2022 GMC Yukon vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

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 standard LED headlights. The Tiguan's exterior was complemented by redesigned aluminum wheels and new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate. The SEL R-Line trim, in particular, offered a sportier appearance with its blacked-out elements and attractive Atlantic Blue Metallic paint. Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line boasted a sophisticated cabin with leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and metallic accents, although the lower half's hard plastic hinted at 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 on higher trims.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Yukon embraced a bold and chrome-heavy design, especially evident in the Denali trim. The Denali's front was dominated by a large chrome grille, flanked by C-shaped headlights, giving it a commanding presence. The Yukon offered a variety of trims, each with distinct styling cues, such as the off-road-oriented AT4 with its dark grille and skid plate. Inside, the Yukon provided a spacious and luxurious cabin with seating for up to eight passengers. The Denali trim featured exclusive interior designs, including the Teak/Light Shale color combination, adding a premium touch with unique stitching and natural wood details. The AT4 trim offered a Jet Black interior with Brandy accents, enhancing its rugged appeal. Overall, the Yukon delivered a comfortable and upscale experience, with thoughtful features like power-folding seats and a power-sliding center console for added convenience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, driving the front wheels or, optionally, all four wheels with VW's 4Motion AWD system. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with additional off-road settings for AWD models. Despite its modest power output, the Tiguan provided a nimble and responsive driving experience, though it exhibited some turbo lag when accelerating from a stop. Fuel economy was a focus, with the R-Line 4Motion achieving up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The Tiguan's ride and handling were well-suited for everyday driving, but it lacked the excitement for more spirited driving.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered a choice of three engines, including a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and 4WD available. The AT4 trim came exclusively with 4WD and featured a two-speed transfer case for improved off-road capability. The Yukon's towing capacity reached up to 8,400 pounds with the right configuration. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and handling, though some bouncing was noted over rough surfaces. The optional air ride adaptive suspension further enhanced comfort, especially on highways.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact crossovers with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered a standard third-row seat in FWD models, while 4Motion models focused on maximizing cargo space. The SEL R-Line trim provided comfortable leather seats with power adjustments and excellent visibility. The second row was roomy, accommodating adults and children alike. Cargo space was generous, with up to 73.4 cubic feet available in 4Motion models. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use.

The 2022 GMC Yukon excelled in providing ample passenger and cargo space, thanks to its redesign. The third row gained over 10 inches of legroom, making it more comfortable for passengers. Cargo space behind the third row increased to 25.5 cubic feet. The Yukon's independent rear suspension contributed to a lower floor and more usable space. Power-folding second-row seats and a power-sliding center console added convenience. The Denali trim featured power-retractable assist steps and pushbutton transmission controls, enhancing ease of use.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, and smartphone mirroring. The SEL R-Line added a Fender premium audio system and navigation. However, the natural voice recognition required a subscription, limiting its functionality. The Tiguan also offered a Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2022 GMC Yukon boasted a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center and a 15-inch head-up display on higher trims. The infotainment system featured a 10.2-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In, wireless smartphone integration, and a WiFi hotspot. The Denali trim included a Bose 14-speaker audio system and a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens. While the audio quality was adequate, the rear-seat entertainment system offered extensive compatibility with various media formats.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, along with Travel Assist and Emergency Assist in the IQ Drive package. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, while Emergency Assist could bring the vehicle 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 improvements aimed to enhance safety further.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured the Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Pro Safety Plus package added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Safety Alert Seat and rear camera mirror enhanced safety awareness. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with strong scores in crash protection but a lower rating for rollover resistance.