2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its previous quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The test model was showcased in a unique Nordic Forest Pearl colour, enhancing its refined aesthetic. Inside, the HR-V featured new seats with black cloth and heated front seats, while the EX-L trim boasted perforated leather seats with additional shoulder support, creating a comfortable and premium cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan maintained its design from the previous year, offering a range of trims with sportier styling options. The test vehicle, equivalent to the Canadian Highline R-Line trim, was painted in Atlantic Blue with Storm Grey leather seats. Despite the variety of exterior and interior options, choices were limited by trim level. The Tiguan's design was conservatively drawn but aged gracefully, with features like adaptive front lighting and a light bar across the grille adding to its appeal. Inside, the Tiguan's cabin was upscale, featuring quality leather upholstery, artificial wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof, though some materials reminded of its mid-range price point.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous model. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. The HR-V offered multiple drive modes, including Normal, Snow, ECON, and Sport, each adjusting the vehicle's performance to suit different driving conditions. Despite updates for a quieter cabin, the HR-V remained noisier at higher speeds. The new suspension system and widened tracks improved handling, making it enjoyable to drive, though it lacked the power of some competitors.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system was standard in Canada, offering various driving modes for different terrains. The Tiguan's fuel economy was rated at 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, though testing showed slightly higher consumption. The powertrain provided adequate performance, but the transmission occasionally stumbled with delayed downshifts. Despite some turbo lag, the Tiguan's dynamic qualities were rewarding, with excellent tire grip and stable handling, though the brake pedal required more effort than expected.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, a subcompact SUV, offered a well-thought-out interior with a centre console featuring a shelf for storage. The fastback design slightly reduced rear-seat headroom, but cargo space remained competitive, with 691 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,559 litres when folded. The HR-V's passenger volume varied slightly between trims, with the EX-L gaining some interior space. The rear seats provided a higher seating position for easier access, and the overall design was practical for its size.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, with some configurations offering a third-row seat. The test vehicle featured comfortable front seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The dashboard's touch-sensing controls were less user-friendly, but the Tiguan's spacious rear seats and generous cargo area were highlights. With AWD, the Tiguan offered 1,064 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 2,078 litres with the seats folded, comparable to some midsize SUVs.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style infotainment display, with the EX-L trim offering a 9-inch screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All trims included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a 7-inch colour touchscreen, with varying audio systems across trims. The EX-L also added a wireless charging pad and Wi-Fi capability, enhancing its tech offerings.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan boasted digital instrumentation, with R-Line trims featuring a larger 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system varied by trim, with the top model offering an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a premium sound system. However, the interface's complexity and touch-sensitive controls introduced unnecessary challenges, detracting from the overall user experience.

The 2023 Honda HR-V included the Honda Sensing suite as standard, offering adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. New features for 2023 included traffic-sign recognition and traffic jam assist. The HR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were pending.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured comprehensive safety technology, including Front Assist, Side Assist, and an Automatic Post Collision Braking System. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Tiguan's safety systems were effective and unobtrusive, though NHTSA testing was incomplete, and the IIHS rating did not apply for 2023.