2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, distinguishing itself from its often less aesthetically pleasing competitors. Its refreshed styling included a new front design that aligned it with Volkswagen's larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan's exterior was further enhanced by redesigned aluminum wheels and new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate. In Canada, the Tiguan was available in four trim levels, all with standard 4Motion AWD, and offered a range of prices from $33,395 to $43,395. The R-Line models, particularly the Highline R-Line, boasted a sportier look with options like Atlantic Blue Metallic paint and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line featured a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting, though the lower half of the cabin revealed its mass-market status with hard plastic materials.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 underwent subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colours were introduced, and the rear VW logo was illuminated. While the ID.4 was easily distinguishable as an EV, it lacked the traditional SUV profile, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. The ID.4 was built on VW's MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, and shared interior qualities with recent VW gasoline models, offering a minimalist design and quality feel. The base model featured leatherette upholstery with recycled fibre inserts, and the interior changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage. The ID.4 also offered three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,900 rpm. Power was transferred through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the 4Motion AWD system, which could send up to half of the power to the rear wheels. The Tiguan offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, along with Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad settings. Despite its 19 centimetres of ground clearance, the Tiguan was best suited for well-traveled paths. The suspension system included MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link independent rear suspension, with vented front and solid rear discs. While the Tiguan was enjoyable to drive once the torque kicked in, it experienced some turbo lag, and its fuel efficiency was rated at 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model with RWD, while the Pro model retained the 82-kWh pack with RWD or AWD options. The single electric motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD powertrain increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 109 kilograms, enhancing acceleration and handling. The ID.4's AWD version rivaled hot hatchbacks in acceleration but lacked handling prowess. Regenerative braking was present, but VW's approach didn't support one-pedal driving, offering a more familiar experience for new EV drivers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact crossovers with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered an optional third row, and the Highline R-Line trim provided exceptional comfort with leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats. The second row was roomy, accommodating adults and children alike, with rear air conditioning vents and a USB charging port. The switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard added sophistication but proved challenging to use. Cargo space was generous, with 1,064 litres behind the back seat and a maximum capacity of 2,078 litres in the two-row configuration.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space compared to other affordable EVs, offering more legroom and headroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. The ID.4's towing capacity was notable for an entry-level EV, with RWD models capable of towing 1,000 kilograms and AWD models 1,225 kg. Interior changes for 2023 improved functionality, with a conventional lid for the centre console and better phone storage. Three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats added to its practicality.

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, with an 8-inch touchscreen, was standard on most trims, while the base Trendline used MIB2. The Highline R-Line included a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system. Despite improvements, the MIB3's natural voice recognition was disappointing, and the Park Assist system was available for autonomous parking.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. Software updates improved responsiveness, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard. The haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were a drawback, lacking physical feedback. However, the natural-language voice recognition made it easier to control functions. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation assistance, though it was easily overlooked.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard safety features like Front Assist and Side Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, though the touch-sensing controls were challenging to use. Emergency Assist operated when Travel Assist was active, slowing the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's LED headlights and driver aids aimed to improve that score.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model earned the IIHS's "Top Safety Pick+" rating, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The ID.4 included standard driver-assist features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.