2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a refined and conservative design that stood out among its competitors. Its updated front styling aligned it with Volkswagen’s larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and available illuminated grille bar. Standard LED headlights, new nameplate lettering, and redesigned aluminum wheels added to its appeal. The Tiguan lineup was simplified to include S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, with prices ranging from $25,995 to $36,995. The SEL R-Line model, priced at $37,970, showcased a sportier look with options like Atlantic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line boasted a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting, though hard plastics revealed its mass-market status. Standard features included keyless entry, push-button start, and heated front seats, with additional options like remote engine start and a panoramic sunroof available.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox underwent styling changes, including a new grille, LED headlights, and subtle rear fascia updates. The grille appeared more upright, flanked by large fake air intakes, giving the Equinox a chunkier look. Unlike rugged competitors, the Equinox maintained a car-based crossover appearance, with a tall roofline and puffed-up front fascia. Inside, the dashboard featured a creative design with a touchscreen and large air vents. Materials and fit were decent, with cloth seats standard and leather upholstery available. The new RS model added black exterior trim, darkened wheels, and a black interior with red stitching. While the exterior trim added personality, the interior felt subdued. Overall, the Equinox offered a balance between car-like and SUV-like styling, though it lacked distinctive features compared to some rivals.

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 delivered power to the front wheels, with optional 4Motion AWD available. The AWD system could decouple the rear axle to save fuel when not needed. Drivers could choose between Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings for 4Motion models. The Tiguan's Hill Descent Control system engaged in Offroad mode, but its 7.6 inches of ground clearance limited off-road capability. The suspension setup included MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link independent rear suspension, with variable assist steering. Despite some turbo lag, the Tiguan offered an enjoyable driving experience, though it could benefit from more power. The EPA rated the R-Line with 4Motion at 24 mpg combined, and real-world testing yielded 24.7 mpg. While nimble and responsive in normal driving, the Tiguan's tires and suspension struggled when pushed for performance.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission was standard, with FWD or optional AWD. The Equinox offered more torque than most rivals but less horsepower. In city driving, the engine's torque was beneficial, but at higher speeds, the lack of horsepower became apparent, with the engine feeling coarse and unresponsive. The automatic transmission's shifts were also rough. Despite the RS model's sporty appearance, the Equinox wasn't designed for sporty handling. It lacked the refinement of competitors like the Honda CR-V but remained comfortable on rough roads.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out in the compact crossover segment with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered a standard third-row seat in FWD models, though 4Motion models lacked this feature. The SEL R-Line provided exceptional comfort with leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats and excellent outward visibility. The second row was roomy and comfortable for adults, with rear air conditioning vents and a USB charging port. The switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard added sophistication but proved challenging to use. Cargo space was among the best in the class, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded in 4Motion models.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox offered seating for five across two rows, with decent headroom and good second-row legroom. However, front seat legroom was limited, and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel made finding a comfortable driving position difficult. The Equinox provided a tall seating position with an unobstructed forward view, though rear visibility was hampered by a small rear window. Climate controls were prominently placed, with small knobs displaying the current temperature. Cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 29.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.9 cubic feet with them folded. A power liftgate was available, but the Equinox lacked features like a sliding second-row seat or cargo-area storage bins.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with 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 smartphone mirroring. The SEL R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. Natural voice recognition required a Plus Speech upgrade and an active Car-Net Hotspot subscription. Car-Net's Remote Access plan was complimentary for five years, offering remote engine start and door lock operation. The Safe & Secure plan included crash notification and emergency assistance, while the Hotspot plan provided a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a Bose audio system. The MyLink infotainment system was responsive and easy to use, with large menu icons and good screen graphics. Wireless smartphone connectivity was a major advantage, though the center-console slot for phones was too small. The Equinox provided USB ports and power outlets, but tech-savvy buyers might desire more features or a larger screen.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with improvements to the IQ Drive system. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, though touch-sensing controls made it challenging to engage. Emergency Assist operated when Travel Assist was active, slowing the SUV if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's LED headlights and driver aids could improve that score.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests but a "Marginal" rating in the updated side crash test. It earned a "Superior" rating for vehicle-to-vehicle front-crash prevention and an "Advanced" rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian scenarios. The NHTSA awarded the Equinox a five-star overall safety rating. Standard driver-assist features included automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a Safety Alert Seat. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system.