2021 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was noted for its clean lines and balanced proportions, offering a conservative, upscale, and timeless aesthetic that appealed to those who appreciated understated styling. Despite some opinions that it might appear boring, the Tiguan's design was expected to age well. It was larger than its predecessor, nearly matching the interior space of a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento, which made it roomy and accommodating for 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, though it was criticized for excessive hard plastic and flimsy steering wheel stalks.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer offered a more athletic appearance with its long hood, short front overhang, and rakish roofline, enhanced by blacked-out roof pillars for a "floating roof" effect. The King Ranch trim, in particular, featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating and King Ranch branding, though the interior exhibited a mix of quality and questionable materials. The Explorer's third-row seat was primarily suitable for children due to its low roofline and limited legroom. Despite these limitations, the Explorer King Ranch was equipped with numerous comfort features, including massaging front seats and heated second-row captain’s chairs, making it a comfortable choice for families of four.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, was adequate but suffered from turbo lag, making it feel breathless during acceleration. 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 an average of 22.6 mpg. Despite its powertrain limitations, the Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light steering, a compliant ride, and nimble handling, though it struggled with suspension isolation over bumps.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and up to 24 mpg combined. A hybrid option was available, offering 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and up to 27 mpg combined. The most powerful option was a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,600 pounds and 21 mpg combined. The Explorer King Ranch, with its twin-turbo V6, offered robust performance and a satisfying exhaust note, though the hybrid powertrain was recommended for its balance of power and efficiency. The Explorer's ride was robust and capable off-road, with athletic handling for daily driving.

Inside the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, comfort was prioritized with large doors, tall seating, and adjustable front seats for excellent visibility. The V-Tex leatherette upholstery and dual-zone climate control added to the comfort. The back seat offered generous legroom and support, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for passengers. The Tiguan's cargo space varied depending on the third-row seat, offering between 33 and 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 73.5 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage space was limited, though the panoramic sunroof and 40/20/40-split rear seat added versatility.

The 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch provided comfort for families of four, with heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and massaging front seats. The third-row seat was less accessible and comfortable for adults. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for additional compartments. The King Ranch featured a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with seats folded. The Explorer's interior lacked practical storage solutions, emphasizing its sporty nature.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB3 infotainment system starting with the SE trim, offering an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi, SiriusXM 360L, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system had quirks, particularly with voice recognition, and the standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass-heavy music. The SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims included Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation, maintaining an understated approach to technology.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch trim included FordPass Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, wireless charging, a surround-view camera, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system had limitations, particularly with voice recognition, and Ford was encouraged to upgrade to Sync 4. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came with IQ Drive, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist were available on higher trims. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete.

The 2022 Ford Explorer received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS across all trims. It featured Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer's safety systems operated smoothly, though steering wheel sensitivity was a minor issue.