2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, distinguishing itself from its competitors with a creased and symmetrical aesthetic. The 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 a range of trims in Canada, all equipped with standard 4Motion AWD, and showcased a sportier look in the R-Line models. Inside, the Highline R-Line trim boasted a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and advanced technology, though the lower half's hard plastic hinted at its mass-market status.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator exuded luxury with its modern Lincoln face and grille, though the wheel designs on the Grand Touring model were considered plain. The Aviator's interior was lavish, featuring a four-zone climate control system, massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the third-row seating was cramped for adults, and the cargo space was limited when the third row was in use. The Aviator's interior was a mix of high-end materials and some less impressive elements, such as the lightweight key fob, but it offered a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW’s 4Motion AWD system, with driving modes like Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual. The Tiguan's handling was nimble in normal driving situations, but it lacked excitement when pushed harder. Fuel efficiency was moderate, with an average of 9.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive power with its twin-turbo V6 engine and electric motor, generating 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered 34 kilometres of electric driving range and averaged 9.7 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The Aviator's driving modes included Pure EV, Preserve EV, and Excite, among others. While the Aviator was quick and handled well, its drivetrain and braking system were sometimes unpredictable, and it lacked the fun factor in spirited driving.

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

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, while the second-row captain’s chairs offered ample space. However, the third-row seating was tight for adults, and cargo space was limited to 519 litres with all seats in use. Folding the third row increased capacity to 1,183 litres, with a maximum of 2,200 litres available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital gauges and the MIB3 infotainment system, except for the base trim. The Highline R-Line trim included a 10.25-inch display, a nine-speaker Fender audio system, and a redesigned navigation system. However, the voice recognition system was disappointing, and users were advised to use smartphone mirroring instead.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring was equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator offered a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and smartphone-related tech like wireless charging and Phone As A Key. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, and the vehicle included advanced parking sensors and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard safety features like Front Assist and Side Assist. It also offered Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, enhancing its advanced driving assistance systems. The 2021 model earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 updates aimed to improve this score.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. The driver aids performed well on straight highways but were less reliable in heavy traffic. The Aviator's steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.