2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication that was hard to match in the small luxury SUV segment. Its design was a masterclass in elegance, with a sporty yet refined silhouette that borrowed elements from the larger Range Rover models. The Velar's exterior was characterized by its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and distinctive trapezoidal roof, all of which contributed to its unmistakable Range Rover identity. The interior, while not as opulent as some of its predecessors, still offered high-quality materials and a sleek design, with a polished black center stack and sharp digital displays.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan maintained a more conservative yet graceful design that aged well over time. The SEL R-Line trim, in particular, stood out with its sporty appearance and 20-inch machined-finish wheels. Inside, the Tiguan offered a spacious and upscale cabin, with quality leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and climate system were less intuitive, detracting from the overall user experience. Despite this, the Tiguan's interior was well-constructed, providing a solid and comfortable environment for passengers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in handling and steering characteristics that were a departure from traditional Land Rover models. Its lower center of gravity and lighter weight improved cornering and braking, while the optional air suspension offered a plush "magic carpet" ride. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 247 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. While the powertrain provided adequate performance, it was the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that truly shone, delivering up to 395 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with the option for VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, with the SEL R-Line trim featuring AWD as standard. While the powertrain was not the most powerful in its class, the Tiguan's dynamic qualities were commendable, with excellent tire grip and stable handling. However, the automatic transmission occasionally stumbled with delayed downshifts, and the brake pedal required more effort than expected.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs and only slightly roomier than compact SUVs. Its stylish exterior compromised headroom and visibility, with cargo space limited to 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design also introduced a frustrating control layout, with the parking brake integrated into the transmission button, leading to potential confusion in emergencies.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, excelled in passenger and cargo space. With large rear door openings and a spacious back seat, the Tiguan offered generous legroom, headroom, and foot room. The SEL R-Line trim featured comfortable front seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The cargo area was cavernous, accommodating full-size suitcases and offering an adjustable load floor height. With AWD, the Tiguan provided 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, rivaling some midsize SUVs.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout with logical arrangements. The system featured voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield, among other useful features. The instrument panel could display full-width maps and reconfigure gauges, though the adaptive cruise control's steering assist was not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line trim boasting a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system, and Car-Net connected services. However, the touch-sensitive controls and multi-layer processes introduced unnecessary complexity, detracting from the user experience. The voice-recognition system also underperformed, often failing to connect due to inactive subscriptions.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked U.S. crash-test ratings but performed well in the European NCAP, scoring five stars and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors, with optional 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in safety features, offering tech often found in luxury models. Standard features included Front Assist and Side Assist, with the IQ.Drive package adding adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Tiguan's safety technology was effective and unobtrusive, though its crash-test ratings were incomplete at the time of review. The IIHS awarded the 2023 Tiguan a Top Safety Pick+ rating for the 2022 calendar year.