2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among its competitors with a design that was creased, folded, and symmetrical, leaning towards conservatism. This approach, while not eliciting strong emotional responses, aged well 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.

Volkswagen simplified the Tiguan lineup to 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 MSRP, 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 controls, and ambient lighting in 15 colors. However, the hard plastic in the lower half of the cabin revealed its mass-market status.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, while essentially a glorified minivan, offered a practical and financially sensible choice for those needing an SUV. Prices started at $33,700 for the base LS with FWD, reaching $53,400 for the High Country trim. AWD was optional across the lineup, though its 7.5-inch ground clearance limited its off-road capabilities. The 2022 model received a light restyle with new headlights, taillights, front bumper, grille designs, and aluminum wheels, along with updated color choices and appearance packages like Redline Edition and Midnight Edition.

The RS trim, positioned above LS and LT but below Premier and High Country, featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels. The Traverse’s styling, with its crisply tailored lines and tasteful details, remained appealing in its segment. The silver RS test vehicle, equipped with AWD and a Dual SkyScape Sunroof, had an MSRP of $48,895. Inside, the Traverse RS featured black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, gloss black trim, and a mix of hard plastic surfaces. The design was simple and logical, with matte-finish black switchgear for reduced glare and easy use.

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 Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings for AWD models. Despite its 7.6-inch ground clearance, the Tiguan was best suited for well-traveled paths.

The Tiguan’s MacPherson struts in front and multi-link independent rear suspension, along with variable assist steering, provided a nimble and responsive driving experience. However, the engine’s torque arrived later than some turbocharged engines, causing momentary turbo lag. The EPA rated the R-Line with 4Motion at 24 mpg in combined driving, and our test drive in Malibu averaged 24.7 mpg. While enjoyable to drive, the Tiguan’s performance could benefit from more power, and its tires and suspension were not ideal for spirited driving.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse’s tow rating was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, with Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road driving modes available. The V6 engine, though slightly whiny under acceleration, provided adequate power for the Traverse’s bulk. The EPA rated the AWD Traverse at 20 mpg in combined driving, and our test car returned 20.9 mpg.

In town, the Traverse offered a firm yet compliant ride, absorbing smaller road imperfections. However, it responded softly to larger road anomalies, requiring caution over speed humps and drainage dips. On the highway, the Traverse excelled, though road and wind noise were noticeable. In the mountains, the Traverse felt athletic, with good performance from the V6 drivetrain, Active Return Assist steering, and Duralife brakes. The suspension limited body roll, but the RS trim’s all-season tires and the vehicle’s soft response at higher speeds detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, among compact crossover SUVs, offered a spacious interior comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. FWD models included a standard third-row seat, while 4Motion models did not. The SEL R-Line test vehicle featured comfortable leather front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The second row was roomy and comfortable for adults, with rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and ample storage.

The Tiguan’s switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard for 2022, while sophisticated in appearance, proved 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, placing it in midsize SUV territory.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, in RS, Premier, or High Country trims, offered seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs. The RS trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row Smart Slide function and long rear doors facilitated easier access to the third-row seat. The all-black cabin and lack of ventilated front seats were not issues in moderate temperatures.

The Traverse’s third-row seat accommodated adults if the second-row passengers cooperated by sliding forward. Storage space was abundant, with a hidden compartment behind the infotainment screen and another under the cargo floor. Cargo space measured 23 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, 57.8 cubic feet with them folded flat, and a maximum of 98.2 cubic feet, making the Traverse one of the roomiest SUVs in its segment.

For 2022, the 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 in all but the base Tiguan S, 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 feature required a Plus Speech upgrade and an active Car-Net Hotspot subscription, which was not active in the test vehicle. Car-Net’s Remote Access plan was complimentary for five years, while the Safe & Secure and Hotspot plans were upgrades. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system, standard on the SEL R-Line.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse LS and LT Cloth models came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while other trims featured an 8-inch high-definition display. Premier and High Country trims included an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel. Both systems offered Bluetooth connectivity for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and connected services with a WiFi hotspot. Teen Driver technology was standard, allowing parents to monitor their child’s driving.

The 8-inch touchscreen system, available with navigation and SiriusXM 360L, included a Bose premium sound system starting with RS trim. The voice recognition system performed well, reducing confusion and frustration. The Traverse’s available digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera were useful for parking and maneuvering.

For 2022, the Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist on the Tiguan S. 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 new features could improve that score.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following-distance indicator. The optional Safety Package for the LS trim added rear parking assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic emergency braking, and a rear pedestrian alert system.

The Traverse’s driving aids operated with accuracy and refinement, and the Safety Alert Seat was exclusive to Premier and High Country trims. The IIHS had not assigned a final rating for the 2022 Traverse, but it received top “Good” ratings in most collision-related tests. The NHTSA had not published any 2022 Traverse crash-test ratings at the time of writing.