2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Honda CR-V

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
$26,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Honda CR-V
2021 Honda CR-V
$25,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
$26,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda CR-V
$25,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda CR-V scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Honda CR-V is the better choice, offering superior safety features, more cargo space, and a practical design that meets the needs of families and individuals alike.

Overview

MSRP

$26,490

MSRP

$25,350

Average price

$24,188

Average price

$26,349

Listings

1472

Listings

2016
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Excellent value for money
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Unimpressive performance and handling
Pros
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Fairly pedestrian performance

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews Summary

Volkswagen’s most popular model is the Tiguan compact SUV, representing quite a turn of events compared to 2017, when the original version languished at or near the bottom of consumer consideration lists. What happened? Compact crossover SUV sales exploded like a California wildfire during a Santa Ana wind event, and the second-generation Tiguan grew in size to become one of the biggest of the traditional small SUVs. Unsurprisingly, with the updated 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, the automaker elects to hone instead of change this recipe for success.

2021 Honda CR-V Reviews Summary

Even in a grim year, Honda is selling a staggering number of CR-Vs. The CR-V is the best-selling Honda by far. It’s also the second best-selling compact SUV, just behind the Toyota RAV4. And it's the fifth best-selling vehicle in the U.S., and if you take out all the commercial sales of full-size pickups it’s one of the two best-selling vehicles year in and year out.

So it’s hard to argue against the CR-V formula. Honda’s been at this almost as long as crossovers have been a thing, launching the CR-V in 1997—a year after the RAV4 debuted.

The funny thing is, aside from sales volume, there’s only one thing the CR-V particularly excels at. Aesthetics are subjective, but it would be hard to argue the CR-V is the best looking vehicle in its class. It’s not the cheapest. It’s not the best equipped, especially at the middle to lower trim levels. It’s not the fastest, nor is it the quietest, or the most fuel efficient. It’s not even the most reliable, showing up nowhere in J.D. Power's Most Reliable list.

So what makes it so appealing to American consumers? Let’s see if we can figure that out.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 184 hp I4

Engine

1.5L 190 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

184 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

190 hp @ 5600 rpm

MPG City

23

MPG City

28

MPG Highway

30

MPG Highway

34
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
$26,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda CR-V
2021 Honda CR-V
$25,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
$26,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Honda CR-V
$25,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda CR-V scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Honda CR-V is the better choice, offering superior safety features, more cargo space, and a practical design that meets the needs of families and individuals alike.

Overview
MSRP
$26,490
$25,350
Average price
$24,188
$26,349
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
4.5
Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Excellent value for money
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Unimpressive performance and handling
Pros
  • Plenty of cargo space
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
Summary
Volkswagen’s most popular model is the Tiguan compact SUV, representing quite a turn of events compared to 2017, when the original version languished at or near the bottom of consumer consideration lists. What happened? Compact crossover SUV sales exploded like a California wildfire during a Santa Ana wind event, and the second-generation Tiguan grew in size to become one of the biggest of the traditional small SUVs. Unsurprisingly, with the updated 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, the automaker elects to hone instead of change this recipe for success.

Even in a grim year, Honda is selling a staggering number of CR-Vs. The CR-V is the best-selling Honda by far. It’s also the second best-selling compact SUV, just behind the Toyota RAV4. And it's the fifth best-selling vehicle in the U.S., and if you take out all the commercial sales of full-size pickups it’s one of the two best-selling vehicles year in and year out.

So it’s hard to argue against the CR-V formula. Honda’s been at this almost as long as crossovers have been a thing, launching the CR-V in 1997—a year after the RAV4 debuted.

The funny thing is, aside from sales volume, there’s only one thing the CR-V particularly excels at. Aesthetics are subjective, but it would be hard to argue the CR-V is the best looking vehicle in its class. It’s not the cheapest. It’s not the best equipped, especially at the middle to lower trim levels. It’s not the fastest, nor is it the quietest, or the most fuel efficient. It’s not even the most reliable, showing up nowhere in J.D. Power's Most Reliable list.

So what makes it so appealing to American consumers? Let’s see if we can figure that out.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 184 hp I4
1.5L 190 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
7
5
Horsepower
184 hp @ 6000 rpm
190 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG City
23
28
MPG Highway
30
34
Look and feel
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
8/10
2021 Honda CR-V
6/10

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among its competitors with a conservative yet elegant design. Its refreshed front styling aligned it with Volkswagen’s larger models, featuring a new grille, standard LED headlights, and redesigned aluminum wheels. The SEL R-Line trim, in particular, boasted a sportier look with blacked-out elements and a striking Atlantic Blue Metallic paint. Inside, the Tiguan offered a sophisticated cabin with leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting, though the hard plastic in the lower half of the cabin hinted at its mass-market status.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V had a more generic appearance, blending in with other compact crossovers. While it had some distinguishing features like the grille and chromed plastic accents, it wasn’t a vehicle chosen for its looks. The CR-V came in eight colors, though most were shades of gray, black, or white, with vibrant options limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and optional wood panels and chrome accents, but it faced stiff competition from more stylish rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

Performance
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
6/10
2021 Honda CR-V
6/10

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sent power to the front wheels, with an optional 4Motion AWD system available. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with additional Offroad settings for AWD models. Despite its decent torque, the Tiguan experienced some turbo lag, and its fuel economy was average at 24 mpg combined. The ride and handling were nimble and responsive in normal driving but lacked excitement when pushed harder.

The 2021 Honda CR-V featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, with a 0-60 mph time of around 7.8 seconds. It came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provided smooth but unengaging acceleration. The CR-V offered FWD as standard, with AWD available as an option. Its suspension setup was similar to other vehicles in its class, with a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. The CR-V’s handling and ride quality were decent, though not particularly thrilling, and it faced competition from models with more engaging drivetrains.

Form and function
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
9/10
2021 Honda CR-V
8/10

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a spacious compact crossover, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered a standard third-row seat in FWD models, though this feature was absent in AWD versions. The SEL R-Line trim provided exceptional comfort with leather seats, power adjustments, and a panoramic sunroof. The second row was roomy enough for adults and children alike. Cargo space was generous, with up to 73.4 cubic feet available in AWD models. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, fitting five people comfortably and offering ample cargo space. It had 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo volume with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured manual, power, or hands-free tailgate operation. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. The CR-V’s interior was practical and spacious, making it a strong contender for families needing both passenger and cargo space.

Technology
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
6/10
2021 Honda CR-V
9/10

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. Most trims had the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the base S trim used MIB2 with a 6.5-inch screen. The MIB3 system included Car-Net connected services, smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. However, the natural voice recognition feature required a subscription upgrade. The Tiguan also offered a Park Assist system for autonomous parking in the SEL R-Line trim.

The 2021 Honda CR-V’s base LX trim had a basic 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB ports in the front and second rows, and the Touring trim added a wireless phone charger. The Touring trim also included a satellite navigation system with voice recognition.

Safety
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
9/10
2021 Honda CR-V
10/10

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard Front Assist and Side Assist on the base S trim. The IQ Drive system included Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and Emergency Assist, which could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model’s new features aimed to improve this score.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps as standard on all trims. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which became standard on the EX trim and above.

Cost Effectiveness
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
8/10
2021 Honda CR-V
8/10
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