2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a refined and conservative design that stood out among its competitors. Its creased and symmetrical styling, while not overly emotive, 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 a range of trims in Canada, all with standard 4Motion AWD, and prices ranging 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. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with additional options like a panoramic sunroof available.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender, on the other hand, captivated with its classic, boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4. Its industrial design emphasized corners, with a square-jawed face and rectangular hood and doors. The Defender paid homage to its 1980s predecessor with tasteful accents like dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood. Available in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, including a two-door model that could seat six. The interior focused on function and durability, with rubber and plastic materials designed to resist stains. Despite its high price, the Defender maintained a unique character, though it lacked the opulence of a Range Rover. The Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition, priced at around $140,000, was considered excessive, yet its sales remained strong in Canada.

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, which could decouple the rear axle to save fuel. Drivers could select from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings available. The Tiguan’s ground clearance of 19 centimetres limited its off-road capabilities, but it offered a nimble and responsive drive in normal conditions. However, the engine’s torque arrived later than some competitors, resulting in turbo lag. Fuel efficiency was rated at 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our test achieving 9.5 L/100 km. The Tiguan’s ride and handling were satisfactory for everyday driving, though it lacked excitement for more spirited driving.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its Terrain Response 2 system adapted the powertrain and chassis to various surfaces, while permanent 4WD ensured stability. On-road, the Defender’s performance was less refined, with noticeable body roll, slow steering, and wind noise. The V8 engine delivered 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, providing exhilarating acceleration, though it felt mismatched with the Defender’s top-heavy design. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, with better fuel efficiency than the V8. The four-cylinder engine, with 296 horsepower, was less suitable for highway driving. Fuel economy varied, with the V8 rated at 16.4/12.7/14.7 L/100 km, while the six-cylinder achieved 12.9/10.4/11.8 L/100 km.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact SUVs with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered an optional third row, though cargo space was compromised with it in use. 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 capacity was impressive, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered exceptional versatility with its seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 models offered optional third rows. The 130 model could seat up to eight passengers, with features like a separate moonroof and climate zone for the third row. Cargo space varied, with the 130 offering 2,180 litres with seats folded. The Defender’s large glass areas and optional panoramic moonroof enhanced visibility. Buyers could equip their Defenders with various accessories, including a roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps.

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, smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM radio. The Highline R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. However, the voice recognition system was disappointing. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender came with two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen offered better legibility. Both screens supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with standard features like heated front seats and keyless entry. Higher trims added features like a Meridian sound system, air suspension, and a head-up display. The Defender also offered a cabin air purifier and configurable ambient lighting.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard safety features like Front Assist and Side Assist. Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, was available, though its touch controls were challenging to use. Emergency Assist could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, with improvements expected for 2022.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash testing. It included six airbags, though more were expected for its price. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and 360-degree camera system.