2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, joined Mercedes-Benz's extensive SUV lineup, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Measuring 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase, the GLB was slightly larger than the GLA but just a bit smaller than the GLC. Despite these distinct measurements, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it hard to distinguish without checking the badge. The GLB featured an attractive, athletic stance, partly due to its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, which was more forgiving for soft roads and speed humps compared to the lower-slung GLA and GLC.

Inside, the GLB was a modern stunner with a striking repetition of round shapes across the dash and polished metal details on the HVAC vents, evoking an aerospace vibe. The single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and the infotainment screen added to the cabin's elegance. The fit and finish were excellent, typical of Mercedes-Benz, and the beefy steering wheel with perforated leather grips added to the driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, refreshed for the year, maintained a conservative yet timeless design with creased, folded, and symmetrical lines. The new front styling aligned the Tiguan with Volkswagen’s larger Atlas models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and available illuminated grille bar. Standard LED headlights, new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate, and redesigned aluminum wheels added to its refreshed look.

Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line boasted a richer-looking cabin with perforated and piped leather upholstery, new technology, touch-sensing steering wheel and climate controls, and ambient lighting with 15 color choices. However, the hard plastic covering the lower half of the cabin revealed its mass-market status. The Tiguan offered standard keyless entry with push-button start and heated front seats, with remote engine starting available from the SE trim. The updated Tiguan retained its great looks while adding extra pizzazz, keeping it fresh until a full redesign.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD.

Built on a FWD platform, the GLB offered decent performance considering its curb weight of 3,638 to 3,891 pounds. It could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version provided better handling and agility, especially in foul weather and during cornering maneuvers. The Off-Road Engineering Package, standard with 4MATIC, included hill-start assist, downhill speed regulation, and an animation program for off-road maneuvers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan continued with 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 transferred power to the front wheels, with 4Motion AWD available. The AWD system could decouple the rear axle to save fuel when not needed.

Drivers could choose between Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with 4Motion models offering Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad settings. The Tiguan's Hill Descent Control system engaged in Offroad mode, but with just 7.6 inches of ground clearance, it was best suited for well-traveled paths. The Tiguan's suspension and steering provided a nimble and responsive feel in normal driving situations, but pushing it for outright fun revealed limitations in the tires and suspension.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, affecting the second row and cargo compartments. The second row's seatbacks were divided 40:20:40, with adjustable recline angles and sliding sections. In three-row models, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the third row, which was retractable and folded flat when not needed. Cargo space varied from 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row in two-row models to 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row in three-row models.

The GLB's front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. The second row was comfortable for two adults, with modern amenities like door pockets, map pockets, and cupholders.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, a giant among compact crossovers, offered a spacious interior comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. FWD models came with a standard third-row seat, while 4Motion models did not. The SEL R-Line featured leather-wrapped, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, excellent outward visibility, and a panoramic glass sunroof.

The second row was roomy and comfortable for adults, with rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and ample storage. The switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard added sophistication but proved harder to use. Cargo space in FWD models with the third row was limited to 12 cubic feet behind the third row, 33 cubic feet with it folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. 4Motion models offered 37.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came packed with technology, including the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and natural language understanding. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, smartphone integration, keyless start, and a power liftgate.

The Premium Package upgraded the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen to 10.25 inches each, with keyless go and an optional Burmester Surround Sound System. The Multimedia Package added navigation with augmented reality, traffic-sign assist, and a live camera feed for navigation. Other advanced options included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless device charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance, and a head-up display.

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 Tiguan S, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, 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 offered a complimentary Remote Access plan for five years, with features like remote engine start and Family Guardian alerts. The Safe & Secure plan included automatic crash notification and emergency assistance, while the Hotspot plan provided a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB included standard safety features like active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, attention assist, and emergency call service. Available features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. The GLB had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard Front Assist and Side Assist. The IQ Drive collection included Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and Emergency Assist, which slowed the SUV and brought it to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from IIHS, and the 2022 model's new features could improve that score.