2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a standout among its competitors, primarily because it avoided the "ugly" aesthetics that plagued many of its rivals. In a sector brimming with overly styled or blandly designed SUVs, the Tiguan’s elegance was rooted in its simplicity and minimalism. For 2022, the Tiguan received a refreshed front end to better align it with Volkswagen’s larger Atlas models, featuring a restyled grille that now carried the new VW logo, standard LED headlights, redesigned aluminum wheels, and new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate. The SUV came in four trims—S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line—with a price range from $25,995 to $36,995, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The evaluated SEL R-Line model was completed in Atlantic Blue Metallic, with sleek 18-inch machined-surface alloy wheels that accentuated its sporty look.

Inside, the SEL R-Line boasted a plush cabin with perforated and piped leather upholstery, ambient lighting choices, and advanced technology. Its touch-sensing steering wheel and climate controls contributed to an upscale feel, even though harder plastic on the lower sections hinted at its mass-market roots. The updated 2022 Tiguan included standard keyless entry, push-button starting, heated front seats, and upgrades like remote engine starting on SE trims and higher.

Conversely, the 2022 BMW X3 presented a more aggressive but polished exterior. Available in four variants—sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and M—the X3 maintained traditional BMW design cues, such as the distinctive kidney grille that grew slightly larger for 2022. Adaptive full LED headlights got slimmer, and new vertical air intakes alongside a refreshed bumper added finesse. The redesigned rear featured claw-shaped blackout LED taillights and larger exhaust tips, hinting at a futuristic aesthetic. New paint colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II added modern flair, while the introduction of aerodynamically optimized 19-inch wheels improved fuel efficiency.

Inside, the X3 showcased a well-appointed configuration with dark oak wood trim, standard eight-way power-adjustable front sport seats, and a tri-zone automatic climate control system. The 2022 updates to the center console and infotainment system enhanced user comfort and practicality. For added luxe, premium Vernasca leather was an option, and a panoramic moonroof provided abundant natural light.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,900 rpm. Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or VW’s 4Motion AWD system, which could direct up to 50% of power to the rear wheels. The vehicle featured various driving modes such as Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual settings, along with specialized offroad modes for 4Motion versions. Despite its respectable performance figures, some might have found the Tiguan lacking in sheer power and agility, exacerbated by a slight turbo lag and a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg.

The BMW X3, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered different powertrains across its variants. The sDrive30i and xDrive30i models housed a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. They could sprint from 0-60 mph in about 6 seconds, with fuel economy rated at 25 mpg combined for the RWD model and 24 mpg combined for the AWD variant.

Notably, the X3 M40i variant came with a potent 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine, boosted by a mild-hybrid system delivering 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. These enhancements translated into swift performance, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. However, the mild-hybrid system didn’t improve fuel economy, with the M40i rated at 21 mpg city and 23 mpg combined. BMW's superior engineering ensured a balanced mix of performance and comfort, making the X3 dynamic yet practical.

The Volkswagen Tiguan distinguished itself with its spacious cabin, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. With standard third-row seats in FWD models, it offered a compelling family-friendly interior. The SEL R-Line model featured comfortable front seats with eight-way adjustments and an inviting second row, ideal for both children and adults. Our test model offered 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with seats folded, edging into midsize territory.

The BMW X3 excelled in practicality and comfort. Its flexible 40/20/40-split rear seats and spacious interior catered well for five adults, albeit a tad snug for three in the back. With seats up, it offered ample storage, easily accommodating suitcases and gear. Its high-end interior materials, like Vernasca leather and enhanced ergonomic features, provided a cozy and luxurious atmosphere. The X3’s cargo volume was slightly limited but practical with a capacity better suited for daily chores and travel.

Volkswagen equipped the 2022 Tiguan with advanced tech, featuring standard digital instrumentation known as Digital Cockpit, and in higher trims, the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The MIB3 infotainment system (except on base models) came with an 8-inch touchscreen, App-Connect smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM 360L. Although voice recognition was touted, it required additional subscriptions and proved challenging during tests.

In the BMW X3, tech was both a marvel and a quirk. The standard BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 offered a 5.1-inch instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa provided seamless connectivity. Higher trims featured the optional Live Cockpit Professional for a complete digital experience with larger 12.3-inch displays. The M40i variant included a Harman Kardon surround system for a premium audio experience, complementing a tech-savvy and connected cabin.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan had a robust suite of safety features including standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The IQ Drive system offered enhancements like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist, ensuring improved driver safety and peace of mind.

Similarly, the BMW X3 received top safety ratings from NHTSA, boasting a five-star crash safety rating. It included an array of standard safety features such as adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and advanced pre-collision systems. Options like the Parking Assistance Package and Driving Assistant Professional Package provided further functionalities like 360-degree camera views and traffic jam assistance, integrating technology and safety seamlessly.