2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a refined and conservative design, distinguishing itself from its more ostentatious competitors. Its 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 complemented by redesigned aluminum wheels and new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate. Inside, the Highline R-Line trim offered a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and advanced technology, though the lower half's hard plastic betrayed its mass-market status. The Tiguan's design was understated yet elegant, appealing to those who appreciate simplicity and minimalism.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with a more assertive and truck-like appearance. It was longer and wider, with a muscular stance and modernized taillights. The Hybrid Touring trim featured sporty elements like black roof rails and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed Honda's trend towards a premium feel, with high-quality materials and a honeycomb grille design on the dash. The interior was spacious, with thoughtful touches like contrast stitching and a focus on practicality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a modern and stylish SUV.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system, which could decouple the rear axle to save fuel. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, along with Offroad settings. Despite its enjoyable drive, the Tiguan's engine exhibited some turbo lag, and its fuel efficiency was rated at 9.8 L/100 km combined. The Tiguan's ride and handling were competent, though it lacked the excitement some enthusiasts might seek.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, on the other hand, boasted a new hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0-litre engine with two electric motors, delivering 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This made it the most powerful CR-V to date, with a towing capacity of up to 450 kg. The CR-V Hybrid featured a CVT and four drive modes, including a new Snow mode. Its updated AWD system could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels. The CR-V Hybrid's regenerative braking system and fuel efficiency of 6.4 L/100 km combined made it an attractive option for those prioritizing performance and economy.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs, with an optional third row. The Highline R-Line trim provided comfortable leather seats with power adjustments and excellent visibility. The 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 space was generous, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration, though the third row compromised storage.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger exterior translated to increased interior volume, with 1,028 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 2,030 litres with them folded. The Touring model featured a hands-free power tailgate and wide-opening rear doors for easy access. Rear seat legroom increased, and the reclining seats offered flexibility. The CR-V Hybrid's interior was designed for practicality, with ample storage and thoughtful features like a cubby for smartphones and eight cupholders, making it a family-friendly choice.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, offered an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM. However, the voice recognition system was disappointing. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid catered to those who prefer physical controls, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and a 9-inch display on higher trims. It featured multiple USB ports, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Hybrid Touring trim included Honda's smart navigation system, optimizing fuel efficiency based on the route. The CR-V Hybrid's technology package was comprehensive, appealing to tech-savvy consumers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard safety features like Front Assist and Side Assist. It offered Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, and Emergency Assist, which 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 aimed to improve on this with new LED headlights and driver aids.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies, with improvements for smoother operation. New safety features included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid also had a blind-spot monitoring system, cross-traffic monitor, and rear-seat reminders. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA, with additional structural enhancements for crash protection.