2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among its competitors with a design that was both conservative and timeless. Its refreshed front styling aligned it with Volkswagen’s larger models, featuring a new grille, standard LED headlights, and redesigned aluminum wheels. The SUV came in various trims, including the sporty R-Line models, with prices ranging from $25,995 to $36,995. The SEL R-Line test vehicle, priced at $37,970, showcased a sophisticated Atlantic Blue Metallic exterior with 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line boasted a luxurious cabin with perforated leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting in 15 colors. The touch-sensing controls on the steering wheel and dashboard added a modern touch, though they were sometimes tricky to use. 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.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, introduced as a longer version of the standard Grand Cherokee, featured an 11.4-inch longer body to accommodate a third row of seats. Its design retained classic Jeep elements like the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, with modernized lighting and improved paint finish. The Grand Cherokee L came in various trims, from the base Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, with new exterior paint options for 2022.

The interior of the Grand Cherokee L was luxurious, with high-end materials like real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather. The dual high-resolution screens and thoughtful layout made it feel like a premium vehicle. Despite its higher price compared to competitors, the Grand Cherokee L offered a spacious and comfortable cabin, even in the third row. The optional air suspension provided a smooth ride, and the five ride height settings allowed for versatility in different driving conditions.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission sent power to the front wheels, with an optional 4Motion AWD system available. The AWD system could transfer up to half of the power to the rear wheels when needed, and drivers could choose between various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual.

The Tiguan's performance was adequate for everyday driving, though it experienced some turbo lag when accelerating from a stop. The EPA estimated the fuel economy for the R-Line with 4Motion at 24 mpg combined, and our test drive in Malibu averaged 24.7 mpg. The Tiguan's ride and handling were nimble and responsive in normal driving situations, but it struggled when pushed for more spirited driving.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the V8 delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine felt underpowered for the vehicle's size, especially when fully loaded, and the transmission's early upshifts didn't help its performance.

The Grand Cherokee L's chassis, however, was impressive, with a taut and direct steering feel. The optional air suspension provided a comfortable ride, and the five ride height settings allowed for versatility in different driving conditions. The V8 engine, available on higher trims, offered better performance and a more satisfying driving experience. The EPA estimated the fuel economy for the V6 at 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was rated at 17 mpg combined.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. The SEL R-Line trim featured comfortable leather seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The second row was roomy enough for adults and children, with rear air conditioning vents and a USB charging port. The touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard, though modern, were sometimes difficult to use.

Cargo space in the Tiguan was generous, with 37.6 cubic feet of luggage volume behind the back seat and a maximum capacity of 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. Front-drive models with the standard third-row seat had less cargo space, with only 12 cubic feet available behind the third row.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with plenty of room in all rows. The second-row captain's chairs came standard, with an optional 60/40 split bench seat available. The panoramic roof and large windows provided a bright and airy cabin, though the air vents were sometimes insufficient for proper airflow. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical switches for climate and stereo controls.

The Grand Cherokee L's cargo space was ample, with plenty of room for luggage and gear. The air suspension's five ride height settings allowed for versatility in different driving conditions, and the optional off-road package included skid plates and smaller wheels for better off-road performance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line trim offering a more sophisticated Digital Cockpit Pro system with a 10.25-inch display. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on all but the base Tiguan S, included an 8-inch touchscreen, standard Car-Net connected services, and smartphone mirroring. The SEL R-Line trim added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system.

The natural voice recognition feature in the MIB3 system required a Plus Speech upgrade and an active Car-Net Hotspot subscription, which was not available for testing. The Car-Net Remote Access plan was complimentary for five years, allowing for remote engine start, door lock operation, and vehicle location tracking. The Safe & Secure plan and Hotspot plan were available as upgrades, with additional features like automatic crash notification and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered a range of advanced technology features, especially in the upper trims. These included multiple massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, and a crystal-clear 360-degree camera system. The Active Driving Assist system provided excellent steering assistance on marked highway lanes.

New for 2022, Jeep added an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen display for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear-seat passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. The Summit trims offered additional features like automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, and a rear-facing camera for monitoring the second and third rows.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard Front Assist (forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection) and Side Assist (blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert). The IQ Drive collection of advanced driving assistance systems included Travel Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and Emergency Assist, which could safely 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 new features could potentially improve that score.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not yet been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert for possible unattended passengers, and trailer sway control. The various driver aids mentioned above, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, also contributed to the vehicle's safety.