2022 GMC Terrain vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out in the compact SUV market for its refined and conservative design, which contrasted sharply with many of its visually aggressive rivals. Its creased and symmetrical aesthetic leaned towards minimalism and simplicity, catering to those who appreciated timeless looks over trendy appeal. For 2022, Volkswagen tweaked the front styling to align more closely with its larger siblings, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. This refresh included a restyled grille with the new VW logo, an illuminated grille bar, standard LED headlights, new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate, and redesigned aluminum wheels.

Volkswagen streamlined the Tiguan lineup to four trims: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line, available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices ranged from $25,995 to $36,995, with an additional $1,195 for destination charges. The tested SEL R-Line model, with its striking Atlantic Blue Metallic paint and machined-surface 18-inch alloy wheels, exuded a sporty vibe.

Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line featured a premium cabin with leather upholstery, high-tech touch-sensing controls, and ambient lighting that could change colors. Yet, despite these upscale elements, the mass-market origins were evident through the hard plastic surfaces on the lower half of the cabin. Standard features across all trims included keyless entry, push-button start, and heated front seats, with higher trims adding amenities like remote start and panoramic sunroof options.

On the flip side, the 2022 GMC Terrain sported refreshed front styling, new wheel designs, updated taillights, and interior trims. The introduction of the AT4 model added a rugged flair with its bold grille, blacked-out 17-inch alloy wheels, and distinctive AT4 badges. This off-road inclination was supported by a steel skid plate protecting essential underbody components.

Tested in Ebony Twilight Metallic paint with a black leather interior, the Terrain AT4 came fully loaded with numerous packages, driving the price to $41,810. However, more affordable trims like the SLE and SLT were also available, offering standard FWD and optional AWD. The luxurious Terrain Denali catered to those seeking a plush experience.

Despite efforts to present a high-quality interior, the Terrain struggled in matters of fit and finish. For example, its head-up display used a less sophisticated plastic panel compared to competitors' windshield projections, and the pushbutton transmission controls below the climate controls were not intuitive. Nevertheless, the AT4 model's caramel-colored contrast stitching did lend an upscale touch.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan did not see significant powertrain changes, continuing to use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque starting at 1,900 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission handled power delivery to either the front wheels or through the optional 4Motion AWD system. Drivers could select between Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings available on AWD models.

With only 7.6 inches of ground clearance, the Tiguan was limited in off-road capability, but its on-road behavior was commendable. The SUV used MacPherson struts up front and multi-link independent suspension in the rear, with variable assist steering aiding maneuverability. Although there was a noticeable turbo lag when starting from a stop, the Tiguan proved enjoyable once the torque fully engaged, even though fuel economy remained modest at an EPA-rated 24 mpg combined.

Conversely, the 2022 GMC Terrain came equipped with a single engine option, a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that generated 170 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 203 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. The previous option of the more robust turbocharged 2.0-liter engine was discontinued. The 1.5-liter engine allowed the Terrain to tow up to 1,500 pounds, a significant drop from the 3,500-pound capacity of the discontinued engine.

A nine-speed automatic transmission managed the Terrain's power, which offered adequate, if not exciting, performance. While the small engine performed reasonably well at higher elevations thanks to turbocharging, power delivery felt sluggish off the line. The Terrain also featured a Driver Mode Selector that allowed for FWD for fuel efficiency, AWD for better traction, and Off-Road settings when necessary.

Despite its rugged appearance, the Terrain AT4 struggled with moderate off-road tasks due to its limited ground clearance of 7.9 inches, often scraping its underbelly. On paved roads, the Terrain AT4 impressed with its smooth ride and quiet cabin, except for some road noise from the sport-terrain tires. Fuel economy stood at a respectable 26 mpg combined.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan impressed with a spacious interior that rivaled smaller midsize SUVs. Its standard third-row seat in FWD models highlighted its versatile nature, though this feature was absent in 4Motion variants. The test SEL R-Line boasted comfortable, leather-upholstered front seats with eight-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation.

Rear-seat comfort was equally accommodating, with ample room for adults and features like rear air conditioning vents and a USB charging port enhancing utility. However, the new touch controls on the dashboard and steering wheel proved more challenging to use compared to traditional buttons.

Cargo capacity in the Tiguan with 4Motion AWD was generous, offering 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This spaciousness placed it in the realm of midsize SUVs, making it an excellent choice for families and those needing ample cargo space.

In comparison, the 2022 GMC Terrain provided a well-thought-out interior that emphasized convenience and practicality. The AT4 model's power-adjustable, heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control catered to driver and passenger comfort. The back seat was spacious, ensuring a comfortable ride for all occupants, and included a USB charging port.

Storage solutions were abundant in the Terrain, with numerous spots carved out for stashing various items. Cargo capacity measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 63.3 cubic feet with the back seats folded down. An additional storage bin under the trunk floor further enhanced utility.

In 2022, Volkswagen equipped every Tiguan with a standard digital cockpit, varying from an 8-inch display in most trims to a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro in the SEL R-Line. The MIB3 infotainment system, introduced the previous year, carried over to all but the base trim, offering an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, 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 was a new addition, but it required a Plus Speech upgrade and an active Car-Net Hotspot subscription to function properly. Car-Net services included Remote Access for five years, enabling remote engine start and other functions, while Safe & Secure and Hotspot plans provided additional features.

The Tiguan's advanced tech extended to safety, with available Park Assist that autonomously steered the SUV into parking spaces, standard on the SEL R-Line.

In comparison, the 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems: a 7-inch touchscreen in the base SLE trim and an 8-inch high-definition touchscreen in higher trims like the SLT, AT4, and Denali. Both systems supported Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and OnStar services, including a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The AT4 model tested came with the Infotainment Package II, which included connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition system performed exceptionally well, accurately understanding complex commands.

The Terrain also introduced a Tech Package, which added a head-up display (albeit on a plastic panel rather than the windshield), front and rear park assist, and a surround-view camera system. Additionally, the Tire Fill Alert system helped maintain proper tire pressure, and the Terrain supported remote engine start.

For 2022, the Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard Front Assist, which included forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Side Assist, comprising blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, was also standard. Significant safety upgrades included Travel Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and Emergency Assist, which could bring the SUV to a full stop if the driver became unresponsive.

In 2021, the Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and improvements for 2022 aimed to maintain or enhance this rating.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured the GMC Pro Safety Package as standard, offering 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 GMC Pro Safety Plus Package (standard on Denali) added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, and a Safety Alert Seat.

During testing, these features worked effectively and subtly, ensuring the driver was likely to use them rather than turn them off. However, the Terrain lacked a lane-centering function.

The IIHS awarded the Terrain high marks in most crash tests, although it received a “Marginal” rating in a new side-impact test. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not yet evaluated the 2022 Terrain's crashworthiness.