2022 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet appealing design, distinguishing itself from its less attractive competitors. Its refreshed exterior featured new front styling that aligned with Volkswagen's larger models, a restyled grille with the new VW logo, and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan's lineup was simplified to four trims, with prices ranging from $25,995 to $36,995. The SEL R-Line model, priced at $37,970, boasted a sportier look with features like 18-inch alloy wheels and a choice of four paint colors. Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line offered 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 Venza reemerged with a modern design on the TGNA-K platform, shared with several Toyota and Lexus models. Measuring 186.6 inches in length, it was on the shorter side of the midsize crossover segment. The Venza's exterior featured a scalloped body side, LED lighting, and a prominent nose, making it more suited for urban environments. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials and a well-placed touchscreen display. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats comfortably accommodated three adults. The Venza's cabin was designed to be a quiet oasis, with sound-blocking materials enhancing the serene driving experience.

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 powered the front wheels, with an optional 4Motion AWD system available. The Tiguan offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional settings for AWD models. Despite its enjoyable drive, the Tiguan's engine exhibited some turbo lag, and its fuel economy was modest at 24 mpg combined. The Tiguan's ride and handling were satisfactory for everyday driving, though it lacked excitement for more spirited driving.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 219 horsepower. The Venza offered electric-only operation for short distances and Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes. Regenerative braking helped recharge the battery, optimizing efficiency. The Venza's performance was sprightly, with agile handling reminiscent of the Camry. Its taller body and higher ground clearance discouraged aggressive cornering, but it excelled as a midsize family vehicle, providing a comfortable and efficient ride.

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 cargo space. The SEL R-Line trim provided leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, excellent visibility, and a panoramic sunroof. The second row was roomy, with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. 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 for some users.

The 2022 Toyota Venza accommodated five passengers in two rows, with ample headroom and legroom. The second row offered 45.2 inches of hip room, ensuring comfort for three adults. The cabin felt spacious, especially with the available Star Gaze panoramic roof. Convenience features included power-adjustable front seats, an electric parking brake, and multiple storage options. The Venza's lithium-ion battery pack had minimal impact on cargo capacity, offering 28.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. Toyota prioritized a quiet cabin, using sound-blocking materials for a serene driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro display. 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 nine-speaker Fender audio system and navigation. However, the natural voice recognition feature required a subscription and was not active during testing. Car-Net offered remote access and safety features, with additional subscription options for navigation and online radio. The Tiguan also featured an available Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid powertrain required no special attention, offering a seamless driving experience without charging infrastructure concerns. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models, with a 12.3-inch screen on the Limited trim. It supported Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa, with multiple USB ports and a JBL audio system on higher trims. Toyota Connected Services provided safety and remote features, with an optional Advanced Technology Package adding a head-up display and digital rearview mirror. The Venza's technology suite was comprehensive, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard Front Assist and Side Assist systems, with significant improvements to its IQ Drive suite. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, though its touch controls could be challenging to engage. Emergency Assist operated when Travel Assist was active, safely stopping the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's enhancements aimed to improve its safety score.

The 2022 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System, with features like stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It also offered eight airbags, LATCH anchors, and child safety locks. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite provided forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and hill-start assist were standard, with parking assist and fog lamps on higher trims. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.