2022 Acura RDX vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Acura RDX featured subtle styling changes inspired by its larger sibling, the MDX. These updates included modifications to the grille surround, front and rear bumper styling, new wheel designs, and additional paint colors. The limited-production PMC Edition returned with exclusive Long Beach Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid white interior, built at the Performance Manufacturing Center in Ohio. The RDX lineup included various trims, with prices ranging from $42,300 to $53,300, excluding a $1,045 destination charge. Our test vehicle, equipped with the A-Spec Advance package, showcased high-quality materials, solid build quality, and a quieter interior, justifying its $53,645 price tag.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan remained largely unchanged from its 2022 iteration, with the most notable update being a complimentary five-year Car-Net Safe & Secure connected services plan. The Tiguan was available in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, with prices ranging from $26,950 to $37,680, plus a $1,295 destination charge. Our SEL R-Line test vehicle, priced at $38,975, featured Atlantic Blue paint and Storm Gray leather interior. Despite the variety of exterior colors, interior colors, wheel designs, and upholstery options, choices were restricted based on trim levels, limiting customization. The SEL R-Line stood out for its sporty appearance, 20-inch wheels, adaptive front lighting, and a light bar across the grille.

The 2022 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered a responsive and enjoyable driving experience. However, heavy-footed drivers would find it challenging to achieve the EPA-rated 23 mpg, as our test averaged 20.6 mpg. The RDX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system available on higher trims. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70% of the engine's power to a single rear wheel, enhancing cornering performance. The revised Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) and re-tuned adaptive-damping suspension provided a smoother ride in Comfort mode and greater responsiveness in Sport mode. The RDX's quieter cabin and improved driving dynamics made it a compelling choice, though it fell short of earning Acura's Type S performance badge.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system available. The SEL R-Line trim included AWD as standard, offering various driving modes such as Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad. The EPA-rated fuel economy for the SEL R-Line was 24 mpg combined, but our test achieved 22.6 mpg. The Tiguan's powertrain provided adequate performance, though it struggled with passing power and exhibited turbo lag. The automatic transmission's delayed downshifts and the somewhat numb brake pedal detracted from the driving experience. However, the Tiguan's variable-assist steering, excellent tire grip, and stable handling made it enjoyable to drive. The ride quality was compliant, and the vehicle's road noise communicated road texture effectively.

The 2022 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered ample space for four adults and their luggage, with a standard panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of openness. The interior featured a sporty design with a prominent IDS driving mode knob on the dashboard. However, the control layout, including the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, required a learning curve. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available ventilation and a heated steering wheel. Dual-zone automatic climate control and Iconic Drive ambient lighting added to the comfort. The rear seats, though less comfortable, provided a flat load floor when folded, revealing 58.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The power liftgate and hidden storage compartments further enhanced practicality.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in passenger and cargo space, especially in AWD models without the third-row seat. Our SEL R-Line test vehicle featured comfortable front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, along with a heated steering wheel. The dashboard's touch-sensing controls, however, were ergonomically flawed, making climate and audio adjustments challenging. The rear seats offered generous legroom, headroom, and foot room, with air conditioning vents, cupholders, and a USB charging port. The cargo area, accessible via a hands-free power liftgate, was spacious, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The adjustable load floor, deep storage wells, and handy levers added to the Tiguan's practicality.

The 2022 Acura RDX's TTI infotainment system paired a 10.2-inch display screen with a sectioned touchpad controller, requiring a learning curve for users. The system's complexity was mitigated by Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. Standard features included satellite radio and AcuraLink connected services with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Technology package added a navigation system, while higher trims featured an ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system with 16 speakers and a 10.5-inch head-up display.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan came with digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, Car-Net connected services, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the touch-sensitive controls and multi-layer sub-menus complicated usability. The voice-recognition system underperformed, likely due to inactive Car-Net Hotspot and Plus Speech subscriptions.

The 2022 Acura RDX received structural upgrades for improved side-impact safety, aiming to maintain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. New safety features included a rear seatbelt reminder system, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were mostly accurate but occasionally issued false warnings. The NHTSA awarded the RDX a five-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star frontal-impact and rollover resistance ratings, and five-star side-impact ratings.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered comprehensive safety features, including Front Assist with forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking, and Side Assist with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, Park Assist, parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking, and an Area View surround-view camera system. The Tiguan's safety technology performed well, though the NHTSA's incomplete testing and concerns about the driver's door unlatching during side-impact tests were notable. The IIHS awarded the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick+ rating for the 2022 calendar year.