both the two-door and four-door models. The four-door model offered easier access to the rear seats, while the two-door required some maneuvering. Up front, the Bronco featured netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for secure storage. Cargo space in the two-door model reached 1,481 litres with seats folded, while the four-door offered up to 2,197 litres. The rear seats didn't fold flat, but the Bronco's design allowed for easy removal of fenders and doors, enhancing its off-road versatility.

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 smartphone mirroring. The Highline R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. The Park Assist system, standard on the Highline R-Line, could autonomously steer the SUV into parking spaces.

The 2023 Ford Bronco utilized technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. drive modes optimizing engine and suspension settings for various terrains. Camera views provided essential visibility in tight spots, and the Trail Turn Assist feature allowed for sharp turns. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 12-inch display available for ease of use.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with Front Assist and Side Assist, with available upgrades like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The 2021 model earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's LED headlights and driver aids aimed to improve that score.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the NHTSA awarding four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, hill-start assist, and Trail Turn Assist, with additional driver assistance features available in higher trims.