2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among its competitors with a design that was both creased and symmetrical, leaning towards a conservative aesthetic. This approach, while not eliciting strong emotions, aged gracefully and appealed to fans of simplicity and minimalism. For 2022, the Tiguan received new front styling to align with Volkswagen’s larger Atlas models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and an available illuminated grille bar. Standard LED headlights, new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate, and redesigned aluminum wheels were also part of the update. The SUV was available in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, with prices ranging from $25,995 to $36,995, plus a $1,195 destination charge. The SEL R-Line test vehicle, priced at $37,970, featured a sportier look with machined-surface 18-inch alloy wheels and Atlantic Blue Metallic paint.

Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line boasted a richer-looking cabin with perforated and piped leather upholstery, new technology, touch-sensing steering wheel and climate controls, and ambient lighting with 15 color options. Despite the upscale appearance, the hard plastic covering the lower half of the cabin revealed its mass-market status. Standard features included keyless entry, push-button engine starting, and heated front seats, with remote engine starting available from the SE trim. The updated Tiguan retained its great looks while adding extra pizzazz, ensuring it remained fresh until a full redesign.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, a new seven-passenger model, was an extended-length version of the upcoming redesigned 2022 Grand Cherokee, featuring a third-row seat and more cargo volume. Its styling, reminiscent of the more expensive Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, was a strong selling point. The Grand Cherokee L was available in Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims, with prices ranging from $36,995 to $64,235, plus a $1,695 destination charge. The Summit trim test vehicle, priced at $64,770, included 4WD, metallic paint, the Advanced Pro Tech Group, the Luxury Tech Group, and a 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system.

The Summit trim featured quilted and perforated leather, real wood trim, and a host of technology, representing a substantial improvement over the old model. However, some interior materials and fittings did not meet the high price's scrutiny. Overall, the Grand Cherokee L's design and features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and capable SUV.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,900 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the front wheels, with an optional 4Motion AWD system that could send up to half the power to the rear wheels. The Tiguan offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and programmable Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings for 4Motion models. Despite its 7.6 inches of ground clearance, the Tiguan was best suited for well-traveled paths. The MacPherson struts in front and multi-link independent rear suspension, combined with variable assist steering, provided a nimble and responsive driving experience. However, the engine's torque arrived later than some turbocharged engines, resulting in momentary turbo lag. The EPA estimated 24 mpg in combined driving for the R-Line with 4Motion, and our test drive averaged 24.7 mpg.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive or one of three 4WD systems. The V6 engine offered brisk acceleration but was loud when revved, and the transmission sometimes resisted downshifts to improve fuel economy. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, but our test vehicle averaged 17.8 mpg. An optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, available only with 4WD on higher trims, produced 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds and an EPA estimate of 17 mpg combined. The Grand Cherokee L featured a Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension, providing up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. The SUV's stiffer structure and Quadra-Lift suspension delivered a smooth ride and capable handling, with a secure on-center steering feel on the highway.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. Front-wheel-drive models included a standard third-row seat, while 4Motion models did not. The SEL R-Line featured leather-wrapped, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, excellent outward visibility, and a panoramic glass sunroof. The second row was roomy and comfortable for adults, with rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and ample storage. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard was harder to use. Cargo space was generous, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and a maximum of 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit trim offered heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustment, a heated steering wheel, and a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were too small, making it difficult to cool the cabin quickly. The second-row captain's chairs provided plenty of legroom and comfort, with manual side window sunshades. The third row was comfortable for all but the tallest adults, with large side windows for a great view. The Grand Cherokee L lacked practical storage space for front-seat occupants but offered a storage console for second-row passengers. Cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 84.6 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on all but the base S trim, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, App-Connect smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The SEL R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system. However, the natural voice recognition system required a Plus Speech upgrade and an active Car-Net Hotspot subscription. Car-Net Remote Access was complimentary for five years, with additional plans available for a fee. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, with 8.4-inch and 10.1-inch touchscreen options. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, and connected services with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The natural voice-recognition system worked well, and the optional 19-speaker McIntosh audio system provided excellent sound quality. The Grand Cherokee L also offered a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation panel, a digital rearview mirror, a thermal-imaging night vision system, and a Fam Cam rear-seat monitoring system. The head-up display remained visible to drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist (forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection) and Side Assist (blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert). The IQ Drive collection of advanced driving assistance systems added Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and Emergency Assist, which could safely bring the SUV 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 improvements could enhance this rating.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-centering assistance. The system worked well but felt artificial in the driver's hands. Intersection Collision Assist, standard on Summit models, could detect threats at intersections and apply the brakes if necessary. The Grand Cherokee L also offered Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. Crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of the review, but the new model was expected to improve upon the old Grand Cherokee's performance.