2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

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 lineup was simplified to include S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, with prices ranging from $25,995 to $36,995. The SEL R-Line model, with its sporty appearance and Atlantic Blue Metallic paint, offered a sophisticated look with machined-surface 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line boasted a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting, though 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.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its rugged, adventure-ready design, reminiscent of its 1980s roots. Its high ride height, boxy proportions, and sharply angled front bumper emphasized its off-road capabilities. Inside, the 4Runner's functional design was evident, though it showed its age with a dash layout from the late 2000s. The 4Runner offered a range of trims, including SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Limited, each with unique features. Standard equipment included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Toyota Safety Sense P driver assistance features. The Trail Special Edition featured 17-inch dark gray alloy wheels and a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket, while the TRD Pro added enhanced off-road capabilities. The Limited trim focused on road-oriented features, such as 20-inch wheels and leather upholstery.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the front wheels, with an optional 4Motion AWD system available. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with additional Offroad settings for AWD models. Despite its 7.6 inches of ground clearance, the Tiguan was best suited for well-traveled paths. The suspension system provided a comfortable ride, though the engine's torque arrived later than some competitors, resulting in momentary turbo lag. The Tiguan's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg combined, with a real-world average of 24.7 mpg during testing. While the Tiguan felt nimble and responsive in normal driving situations, it lacked the power and performance expected from its engine.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured a 4.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, powered the rear wheels or available 4WD with low range. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with noticeable body roll and a rough suspension. However, off-road, the 4Runner excelled, with its suspension effortlessly absorbing obstacles. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models included Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, more than most car-based crossovers, but less than compact pickups.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It featured a standard third-row seat in FWD models, while 4Motion models did not. The SEL R-Line provided comfortable leather seats with power adjustments, excellent visibility, and a panoramic sunroof. The second row was roomy, accommodating adults and children alike. Cargo space was generous, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and a maximum of 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner provided a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the two-row version, with 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row. The optional third-row seat reduced maximum cargo space to 88.8 cubic feet. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-operated rear window for easy access. While the cabin was not as spacious as modern SUVs, it offered ample storage for gear.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available in all but the base model, 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 feature required a subscription, and the Park Assist system was standard on the SEL R-Line.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It included Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system lacked advanced features like a head-up display, it offered tactile controls for ease of use. Optional upgrades included navigation, HD radio, and a JBL premium audio system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with additional IQ Drive features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The 2021 model earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's improvements aimed to enhance safety further.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. The 4Runner received four stars for frontal and side-impact testing from the NHTSA, with three stars for rollover testing.