2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was designed with a sense of restraint and modernity, rivaling many other compact SUVs that often suffered from uninspired aesthetics. The Tiguan's refreshed look included new front styling aligning it with Volkswagen's larger Atlas models, a restyled grille with the new VW logo, and an optional illuminated grille bar. Furthermore, LED headlights became standard, and redesigned aluminum wheels were introduced across all trims. The overall approach resulted in a vehicle appealing to those who appreciated simplicity and minimalism. The SUV's conservative design was meant to age gracefully, avoiding trends that might quickly become outdated.

Volkswagen streamlined the Tiguan lineup to four trims: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line. Prices ranged from $25,995 to $36,995, with an additional $1,195 destination charge. Our evaluation was conducted on the SEL R-Line trim, which featured standard 4Motion AWD and additional accessories, bringing the total MSRP to $37,970.

The R-Line models, particularly the SE R-Line Black with its trendy blacked-out appearance, had a sportier flair. The Atlantic Blue Metallic paint of our test vehicle added a touch of sophistication, especially when paired with the machined-surface 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line's cabin exuded luxury with perforated leather upholstery, advanced technology, touch-sensing controls, and ambient lighting with 15 color options. Despite these upscale touches, the extensive use of hard plastics in the lower cabin areas reminded users of its mass-market roots.

For the 2022 model year, every Tiguan gained keyless entry, push-button start, and heated front seats. SE trims and higher also featured remote engine starting. New interior colors and a panoramic sunroof were additional options.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer offered a more varied lineup with eight different models, pricing between $33,745 and $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. Last year's lineup additions included the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, and the 2022 introduced the ST-Line, offering a sporty aesthetic with XLT underpinnings.

Our Explorer King Ranch test vehicle featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, culminating in an MSRP of $59,880. Visual differentiators for the King Ranch included exclusive emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets.

The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, lent itself a more athletic appearance with a long hood, short front overhang, and a tapered roofline creating a floating roof visual effect. Inside, it featured Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts, King Ranch branding, and a distinct chocolate brown over caramel color scheme as its only option.

Luxury features included triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats with a massage function, heated second-row captain's chairs, and copious power adjustments. Despite these attributes, material quality occasionally hinted at the more economically-priced base models.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its previous powertrain—a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque at 1,900 rpm. The power was funneled through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels or optionally to all four wheels via the 4Motion AWD system. In AWD mode, up to half the power could be transferred to the rear wheels, enhancing traction in specific conditions.

Driving mode selections included Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, and if you opted for 4Motion, additional Offroad and Custom Offroad settings joined the list. However, with only 7.6 inches of ground clearance, the Tiguan was best kept to moderate off-road trails. The Tiguan’s MacPherson struts upfront and multi-link independent rear suspension provided a stable ride, while the torque arrival caused a slight turbo lag noticeable during acceleration.

Fuel efficiency ratings for the AWD SEL R-Line were pegged at 24 mpg combined by the EPA. Our test drives in Malibu averaged 24.7 mpg, indicating decent but unremarkable fuel efficiency. While the Tiguan felt nimble and communicative during typical driving, pushing it hard revealed limitations in the tires and suspension.

Comparatively, the 2022 Ford Explorer catered to a broader range of performance preferences with three powertrain options. The base engine, found in trims such as the XLT and Timberline, was a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder delivering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either RWD or 4WD. This setup allowed for a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and a combined fuel economy of up to 24 mpg.

For those prioritizing efficiency, the hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.3-liter V6 offered 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, and up to 27 mpg combined. This hybrid system was available in the Limited and could reduce the price of the Platinum trim by $1,400.

Power-seeking drivers could opt for the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, standard on the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch, now producing 400 hp and 415 lb-ft across the board. This engine matched with a 10-speed automatic, provided robust towing capacity (up to 5,600 lbs) and an EPA estimated fuel economy of 21 mpg combined. The King Ranch 4WD model we tested averaged 20.6 mpg.

The standard ride, characterized by sturdiness and comfort, extended to robust off-road capabilities. The King Ranch model handled challenging terrains thanks to the Trail setting and 7.9 inches of ground clearance. For daily driving, the Explorer King Ranch exhibited an engaging and athletic demeanor, particularly enjoyable on curving roads, though for full throttle, the sport-tuned Explorer ST was the top choice.

For its segment, the 2022 VW Tiguan stood out due to its spaciousness, often compared to smaller midsize SUVs rather than compact ones. FWD models featured a standard third-row seat, omitted in AWD models. Our SEL R-Line test vehicle felt noticeably comfortable, with leather-upholstered eight-way power seats, excellent outward visibility, and sunlight streaming through a panoramic sunroof. The second row, spacious and accommodating for both adults and children, provided rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and ample storage.

Significant for 2022 was a transition to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard. These controls, while sophisticated, occasionally proved less user-friendly due to missed touch zones.

Cargo capacities varied with drivetrain configurations. FWD Tiguans presented 12 cubic feet behind the third row, 33 cubic feet with it folded, and 65.5 cubic feet in total. AWD versions like ours offered 37.6 cubic feet of luggage space behind the back seat and a maximum capacity of 73.4 cubic feet, comfortably within midsize SUV territory.

On the flip side, the 2022 Ford Explorer provided substantial comfort for families of four, extending to five with the optional second-row bench. However, the third-row seat was suitable only for children due to accessibility and space constraints. Our fully-equipped King Ranch featured triple-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, massaging seats with numerous adjustments, and heated second-row captain’s chairs with manual side window sunshades.

While the first two rows offered exceptional comfort, the third-row seat’s low flat cushion and limited legroom were drawbacks for adult passengers. Storage space within the cabin was less practical than anticipated, with missed opportunities for additional bins and trays. Despite these shortcomings, functional features such as a wireless charging pad and functional cup holders were present.

From a cargo perspective, the King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate revealing 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and topping out at 87.8 cubic feet, proving slightly more capacious than the Tiguan overall.

Volkswagen equipped every 2022 Tiguan with Digital Cockpit, an 8-inch display for most models but upgraded to a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro in the SEL R-Line. Also carried over was the MIB3 infotainment system for all but the base Tiguan S, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with glass-mounted display, standard Car-Net connected services, App-Connect smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. Higher trims offered redesigned navigation and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system.

However, the natural voice recognition feature in MIB3 required a costly upgrade and an active subscription which was not tested in our review vehicle. For reliable function, users resorted to common smartphone mirroring technologies.

The Remote Access plan added convenience with complimentary services such as remote start and lock operations for five years. Additional layers, like Safe & Secure and Hotspot plans, included crash notifications, emergency assistance, and 4G LTE WiFi with options for further enhancements.

Ford fitted the 2022 Explorer with two Sync 3 infotainment versions, an 8-inch horizontally mounted unit and a 10.1-inch portrait-style screen. While our King Ranch featured the larger unit, its integration seemed less elegant compared to the smaller screen.

Our test model boasted Sync 3 technology including FordPass Connect services, remote start, 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, smartphone integration, and a navigation system. The King Ranch trim also included wireless charging, a surround-view camera, and a superior 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system.

Sync 3's voice recognition system, however, could be cumbersome. Essential tasks failed multiple times, highlighting an urgent need for an upgrade to Sync 4 technology, which would also necessitate a redesigned dashboard for larger touchscreens.

Additional tech features in the King Ranch included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0. While a rear-seat entertainment system was optional, the competitive edge remained limited by the outdated Sync 3 system.

For 2022, the Volkswagen Tiguan made Front Assist and Side Assist standard across all trims. Significant updates to the IQ Drive system included the addition of Travel Assist, merging adaptive cruise control with lane-centering at speeds above 40 mph, and Emergency Assist, which safely stopped the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. While the complexity of touch controls increased, the SUV still earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, with hopes for improved scores supported by standard LED headlights and advanced driver aides.

Similarly, the 2022 Ford Explorer garnered a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for all trim levels. Despite incomplete NHTSA ratings for 2022, it held five-star ratings across the board for the previous year, barring a four-star rollover resistance rating.

Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360 with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ upgrade offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-centering, and evasive steering assist.

MyKey and post-collision braking were added to utility. Overall, the Co-Pilot360 system performed reliably, though the steering wheel sensitivity warning system and lane-centering assist on curvilinear roads required improvement.