2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its promise of a striking design, often fell short in the eyes of many. Its exterior, while featuring an aggressive nose and a low hood, seemed to lose its distinctiveness past the A-pillar, making it hard to differentiate from its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to counteract its minivan-like tendencies, but the GLE struggled to match the aesthetic appeal of its competitors like the BMW X5 or the Porsche Cayenne. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. It was a masterpiece of quality and design, with a bold red and black color scheme that was both loud and luxurious. The interior's materials, from wood to leather, were a delight to touch, although some controls like the gear selector felt flimsy. Overall, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of luxury, but it required significant options to truly feel opulent.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a more conservative yet timeless design. Its creased and symmetrical exterior was understated but aged gracefully, appealing to those who appreciated simplicity and minimalism. The refreshed front styling aligned it with Volkswagen's larger models, and the addition of LED headlights and redesigned wheels added a touch of modernity. Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line offered a cabin that was both spacious and upscale, with leather upholstery and ambient lighting enhancing its appeal. However, the use of hard plastics in the lower half of the cabin reminded occupants of its mass-market status. The switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard, while sophisticated in appearance, proved challenging to use, potentially distracting drivers. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Tiguan's interior remained one of the most spacious in its class, offering ample room for passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a versatile SUV, offering a range of powertrains and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine with rear-wheel drive, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took performance up a notch with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S offered even more power, with 483 hp and 603 hp, respectively. The GLE's air suspension systems, including the E-Active Body Control, provided exceptional ride quality and handling, allowing the SUV to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. Despite its size, the GLE handled like a smaller vehicle, offering a smooth and controlled driving experience. However, its fuel efficiency was average, with the GLE 450 achieving 21/26/23 mpg and the GLE 350 4Matic slightly lower at 19/26/22 mpg.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Tiguan offered a choice between front-wheel drive and VW's 4Motion AWD. The AWD system could decouple the rear axle to save fuel when not needed. The Tiguan's driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, allowed drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. While the Tiguan's engine provided adequate power, it suffered from some turbo lag, requiring extra caution when accelerating from a stop. The Tiguan's ride and handling were satisfactory for everyday driving, but it lacked the excitement and performance of some competitors. Fuel economy was reasonable, with the R-Line 4Motion achieving 24 mpg combined during testing.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers. An optional third row allowed seating for seven, with power controls for the second-row seats enhancing comfort. Cargo capacity was generous, with 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The GLE Coupe, however, offered less space due to its sloping roofline, with 23 cubic feet behind the second row and 61 cubic feet in total. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability, replacing the clunky rotary/touchpad combo with a single touchpad and a simplified interface. Seat controls and driving mode shortcuts were easy to use, although the steering wheel thumbpads required some getting used to.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out for its spacious interior, rivaling smaller midsize SUVs. The SEL R-Line offered comfortable leather seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The second row was roomy enough for adults and children, with rear air conditioning vents and a USB charging port. Cargo space was impressive, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard, while visually appealing, proved challenging to use, potentially distracting drivers. Despite this, the Tiguan's interior remained one of the most accommodating in its class.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, allowing for gesture control. The system was intuitive, with search bars and larger type making it easy to navigate. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance enthusiasts, while the Seat Kinetics feature adjusted seating positions for comfort. The GLE offered a range of luxury features, including heated armrests, ambient lighting with 64 colors, and a natural voice assistant. The semi-automated functionality provided advanced driving assistance, making the GLE one of the most technologically advanced SUVs on the market.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on all but the base model, offered an 8-inch touchscreen, standard Car-Net connected services, and smartphone mirroring. The SEL R-Line included a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system. However, the natural voice recognition feature required a subscription, limiting its functionality during testing. The Tiguan also offered a Park Assist system for autonomous parking, standard on the SEL R-Line.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to its top ratings in crash tests and standard forward emergency braking. The GLE offered a range of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and Pre-Safe Impulse Side, which inflated side bolsters in the event of a side impact. The GLE's advanced safety systems provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, providing forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Tiguan's IQ Drive system included Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. Emergency Assist, another new feature, could safely bring the Tiguan 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 improved safety features aimed to enhance its safety credentials further.