2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving it a more luxurious feel.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, refreshed for the new model year, maintained a conservative yet timeless design. The new front styling aligned it with Volkswagen’s larger Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and an available illuminated grille bar. Standard LED headlights, new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate, and redesigned aluminum wheels were part of the updates. The Tiguan lineup was simplified to S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, with prices ranging from $25,995 to $36,995, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The SEL R-Line test vehicle, priced at $37,970, featured a sportier look with machined-surface 18-inch alloy wheels and a rich Atlantic Blue Metallic paint. Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line boasted a sophisticated cabin with perforated and piped leather upholstery, new technology, touch-sensing steering wheel and climate controls, and ambient lighting with 15 color options, though the hard plastic lower cabin revealed its mass-market status.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving, and an observed average of 21.8 mpg during testing. The Odyssey lacked an all-wheel-drive option, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it featured a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow capability. The Odyssey’s ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering, a firm yet comfortable ride, and well-managed body motions. The 19-inch wheels on Touring and Elite trims enhanced handling, though the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,900 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an optional 4Motion AWD system that could send up to half the power to the rear wheels. The Tiguan offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and programmable Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings for AWD models. The Tiguan’s Hill Descent Control system operated at speeds up to 19 mph in Offroad mode, though its 7.6 inches of ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. The suspension setup included MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link independent rear suspension, with variable assist steering. The engine’s torque arrived later than some turbocharged engines, causing momentary turbo lag when accelerating from a stop. The Tiguan’s fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg in combined driving, with an observed average of 24.7 mpg. The ride and handling were nimble and responsive in normal driving, though the tires and suspension were less cooperative when pushed for performance.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, standard in all but the base LX trim, was comfortable with inboard adjustable armrests. The Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with all seats removed. However, the second-row seats had to be physically removed to access maximum cargo space, which was cumbersome.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, a spacious compact crossover, offered a roomy interior comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. The SEL R-Line trim featured leather-wrapped, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and excellent outward visibility. The second row was comfortable for adults and children, with rear air conditioning vents and a USB charging port. The Tiguan’s touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard, though sophisticated, were harder to use than traditional buttons. Cargo space in the 4Motion model measured 37.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, placing it in midsize SUV territory.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. The rear-seat entertainment system in Touring and Elite trims featured a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, wireless headphones, and streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available in all but the base S trim, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, App-Connect smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The SEL R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system. Natural voice recognition required a Plus Speech upgrade and an active Car-Net Hotspot subscription. Car-Net’s Remote Access plan was complimentary for five years, while additional plans like Safe & Secure and Hotspot were available for a fee. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, including low-speed follow adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey was expected to maintain its top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the exception of the headlights. The adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems were accurate but could be smoother in operation.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist on the base S trim. The IQ Drive system added Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and Emergency Assist, which could safely bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model’s new features were expected to improve its safety score.