2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 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, the design was appreciated for its potential 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 some shiny detailing and digital instrumentation to enhance its somber tones. However, the presence of hard plastics and flimsy steering wheel stalks detracted from its premium feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was praised for its elegant design and recognizable Jeep features, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches. The L model was 11.4 inches longer than the standard Grand Cherokee, allowing for a third row of seats and more legroom. The interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials like real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather. The Grand Cherokee L offered a spacious cabin with ample room in all rows, and the optional air suspension provided a comfortable ride. The vehicle's design and features made it feel like a premium offering, with a focus on both style and functionality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, 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 of lethargy. Fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined for FWD models and 24 mpg for AWD, though real-world testing showed an average of 22.6 mpg. Despite its powertrain shortcomings, the Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light steering, a compliant ride, and nimble handling, though it struggled with suspension isolation over rough surfaces.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, was found lacking for a vehicle of this size, with engine noise intruding into the cabin. The V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, provided a more satisfying performance. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was praised for its ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering five ride height settings for various driving conditions. Fuel economy for the V6 was decent at 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was less efficient at 17 mpg combined.

Inside the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, comfort was prioritized with large doors and tall seating positions for easy access. The front seats offered a wide range of adjustments, and the back seat provided excellent support and legroom. The Tiguan's interior featured a panoramic sunroof and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for versatile cargo space. Depending on the configuration, cargo volume ranged from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, with a maximum capacity of 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L boasted a user-friendly Uconnect 5 infotainment system with physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The interior was spacious, with ample room in all rows and standard second-row captain's chairs. A panoramic roof and numerous USB ports enhanced passenger comfort, though the air vents were criticized for insufficient airflow. The Grand Cherokee L offered a large central cubby and wireless phone charging, with cargo space accommodating various passenger and storage needs.

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, and a range of connected services. While the system was an improvement, it had some quirks, and the standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass-heavy music. Higher trims included digital cockpit instrumentation and a nine-speaker Fender audio system.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims offered premium features like massage modes, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch screens for rear passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, with additional options available on higher trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came with the IQ Drive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS for SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS at the time, but it included standard safety features like driver and passenger knee airbags, rear seat alert, and trailer sway control. Various driver aids were also standard, with additional safety features available on higher trims.