2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among its competitors with a design that was both conservative and timeless. Its refreshed exterior featured new front styling that aligned it with Volkswagen's larger models, such as the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. The restyled grille, adorned with the new VW logo and an optional illuminated grille bar, added a touch of modernity. Standard LED headlights, new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate, and redesigned aluminum wheels further enhanced its appeal. The Tiguan's lineup was simplified for 2022, offering trims like S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line, with prices ranging from $25,995 to $36,995. The SEL R-Line test vehicle, equipped with 4Motion AWD and an accessory cargo cover, was priced at $37,970. The R-Line models boasted a sportier look, with the SE R-Line Black featuring a trendy blacked-out appearance. Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line offered a luxurious cabin with perforated and piped leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting in 15 colors. However, the hard plastic in the lower half of the cabin hinted at its mass-market status. Standard features included keyless entry, push-button start, and heated front seats, with remote engine starting available from the SE trim.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban, redesigned in 2021, shared its exterior styling with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup, giving it a supersized appearance with a tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels. Available in six trims, the Suburban offered customization options despite its single body style. The RST test vehicle featured a striking Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior with 22-inch bright-machined black-painted wheels, a monochromatic black grille with Black Ice accents, and RST-specific badging, creating a sporty look. Inside, the Suburban's cabin ranged from economically comfortable on the base LS trim to plush on the High Country. The RST tester had 10-way power seats, Jet Black perforated leather with Victory Red stitching, and the optional Luxury package, which included heated second-row seats. While the cabin was spacious, the predominantly black interior made it feel dark. The Suburban's size and mass posed challenges in maneuvering and parking in tight spaces, but its electronic push-button transmission controls added a modern touch.

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 the option for VW's 4Motion AWD. The AWD system could send up to half of the power to the rear wheels but decoupled the rear axle when not needed to save fuel. Drivers could choose between Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings available with 4Motion. The Tiguan's Hill Descent Control system engaged in Offroad mode, but its 7.6 inches of ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. The suspension system included MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link independent rear suspension, with variable assist steering. The engine's torque arrived later than some turbocharged engines, resulting in momentary turbo lag. The Tiguan offered a nimble and responsive driving experience, but its power and performance could have been improved. The EPA rated the R-Line with 4Motion at 24 mpg in combined driving, and a short drive in Malibu yielded a 24.7 mpg average.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-liter V8, a 6.2-liter V8, and a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 5.3-liter V8, standard on most trims, produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The 6.2-liter V8, standard on the High Country and available on other trims, delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The new 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine offered 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, providing excellent towing capability and fuel economy. The Suburban's maximum towing capacity was 8,300 pounds. The RST test vehicle featured the 6.2-liter V8, part of the Sport Performance package, which included Magnetic Ride Control and dual exhaust tips. The 6.2-liter engine provided effortless power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride and handling, while the 4WD system offered various settings for different driving conditions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a spacious compact crossover SUV, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered a standard third-row seat in FWD models, while 4Motion models did not. The SEL R-Line test vehicle featured comfortable leather seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The panoramic glass sunroof provided ample light, and outward visibility was excellent. 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 could be challenging to use. Cargo space was among the best in its class, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and a maximum of 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in space, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. Most Suburbans offered seven- or eight-passenger seating, with a livable third row for adults. The Suburban boasted 41.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 144.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The second-row seats slid forward or backward, and both rows folded flat with ease. The optional power-sliding center console provided additional storage, while a big glove box and storage cubbies offered ample space for belongings. The Suburban's size posed challenges in maneuvering and parking, but its electronic push-button transmission controls added convenience.

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 most trims, 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. Natural voice recognition required a Plus Speech upgrade and an active Car-Net Hotspot subscription. The Remote Access plan was complimentary for five years, allowing remote engine start and other features. The Safe & Secure plan offered automatic crash notification and emergency assistance. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered a range of technology features, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT and above. Google built-in, including Google Maps and Google Assistant, was also standard on LT and above. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with an 8-inch touchscreen was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system with Google built-in was standard on LT and above. Wireless device charging and a WiFi hotspot were standard on LT and above. The Suburban LS had a basic six-speaker audio system, while the LT featured a nine-speaker Bose system. The Premier and High Country offered a Bose 10-speaker Surround with CenterPoint audio system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, as well as Travel Assist and Emergency Assist as part of the IQ Drive collection. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, while Emergency Assist operated when Travel Assist was active. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model featured standard LED headlights and more sophisticated driver aids.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban included Chevy Safety Assist features such as automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and front pedestrian braking. For 2022, front park assist, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning were added. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and three stars for rollover resistance.