2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between the classic two-door and the more practical four-door model, each with a variety of powertrains including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid. Buyers could opt for a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, with 4WD as a standard feature. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions like the High Tide model, which featured a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and a 4.56 rear axle ratio. The High Tide edition also included LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield, with a price tag reaching $58,845.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan maintained its design from the previous year, offering trims like S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line. The SEL R-Line trim, priced at $38,975, featured sporty styling with 20-inch wheels and adaptive front lighting. The Tiguan's interior boasted quality leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and digital instrumentation. However, the vehicle's design restricted color and wheel choices based on trim levels. Despite these limitations, the Tiguan's conservative design aged gracefully, providing a solid and upscale feel.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 21 mpg, but real-world testing showed an average of 16.8 mpg. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, characterized by its loud cabin, vague steering, and touchy brakes, yet it offered an immersive and adventurous ride, especially with the top and doors removed.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The SEL R-Line trim included AWD as standard, with various driving modes like Eco, Normal, and Sport. The Tiguan's EPA rating was 24 mpg combined, but testing showed 22.6 mpg. While the powertrain had quirks like turbo lag and delayed downshifts, the Tiguan excelled in stability and handling, offering a smooth ride with excellent road grip and nimble steering.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was rugged, with durable cloth upholstery and plastic and rubber materials. The High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, and the driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard. Visibility varied, with some obstructions from the spare tire and roof. The Wrangler offered 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan provided a spacious interior with comfortable front seats featuring power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The dashboard's touch-sensing controls were less user-friendly, but the rear seat offered generous legroom and headroom. The Tiguan's cargo area was expansive, with 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it one of the largest in its class.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide featured a basic 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional upgrades included a larger 8.4-inch Uconnect system with satellite radio and navigation. The Wrangler also had remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as part of the Cold Weather Group.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered 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 charging, and a nine-speaker Fender sound system. However, the system's touch-sensitive controls and multi-layer menus were less intuitive, requiring acclimation to use effectively.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, offering features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were subpar, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in safety features, with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, adaptive cruise control, and the IQ.Drive package. The Tiguan's safety technology was effective and user-friendly, but its crash-test ratings were incomplete, with concerns about the driver's door unlatching during side-impact tests. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Tiguan a Top Safety Pick+ rating for the 2022 calendar year.