2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, characterized by its creased and symmetrical lines. This approach, while not overly emotive, appealed to those who appreciated simplicity and minimalism. The refreshed front styling aligned the Tiguan with Volkswagen’s larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The SUV offered a range of trim levels 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 sophisticated cabin with leather upholstery, touch-sensing controls, and ambient lighting, though the lower half's hard plastic hinted at its mass-market status.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler exuded a rugged, no-nonsense design with its boxy shape and iconic seven-slot grille. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a foldable windshield. The SUV's practicality extended to its interior, featuring easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward layout. While storage space was limited, the Wrangler offered various top options, including the Sky One-Touch power soft top for quick open-air access. The Wrangler's design emphasized functionality and adventure, appealing to those seeking a robust off-road experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 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, enhancing fuel efficiency. Drivers could select from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings available. Despite its nimble handling, the Tiguan's performance was somewhat hindered by turbo lag and a modest power output, resulting in a fuel consumption of 9.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of powertrains, including the standard Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque. The Wrangler excelled off-road with its solid axles, optional differential lockers, and various transfer cases, providing impressive crawl ratios. However, the 392's on-road performance was marred by inadequate brakes and vague steering, issues less pronounced in other trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact crossovers with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. The Highline R-Line trim 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. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration, though the optional third row reduced capacity.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's front seats were comfortable, with heated options available in higher trims or through a cold-weather package. The rear seat was tight, especially in the four-door models, and storage for small items was limited. Cargo space measured 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than the Bronco. The Wrangler offered various top configurations, including the Sky One-Touch power soft top for quick open-air access. Charging points were plentiful, with USB ports and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin.

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 natural voice recognition system was disappointing, and the Park Assist system was standard on the Highline R-Line.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect infotainment system, with an 8.4-inch version in our tester. The system, while initially complex, offered comprehensive off-road pages and seamless smartphone connectivity. Jeep focused on practical tech, with features like a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories. Over-the-air updates were limited to the Uconnect system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with available Travel Assist and Emergency Assist features. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, though the touch-sensing controls could be challenging to use. Emergency Assist could safely bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with potential improvements for 2022.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's standard safety features were limited to a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning were standard only on top trims or available as options. The Wrangler received mixed ratings from the IIHS and a four-star frontal crash test rating from the NHTSA, with a three-star rollover rating.