2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out from its competitors thanks to its restrained yet sophisticated design. Unlike some of its rivals, which some might consider unattractive, the Tiguan’s symmetrical and conservative aesthetics aged well and appealed to those who preferred simplicity and minimalism. The refreshed 2022 model featured new front styling, aligning it more closely with Volkswagen's larger Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models. The redesigned grille, which carried the new VW logo, and available illuminated grille bar marked prominent updates. Standard LED headlights, new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate, and redesigned aluminum wheels freshened up the exterior.

Volkswagen simplified the Tiguan lineup into S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims with an option for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Price points ranged from $25,995 to $36,995, with a destination charge of $1,195. Our test vehicle, an SEL R-Line with standard 4Motion AWD and an accessory cargo cover, reached $37,970 MSRP. The R-Line models presented a sportier look, with the SE R-Line Black featuring a trendy blacked-out appearance. Our evaluation vehicle, finished in Atlantic Blue Metallic and equipped with machined-surface 18-inch alloy wheels, looked especially appealing.

Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line boasted a cabin with perforated and piped leather upholstery, new technology, touch-sensing steering wheel and climate controls, and ambient cabin lighting with 15 color choices. Tasteful metallic accents provided an upscale appearance, though the hard plastic in the lower half of the cabin hinted at its mass-market origins. A multitude of standard features, including keyless entry with push-button start and heated front seats, added to its appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness took a different tack, emphasizing rugged, off-road capability. The Wilderness model rode higher than standard Outbacks, almost akin to a Jeep. Boasting 9.5 inches of ground clearance—0.8 inches more than other Outbacks—it had more aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection trim, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles.

Distinctive design features set the Outback Wilderness apart. These included a unique grille design, black 17-inch wheels, black exterior trim with Anodized Copper accents, and a matte black hood decal to reduce glare. Its new roof rack and rail system supported a 700-pound static load for rooftop camping. The exclusive Geyser Blue paint added a striking look.

Internally, the Wilderness was cloaked in dark gray and black, featuring StarTex water-repellant upholstery, which, resembling leather, managed water and sweat well. The cabin also included a black headliner, Gunmetal Gray trim, Anodized Copper stitching and accents, brushed aluminum pedals, and standard all-weather floor mats. Waterproof seatback material and a cargo tray were part of the package. Collectively, these design choices injected personality and purpose into the Outback's styling, making it stand out from standard models.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan carried over its powertrain from previous years, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque from 1,900 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission channeled power to the front wheels, or to all four wheels with the optional 4Motion AWD. This system could decouple the rear axle to save fuel when AWD wasn’t necessary, contributing to its efficiency.

Drivers had access to multiple driving modes including Eco, Normal, Sport, and programmable Individual settings. 4Motion models added Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad settings. Hill Descent Control, operational up to 19 mph, engaged in Offroad mode and added a layer of capability, though its 7.6 inches of ground clearance limited its off-road prowess.

The Tiguan adopted MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link rear suspension, with vented front discs and solid rear discs managing braking. Variable assist steering adjusted based on speed, lighter at low speeds and firmer on the highway. Despite slight turbo lag at initial acceleration, the Tiguan provided an enjoyable driving experience. VW's choice to limit the engine's power to 184 horsepower aimed to promote fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA estimate of 24 mpg in combined driving. Our test in Malibu, California, averaged 24.7 mpg.

Handling and ride quality in the Tiguan were balanced for everyday driving, remaining competent up to moderate limits. Beyond this, the standard tires and suspension lacked sportiness, which might disappoint brand loyalists seeking more excitement.

Conversely, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, typical of Subaru's horizontally opposed design, delivering a robust 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. Weighing 3,896 pounds, the Outback Wilderness had a commendable towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.

Fuel efficiency, as per the EPA, stood at 24 mpg combined, though in testing on an elevation-changing route, our average dipped to 21.3 mpg.

While the engine was strong, the Wilderness’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) softened the driving experience. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters for manual control but was marred by characteristic droning and less satisfying simulated "gear changes," especially during maximum acceleration.

Standard AWD was a trademark of the Outback, with the Wilderness trim featuring enhanced wheels, tires, and suspension systems. It rode on 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, accommodating a 9.5-inch ground clearance and improved approach, breakover, and departure angles at 20, 21.2, and 23.6 degrees, respectively. A front skid plate and optional full underbody plating reinforced its off-road capabilities. Revised CVT final-drive ratios and a dual-function X-Mode traction system allowed the Wilderness to handle a 40% grade and maintain traction above 25 mph.

On pavement, the Outback Wilderness handled adequately for daily driving, but truly excelled off-road. Testing on demanding trails showcased its ability to climb and descend hills, navigate boulders, and maneuver through tight spaces, proving its worth in difficult terrains.

The interior of the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was impressively spacious, so much so that it could be compared to smaller midsize SUVs. Front-wheel-drive models even offered a standard third-row seat, although this feature was absent in 4Motion versions. The SEL R-Line test vehicle provided exemplary comfort with leather-wrapped front seats featuring eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. Visibility was excellent, augmented by a panoramic glass sunroof.

The second row offered ample space and comfort, ensuring accommodation for adults and children, including those in reverse-facing child safety seats. The SEL R-Line model included rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and adequate storage.

New for 2022, VW replaced traditional buttons and knobs with touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard, which posed usability challenges. Cargo space varied based on configuration; front-drive models with the third row offered limited cargo capacity (12 cubic feet behind the third row, 33 cubic feet with it folded, and 65.5 cubic feet max). The 4Motion variant provided more generous cargo space, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with it folded, aligning with midsize SUV standards.

In comparison, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness had dark gray StarTex upholstery, water-repellent and ideal for rugged adventurers, albeit uncomfortable in hot weather due to its sweat-trapping nature. The front seats, heated but not ventilated, offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger. Meanwhile, dual-zone automatic climate control efficiently cooled the front cabin.

The rear seat roominess was comparable, comfortably accommodating two adults or three children, with ample space for knees, feet, and heads. Similar to the front, the rear seats featured StarTex upholstery and heating. Rear passengers benefited from air conditioning vents and USB charging ports.

Storage in the Outback Wilderness was adequate, with 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with them folded. The rear seatbacks and cargo area featured waterproof materials, illuminated by LED lighting. Additionally, the more robust roof rack could handle a 220-pound dynamic load and a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping scenarios.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with a variety of standard and available technological features. All models featured digital instrumentation through Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit, with most trims utilizing an 8-inch display and the SEL R-Line employing the advanced Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch display.

Volkswagen’s MIB3 infotainment system, equipped in every trim except the base Tiguan S, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, smartphone mirroring via App-Connect, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The SEL R-Line enhanced these features with a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system. However, natural voice recognition functionality was lackluster unless an optional Plus Speech upgrade was purchased. The Car-Net suite also included Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, albeit with additional subscription costs for complete functionality.

The Tiguan's available Park Assist system was a notable feature, capable of autonomously steering the SUV into various parking spaces. It was standard in the SEL R-Line trim.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness offered a large 11.6-inch touchscreen for infotainment and climate control, dominating the center dashboard. Physical knobs and buttons existed for essential functions, but other controls required touchscreen interaction. Voice recognition capabilities were limited, making smartphone connections via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto more practical.

Despite the target demographic's profile, the Outback Wilderness lacked an optional premium sound system, unlike other trims that offered a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system. An advantageous feature for active lifestyle users was the PIN code entry technology, allowing key fob-free access to the vehicle.

For 2022, the VW Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist on the base model. The IQ Drive adaptive system was upgraded with Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, and Emergency Assist, which safely stopped the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. Travel Assist could be somewhat finicky due to its touch-sensitive controls. Notably, the Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in 2021, suggesting strong safety performance likely to persist in subsequent models.

The Outback Wilderness also emphasized safety, integrating Subaru's EyeSight ADAS with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure, and lane-centering assistance, among others. Its system was conscientiously calibrated to enhance off-road capabilities without compromising EyeSight's effectiveness. The model included steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system, but omitted Subaru’s DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology. EyeSight's performance on the Outback Wilderness was noteworthy, maintaining safe distances and lane positioning without becoming intrusive. While 2022 testing was pending, the 2021 standard Outback earned top safety ratings, reflecting its robustness in protective measures.