2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

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. Its larger size for a compact crossover provided a roomy and accommodating interior, with the option of a small third-row seat to expand passenger capacity to seven, though it 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 Honda Odyssey offered a sense of style with its classic minivan design, featuring kinked sliding doors and dramatic character lines. The Elite trim level added dark gray 19-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Odyssey provided a classic open-concept design with quality materials and a low console between the front seats. The center stack, though initially appearing cluttered, was intuitive to use, with commonly used functions placed conveniently near the infotainment display. The expansive windshield and small front quarter windows contributed to a fishbowl sensation, making the Odyssey a standout in terms of visibility.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. While the powertrain was adequate, it suffered from turbocharger lag, making it feel breathless during passing maneuvers. The Tiguan's nearly 4,000-pound curb weight contributed to this perception of lethargy. 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 these drawbacks, the Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light steering, a compliant ride, and refined braking action, though it struggled with suspension isolation over speed bumps and railroad tracks.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike some competitors, the Odyssey did not offer AWD or an electrified powertrain, resulting in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 22 mpg combined. Despite this, the Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with quick acceleration, responsive handling, and remarkable composure on mountain roads. However, repeated use of the brakes on downhill grades led to pedal vibration and audible grumbling, indicating a need for more heat-resistant brakes.

Inside the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, comfort was prioritized with large doors and tall seating hip points for easy access. The front seats offered a wide range of adjustments, and the V-Tex leatherette upholstery provided a convincing imitation of real leather. Back-seat space was generous, with excellent occupant support and legroom. The Tiguan's cargo space varied depending on the presence of a third-row seat, offering between 33 and 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum capacity of 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and versatility. The minivan's low seating position and wide-opening doors made entry and exit effortless. The Elite trim featured quality leather, supportive front seats, and a tri-zone climate control system. Storage space was abundant, with numerous compartments and a handy floor tray. The Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible configurations, while the third-row seat provided comfort for adults. Cargo space was impressive, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system, available from the SE trim level. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi connectivity, and a range of Car-Net connected services. However, the system had some quirks, 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, offering an understated approach to technology.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Elite was equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology, though its infotainment features lagged behind competitors. Starting with the EX trim, the Odyssey offered an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The Touring and Elite trims added CabinWatch and CabinTalk technology, as well as a rear-seat entertainment system. However, the system's single 10.2-inch display and lack of modern features left it feeling outdated. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium audio system and a wireless charging pad, but the overall infotainment experience was underwhelming.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with the IQ Drive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was available from the SE trim, with additional features like lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist on higher trims. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line specifications.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey was equipped with Honda Sensing as standard, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. However, the system lacked refinement, occasionally issuing invalid warnings or taking abrupt actions. The Odyssey earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.