2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Honda Pilot

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 timelessness. 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 offered four trim levels in Canada, all with standard 4Motion AWD, and prices ranged from $33,395 to $43,395. The R-Line models added a sportier look, with the Highline R-Line showcasing a rich Atlantic Blue Metallic paint and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line boasted a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting, though the lower half's hard plastic hinted at its mass-market status.

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, adopting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its larger dimensions and boxier styling contributed to its commanding presence. The TrailSport model, in particular, embraced off-road capabilities with a taller ride height, unique wheels, and skid plates. Inside, the Pilot's conventional styling was both attractive and functional, with materials meeting class expectations. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Pilot emphasized function over form, offering a comfortable and utilitarian aesthetic that appealed to families seeking versatility and practicality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4Motion AWD, the Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual. Its Active Control system provided Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad settings. Despite its 19 cm ground clearance, the Tiguan was best suited for well-traveled paths. The suspension and steering provided a nimble and responsive feel, though pushing the Tiguan revealed limitations in tires and suspension. Fuel efficiency was a focus, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km, though real-world testing showed a slightly better 9.5 L/100 km.

The 2023 Honda Pilot featured a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission and standard i-VTM4 AWD in Canada ensured smooth power delivery. The Pilot's acceleration was quick, with minimal delay, and the engine emitted a pleasant hum when pushed. The SUV prioritized comfort over performance, with light steering and noticeable body roll in corners. The TrailSport model offered increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite its ruggedness, the Pilot maintained on-road composure and comfort, with a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kg.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a spacious compact crossover, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. Its interior offered ample room, with comfortable leather-wrapped front seats featuring power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The second row provided generous headroom and legroom, accommodating adults and children alike. The Tiguan's touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard, while sophisticated, proved challenging to use. Cargo space was among the best in its class, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional, with a handy dash shelf and a choice of touchscreen sizes depending on the trim. The Touring trim featured a nine-inch display, though future models might see larger screens. The Pilot excelled in storage and convenience, with clever features like a stowable second-row centre seat and ample space for adults in the second row. The third row was less accommodating but suitable for short trips. Cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 3,219 litres available, surpassing competitors like the Kia Telluride.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came 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 radio. The Highline R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. However, the natural voice recognition system was disappointing, and the Park Assist system was standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above offered a larger touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim included USB ports in every row, a multi-view camera system, and a digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick responses and a logical layout. Additional features included Honda's CabinTalk, a navigation system, and Bose premium audio.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with available Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, though engaging it could be challenging due to touch-sensing controls. Emergency Assist operated when Travel Assist was active, safely bringing 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 this score.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, the highest available. Standard Honda Sensing features included forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, surround-view cameras, and more. The advanced safety features performed well, with no false alarms during testing.