2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured clean lines and balanced proportions, which some might have found understated, but it offered a conservative, upscale, and timeless aesthetic. Its larger size for its class, especially with the long-wheelbase version, provided nearly as much interior space as a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento. The interior was roomy and accommodating, with optional third-row seating for up to seven passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The cabin combined modern geometric forms with a no-nonsense control layout, though it had more hard plastic than an Audi and somewhat flimsy steering wheel stalks.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 had a more subtle look compared to its flashier competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions offered more visual drama with features like flared wheel arches and chrome detailing. The interior of the GLS 450, even in its basic form, felt luxurious with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well integrated, and the overall interior quality was high, though perhaps too subdued for some tastes.

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, provided adequate performance but suffered from turbo lag. The Tiguan's nearly 4,000-pound curb weight contributed to a perception of lethargy during acceleration. 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 for the AWD model. The Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light, responsive steering and a compliant ride, though it struggled with sharper speed bumps and railroad tracks.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, assisted by an EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup provided ample power and smooth performance, with the electric motor adding short bursts of extra power. The GLS 450's air suspension offered a comfortable ride but exhibited poor body control over bumps and in corners. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in interior comfort, with large doors and tall seating making entry and exit easy. The front seats offered a wide range of adjustments, and the back seat provided excellent support and generous legroom. The Tiguan's cargo space ranged from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, depending on whether it had the optional third-row seat, and up to 73.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. Storage space was somewhat limited, but the panoramic sunroof and other features added to the overall comfort.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, and the GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The GLS had one-touch power-folding seats and a power tailgate, making loading and unloading easy. However, the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues detracted from the overall experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB3 infotainment system starting with the SE trim, which included an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi, SiriusXM 360L, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system had faster processing times and a range of connected services, though the voice recognition technology was lacking. The SEL Premium R-Line trim offered a nine-speaker Fender audio system, while other trims had a less impressive six-speaker system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and the touchscreen itself. The voice recognition system was particularly effective, though the touchpad controller was cumbersome. The GLS lacked the augmented-reality navigation feature found in the latest S-Class sedan, and the embedded navigation system had some issues.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came 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. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. 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 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, and Crosswind Assist. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more advanced driver-assistance systems. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.