2023 Kia Telluride 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 offered four trim levels in Canada, all with standard 4Motion AWD, and prices ranged from $33,395 to $43,395. The R-Line models boasted a sportier look, with the Comfortline R-Line Black Edition offering a trendy blacked-out appearance. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line featured a sophisticated cabin with leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting, though the hard plastic in the lower half of the cabin hinted at its mass-market status.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, particularly in the X-Line and X-Pro models, showcased fresh front and rear styling, updated headlights and taillights, and new wheel designs. New paint colours and interior options added to its appeal. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension and unique grille design, while the X-Pro offered all-terrain tires and improved off-road capabilities. Inside, the Telluride boasted a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The interior updates included new colours, minor trim changes, and a more functional centre console. In Canada, the Telluride was available in five trim levels, with prices starting at $50,195 for the EX and reaching $62,795 for the X-Pro.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission paired with VW’s 4Motion AWD system allowed up to half of the power to flow to the rear wheels. Drivers could choose from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional settings for Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad. The Tiguan’s Hill Descent Control system engaged in Offroad mode, but with only 19 centimetres of ground clearance, it was best suited for well-traveled paths. The Tiguan’s ride and handling were nimble and responsive in normal driving situations, though it lacked the power and performance some might expect from a turbocharged engine. Fuel efficiency was rated at 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

The 2023 Kia Telluride continued with its 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could select from Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with a low-speed Lock setting for the AWD system. The Telluride’s V6 provided ample power, with the X-Line averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres and the X-Pro returning 11.5 L/100 km, including off-roading. Kia raised the suspension for improved off-road performance, and the Telluride featured a new Downhill Brake Control system. The X-Pro model offered increased towing capacity and a self-levelling rear air suspension. On highways, the Telluride provided a smooth ride, though the off-road tires made it feel slightly squishier in turns.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a spacious compact crossover, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered an optional third row, though cargo space was limited with it in use. The Highline R-Line trim featured comfortable leather seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The second row provided ample headroom and legroom, with rear air conditioning vents and a USB charging port. The switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard was a notable change, though they were harder to use than traditional buttons. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration.

The 2023 Kia Telluride accommodated seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. Heated and ventilated front and second-row captain’s chairs were available, and the second row featured manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. The third row was more comfortable than many competitors, though it couldn’t match the Volkswagen Atlas for leg support. The Telluride offered a “smart” power tailgate and an automatic closing function. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,455 litres available with both rear rows folded down.

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 was standard on most trims, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, and smartphone mirroring. The Highline R-Line included a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system. The Park Assist system was available, autonomously steering the SUV into parking spaces.

The 2023 Kia Telluride came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though it didn’t control the climate system. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, and Bluetooth supported pairing two devices simultaneously. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. New digital-key technology and a Full Display rear-view mirror were available, along with an optional head-up display.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist systems. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, though the touch-sensing controls could be challenging to use. Emergency Assist operated when Travel Assist was active, slowing the SUV if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. The Telluride also included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability was standard, and Highway Drive Assist provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.