2021 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

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 understated styling boring, others appreciated the beauty in its design, which was expected to age well. The Tiguan was notably large for its class, nearly matching the interior space of a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento, thanks to its long-wheelbase version. This upsizing resulted in a roomy interior, accommodating up to seven passengers with an optional third-row seat, though it was best suited for children. The interior featured modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout, with shiny detailing and a flush touchscreen display, though it fell short of Audi's luxury due to the presence of hard plastics.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport boasted a bold, sporty, and upscale appearance, especially in the SEL Premium R-Line trim with its 21-inch machined-finish wheels. By removing the third row and lowering the roofline, Volkswagen created a more rakish look, though it reduced cargo space. The Atlas Cross Sport's interior was exceptionally roomy for five people, with generous rear legroom and a range of comfort features like heated and ventilated seats. However, the interior's hard, glossy plastics detracted from the overall quality impression. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas Cross Sport's color combinations and design conveyed an upscale appearance.

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 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 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 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.6-liter V6 with 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The V6, which did not require premium fuel, provided a more satisfying driving experience and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and 4Motion AWD available. The V6 felt more energetic in the two-row Cross Sport, though it averaged just 19.2 mpg during testing. The ride quality varied, with the suspension feeling too firm at low speeds and too soft at higher speeds. The Atlas Cross Sport excelled on the highway, offering a comfortable ride and efficient V6 performance.

Inside the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, comfort was a priority. Large doors and tall seating made entry and exit easy, while the front seats offered a wide range of adjustments. The Tiguan's back seat provided excellent support and generous legroom, with amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The optional panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel. Cargo space varied depending on the presence of the third-row seat, ranging 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 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport shared its wheelbase and track width with the larger Atlas, resulting in an exceptionally roomy interior for five adults. The test vehicle featured 10-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and a dual-zone climate control system. A panoramic sunroof enhanced the sense of space, while ample storage options were available, though many lacked lining to prevent rattling. The cargo area offered plenty of space, with deep wells for additional storage, though the shorter length and lower roofline reduced overall capacity compared to the seven-passenger model.

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 quirks, and the standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass-heavy music. Higher trims offered a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims offering a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen with additional features. The upgraded system included wireless smartphone integration, SiriusXM with 360L, and multiple USB ports. Car-Net connected services offered various subscription plans, though the user experience could be frustrating. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a 12-speaker Fender premium sound system, delivering excellent audio quality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with the IQ Drive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport offered a range of safety features, with higher trims adding adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and IQ Drive, which included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The SEL Premium R-Line trim featured a semi-autonomous Parking Steering Assistant and a 360-degree camera system. While the Atlas Cross Sport received favorable crash-test ratings, it did not earn the highest accolades from safety organizations.