2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan showcased a design that was both conservative and timeless, appealing to those who appreciated clean lines and balanced proportions. Its understated styling might have seemed dull to some, but it was crafted to age gracefully. The Tiguan was notably large for its class, offering a spacious interior that could accommodate up to seven passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The interior combined modern geometric forms with a practical control layout, though it was marred by some hard plastics and flimsy steering wheel stalks.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover presented an evolutionary design, maintaining its broad, rounded face and unadorned sheet metal. The most significant change was at the rear, with new thin LED taillights. Inside, the Range Rover offered a simplified yet familiar cabin with fewer buttons and a larger touchscreen. The materials were of premium quality, with leather and rich wood trim, creating an opulent atmosphere. The Range Rover exuded luxury, rivaling even more expensive alternatives like Maybach or Bentley.

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, it suffered from turbo lag, making acceleration feel sluggish at times, especially given its nearly 4,000-pound curb weight. The Tiguan offered a pleasant driving experience with light steering and a compliant ride, though it struggled with sharper speed bumps and corners. Fuel economy was modest, with an average of 22.6 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Range Rover offered two powertrains: a P400 turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 395 horsepower and a P530 twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 523 horsepower. The P400 provided effortless acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, despite the SUV's hefty weight. Handling was surprisingly agile, with well-managed body roll, and the Range Rover excelled in off-road capability thanks to its Terrain Response system. The ride quality was smooth, and the cabin remained quiet, enhancing the luxury experience.

Inside the 2021 Tiguan, comfort was prioritized with easy entry, supportive front seats, and generous back-seat space. The interior featured practical storage solutions, though some were limited. Cargo space varied depending on the seating configuration, offering up to 73.5 cubic feet. The panoramic sunroof and dual-zone climate control added to the comfort.

The 2022 Range Rover boasted spaciousness in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats offered massage functions, and storage was ample with multiple compartments. The second row provided power adjustments and climate controls, while the optional third row was suitable for smaller passengers. Cargo capacity reached up to 93 cubic feet, with a split tailgate aiding in loading.

The 2021 Tiguan featured the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi, and various connected services. However, the system had some quirks, and the standard sound system lacked quality. Higher trims included digital instrumentation and a premium audio option.

The 2022 Range Rover introduced the Pivi Pro system with a 13-inch touchscreen, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless smartphone connectivity and a robust Meridian audio system were standard. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration and remote control via a smartphone app, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2021 Tiguan came equipped with IQ Drive, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS for certain trims.

The 2022 Range Rover included standard safety features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. While it lacked some advanced features found in rivals, the existing systems performed well, especially the surround-view cameras for off-roading.