2022 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan showcased a creased, folded, and symmetrical design that leaned towards conservatism, mirroring other VW models. This approach didn't elicit strong emotional responses unless one favored simplicity and minimalism, but it did ensure the design aged gracefully. With refreshed front styling aligning it with Volkswagen's larger Atlas models, the Tiguan featured a restyled grille carrying the new VW logo and an optional illuminated grille bar. Standard LED headlights, new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate, and redesigned aluminum wheels added to its updated aesthetic.

The Tiguan’s trim levels included S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line, with prices ranging from $25,995 to $36,995. Our test vehicle, the SEL R-Line with standard 4Motion AWD, came to $37,970 MSRP. The R-Line models, particularly the SE R-Line Black, boasted sportier looks and trendy blacked-out appearances. The optional Atlantic Blue Metallic paint on the SEL R-Line, combined with machined-surface 18-inch alloy wheels, presented a striking exterior. Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line featured a luxurious cabin with perforated and piped leather upholstery, new technology, touch-sensing steering wheel and climate controls, and ambient lighting in 15 colors. However, the use of hard plastic on the lower cabin surfaces hinted at its mass-market roots.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT’s aesthetic package didn’t impress as much. Though equipped with side steps helpful for roof rack access, they impeded entry, exit, and reduced the breakover angle for off-roading. The XRT, one of five gasoline Santa Fe trims, was priced between the SEL and turbocharged Limited trims, starting at $34,095 with a $1,295 destination fee. Our Portofino Gray test model with a black cloth interior and AWD had an MSRP of $35,940. Unfortunately, the XRT treatment offered minimal visual contrast and felt subdued on overcast days.

Inside, the XRT’s cabin, though not as upscale as higher trims, boasted thoughtful design and high quality. Despite this, the lower-level models felt a step behind the more premium Hyundai offerings.

Under the hood, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured 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. An eight-speed automatic transmission sent power to either the front wheels or the optional 4Motion AWD system, which could decouple to save fuel. The standard driving modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual – offered a tailored driving experience. The AWD versions added Offroad and Custom Offroad settings, with Hill Descent Control operating at speeds up to 19 mph, though the 7.6-inch ground clearance limited serious off-roading.

The Tiguan employed MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link independent rear suspension, with 13.4-inch vented front discs and 11.8-inch solid rear discs. The torque delivery resulted in momentary turbo lag, requiring extra caution when accelerating from a stop. The EPA rated the Tiguan R-Line with 4Motion at 24 mpg in combined driving, and our testing mirrored this at 24.7 mpg. The Tiguan felt nimble and responsive in typical driving scenarios but lacked outright fun due to its tire and suspension limitations at higher demands.

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, powered by a non-turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, managed 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This setup was adequate for daily driving but struggled in more demanding conditions and uphill climbs. The XRT’s comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow driving modes, along with a lockable AWD system for enhanced traction, worked well. However, during our tests, the 2.5-liter engine showed lagging responsiveness in high-demand situations.

With a fuel economy average of 22.3 mpg (officially rated at 24 mpg), the engine felt burdened by the Santa Fe's near-two-ton curb weight. The ride quality was good, and the cabin remarkably quiet, while the handling and steering felt composed. The XRT treatment remained cosmetic, as its performance was only marginally beneficial off-road.

The 2022 VW Tiguan was notable for its spacious interior, comparable to midsize SUVs like the Chevrolet Blazer and Kia Sorento. Front-wheel-drive variants featured a standard third-row seat, though AWD models did not. Our SEL R-Line provided exceptional comfort, with leather-upholstered eight-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The panoramic glass sunroof and excellent outward visibility added to the cabin’s airy feel.

Rear seating was equally roomy and comfortable, with plenty of space for child safety seats. Rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and ample storage options ensured passenger satisfaction. Cargo capacity for FWD models with the third-row seat was 12 cubic feet behind the third row, 33 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The AWD versions offered 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 73.4 cubic feet in total.

The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT provided excellent rear seating accommodations and legroom, making it suitable for families. The eight-way power driver’s seat, though not adjustable for height for the front passenger, was comfortable. Stain-resistant fabric ensured durability and ease of maintenance. Storage included nooks and crannies, a hard-to-access tray under the control “bridge,” and a wireless charging slot.

The Smart Tailgate opened hands-free when it detected the key fob, but sometimes opened unintentionally. Cargo space behind the rear seat was 36.4 cubic feet, expandable to 72.1 cubic feet, easily handling luggage and larger items.

In 2022, all Volkswagen Tiguans featured digital instrumentation, with most trims using an 8-inch Digital Cockpit and the SEL R-Line employing a more sophisticated 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The MIB3 infotainment system, standard on all but the base S trim, used an 8-inch touchscreen with App-Connect smartphone mirroring, SiriusXM 360L, and available navigation and Fender premium audio system on higher trims. However, MIB3's natural voice recognition required additional subscriptions, which might be inconvenient for some users.

Hyundai Santa Fe XRT’s technology was straightforward, sporting a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluelink connected services. The system’s simplicity and logical menu structure made it user-friendly, and the digital key technology allowed Android users to unlock and start the vehicle using their phone. However, it was incompatible with iPhones. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert was a thoughtful addition for distracted drivers at traffic stops.

For 2022, the Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist, bundled into its IQ Drive collection of advanced safety systems. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, although its touch-sensitive controls could be finicky. Emergency Assist, a feature activated by Travel Assist, ensured the SUV could safely stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 updates aimed to improve this score.

The Hyundai Santa Fe XRT came equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a comprehensive bundle including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Its adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance worked seamlessly, though Highway Driving Assist was unavailable for the XRT. The Junction Turning Detection system could automatically brake during unsafe turns, and Safe Exit Assist prevented opening doors into approaching traffic. Additionally, the ultrasonic rear occupant alert system ensured child safety. The Santa Fe earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and five-star ratings from NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover score.