2022 Porsche Macan vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a design that walked the line between understated and classic. Critics often described it as conservative, yet its clean lines conveyed a timeless aesthetic designed to age gracefully. Despite being largely understated, the Tiguan's spacious build was a plus for those seeking an accommodating family car. This second-generation model remedied prior criticisms by offering a larger interior, nearly matching the size of a Hyundai Santa Fe or a Kia Sorento. Inside, the Tiguan featured a simple but effective layout combined with geometric interior forms typical of German automotive design. Plastic materials aside, its upscale look was complemented by options for digital instrumentation and an integrated touchscreen infotainment system. The odd placement of the engine start button on the center console was a minor glitch in an otherwise thoughtfully designed cabin.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, introduced in 2015, carried forward a more aggressive and sporty design. Eight years of stylistic refinements left the Macan almost identical to its predecessors, yet more polished. Updates in 2022 included larger standard wheels, new wheel designs, and interior enhancements like haptic touch controls for a more luxurious feel. The exterior boasted Porsche's signature sloping clamshell hood and athletic stance, showcasing the SUV's performance-oriented intent. Inside, the Macan shared several design elements with other Porsche models, from the left-side ignition switch to the wide dashboard featuring predominantly tactile controls. Paired with exquisite red leather and silver metallic accents, the cabin exuded an upscale sporty look that echoed the brand's heritage.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower at 4,360 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque starting at a low 1,600 rpm. The power output, while deemed adequate, suffered from notable turbo lag, causing a delayed acceleration response. The vehicle’s substantial curb weight further exacerbated this issue, making the engine feel underwhelming in high-demand scenarios like passing or merging onto highways. Fuel efficiency was a combined 25 mpg for FWD models and 24 mpg for AWD, though real-world testing often fell short of these numbers. However, driving dynamics shined in urban settings thanks to light yet responsive steering and a compliant ride. Despite excellent highway manners, the Tiguan felt less composed on twisty roads due to early tire grip loss and significant body roll.

In contrast, the 2022 Porsche Macan provided a more thrilling experience. The base model’s turbocharged 2.0-liter engine output 261 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, a significant uptick over its predecessor. The Macan S, which housed a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine, boasted 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, catapulting it from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package. Porsche's seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission and fully variable AWD system came standard, ensuring a rear-wheel power bias during most driving conditions for better handling. The Macan S exhibited exceptional steering and suspension tuning, enhanced further by the optional PTV+ system and PSCB. Driving the Macan felt like piloting a sports car, with responsive handling and unyielding grip making every twist and turn an exhilarating experience, albeit at the cost of fuel efficiency, which averaged around 18.1 mpg in real-world testing.

Inside the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, comfort was a primary focus. The large doors facilitated easy ingress and egress, while the front seats offered numerous adjustments for optimal support and visibility. The V-Tex leatherette upholstery mimicked genuine leather well, and the dual-zone climate control system proved effective. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed excellent legroom, foot space, and access to air conditioning vents and USB ports. The Tiguan's cargo space varied depending on the presence of a third-row seat, ranging between 33 and 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 73.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Though front seat accommodations were ample, overall interior storage was somewhat limited.

The 2022 Porsche Macan, surprisingly for a sporty SUV, provided considerable comfort for the driver and front passenger. The test vehicle’s Premium Package included 14-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, offering excellent support for spirited driving. While rear-seat room was more confined, it remained adequate for shorter journeys. The redesigned center console introduced for the 2022 model included haptic touch controls and extra storage, yet the usability issues with these touch-sensitive controls and their propensity to create glare were noted drawbacks. Cargo space in the Macan measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 53 cubic feet with the seats folded down. While not as commodious as the Tiguan, the Macan’s cargo hold was well-shaped to maximize available space.

For 2021, Volkswagen upgraded the Tiguan’s infotainment to the MIB3 platform, starting with the SE trim. This system featured an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and WiFi capability for up to four devices. Although a step up from its predecessor, user interface quirks and subpar voice recognition were noted issues. The standard six-speaker audio system struggled with bass-heavy tracks, warranting the nine-speaker Fender premium audio system on SEL Premium R-Line trims. Additionally, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation offered a tech-savvy but understated information display.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system featuring a 10.9-inch touchscreen. This system included wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and connected services, along with a standard 10-speaker audio setup. The user interface was largely intuitive, though voice recognition was less reliable compared to competitors. Auxiliary controls for volume and climate functions were conveniently located below the screen, minimizing the need for screen interaction while driving. Optional audio upgrades included systems from Bose and Burmester, elevating the in-car entertainment experience.

All 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan models were outfitted with Volkswagen’s IQ Drive suite of safety features which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and more. The SE trim added adaptive cruise control, while higher trims included lane-keep assist and automatic high-beam headlights. The parking sensors and reversing camera added extra layers of security. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Tiguan as a “Top Safety Pick” in specific trims, though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not completed its assessment.

The 2022 Porsche Macan came standard with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Additional options included blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a Park Assist system which could autonomously steer the vehicle into parking spaces. Despite these offerings, the Macan lacked some of the more advanced driver-assistance technologies found in other luxury vehicles. Neither NHTSA nor IIHS provided safety ratings for the Macan.