2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet appealing design, characterized by its creased and symmetrical lines. This approach, while not overly emotional, was appreciated for its simplicity and minimalism, ensuring the vehicle aged gracefully. The updated front styling aligned the Tiguan with Volkswagen’s larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The SUV offered a range of trims, from S to SEL R-Line, with prices starting at $25,995. The SEL R-Line, in particular, boasted a sportier look with options like the Atlantic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line provided a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, advanced technology, and ambient lighting, though the lower half's hard plastic hinted at its mass-market status.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to a symbol of luxury. Starting at $92,000, the Range Rover offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, with the potential to exceed $250,000. Our test vehicle, the HSE Westminster special edition, featured a modest MSRP of $106,715 and included standard paint, wheels, and leather. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless look with hallmark design cues and a luxurious interior. The cabin, with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, exuded opulence, though the infotainment system was less intuitive than newer models. Overall, the Range Rover combined modern luxury with a nod to its storied past.

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 directed 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 settings for 4Motion models. Despite its modest ground clearance of 7.6 inches, the Tiguan was enjoyable to drive, though it exhibited turbo lag when accelerating from a stop. The EPA rated the R-Line with 4Motion at 24 mpg combined, and our test drive yielded a similar 24.7 mpg. While the Tiguan felt nimble in normal driving, it lacked the performance edge for more spirited driving.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Range Rover featured standard 4WD with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control. The SUV excelled in off-road conditions, though our test was limited to a well-traveled trail. The Range Rover's adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, and its high driving position offered excellent visibility. However, the steering was slow to respond, and the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity affected handling. The EPA rated the Range Rover at 20 mpg combined, with our test achieving 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact crossovers for its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. The SEL R-Line offered comfortable leather seats with power adjustments and excellent visibility. The second row was roomy, accommodating adults and children alike. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use. Cargo space was generous, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 73.4 cubic feet with them folded down.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked support and adjustability. Despite its luxurious features, storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for a small center-console bin. Luggage volume was also restricted, with 25 cubic feet available and a maximum of 59.8 cubic feet. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available in all but the base model, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. However, the natural voice recognition feature required a subscription and was not active during testing. The Tiguan also offered a Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while comprehensive, was not entirely intuitive and could be distracting while driving. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The SUV also offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for assistance with the infotainment system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with significant improvements to its IQ Drive systems. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, while Emergency Assist 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.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.