2022 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was characterized by its clean lines and balanced proportions, offering a conservative, upscale, and timeless aesthetic. While some might have found its styling understated, it was designed to age gracefully. The Tiguan was notably large for its class, with a roomy interior that could accommodate up to seven passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The interior featured modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout, with digital instrumentation and a touchscreen infotainment system. However, the use of hard plastics and flimsy steering wheel stalks detracted from its premium feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 combined Cadillac’s trademark design cues with a compact footprint and tall profile, resulting in a somewhat ungainly appearance. The Premium Luxury and Sport models offered distinct styling cues, with chrome accents for the former and darker trim for the latter. Inside, the XT5 felt luxurious, especially with the optional Platinum Package, which added high-end materials. However, the interior lacked a strong design theme and brand-specific markers, making it less distinctive compared to competitors. The seats were comfortable but not quite up to luxury standards.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. While adequate, the engine suffered from turbo lag, making it feel breathless during passing maneuvers. The Tiguan's nearly 4,000-pound curb weight contributed to this perception. Fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD, though real-world testing showed 22.6 mpg for the AWD model. Despite its powertrain shortcomings, the Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light steering, a compliant ride, and nimble handling, though it struggled over sharper bumps and lacked grip in corners.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 offered two engine options: a base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 with 310 horsepower. The V6, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and quick shifts, making it suitable for everyday driving. The optional performance suspension with adaptive dampers offered a comfortable ride with excellent body control. The steering was well-suited for a luxury vehicle, providing nimbleness without nervousness. The XT5's cabin was impressively quiet, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with large doors, tall seating, and adjustable front seats. The interior featured perforated V-Tex leatherette upholstery and dual-zone climate control. Back-seat space was generous, with ample legroom and foot space, making it suitable for families. The Tiguan offered a panoramic sunroof and a versatile cargo area with 33 to 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row, depending on the configuration. Maximum cargo capacity ranged from 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 provided more front headroom than some German competitors but trailed in rear headroom. It offered more legroom in both rows compared to its rivals. The seats were comfortable but could have used more padding. Cargo space was 30 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63 cubic feet with them folded, surpassing some competitors. A hands-free power liftgate was available. The center console was cramped, but a small cubbyhole provided additional storage.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and WiFi connectivity. The system offered improved processing times and a range of features, though the user interface had quirks, and the standard sound system struggled with bass-heavy music. Higher trims included digital cockpit instrumentation and a premium audio system.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 came with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The optional Technology Package added a digital instrument cluster and head-up display. While usability was improved, the tech was merely adequate compared to competitors. The touchscreen was easy to navigate, but secondary controls were cumbersome. The optional Bose Performance Series 14-speaker system delivered excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with IQ Drive, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and parking sensors. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in certain trims.

The 2022 Cadillac XT5 included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist as standard. The optional Driver Assist Package added adaptive cruise control and enhanced braking features. The XT5 received top scores in IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.