2023 BMW X1 vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan boasted a design that was a breath of fresh air amidst its often ungainly rivals. Its creased, folded, and symmetrical exterior featured a conservative yet timeless design, aligning it visually with Volkswagen’s larger Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models. New front styling updates included a restyled grille with the new VW logo and an available illuminated grille bar, while LED headlights became standard. Redesigned aluminum wheels and new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate added to the refreshed look. The Tiguan’s trims—S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line—offered configurations with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), with prices ranging from $25,995 to $36,995.

Our test vehicle, an SEL R-Line with standard 4Motion AWD, was priced at $37,970 MSRP. The R-Line models stood out for their sportier appearance, with the SE R-Line Black offering a trendy blacked-out look. The Atlantic Blue Metallic paint on our evaluation vehicle, paired with 18-inch machined-surface alloy wheels, provided an appealing and harmonious aesthetic. Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line featured a sophisticated cabin with perforated and piped leather upholstery, touch-sensing steering wheel and climate controls, and ambient lighting offering 15 color options. Metallic accents gave the interior an upscale feel, although hard plastics in the lower cabin areas reminded you of its mass-market status.

The 2023 BMW X1 represented an evolution from its predecessor, featuring stronger and more refined elements without abandoning its recognizable form. It sported a larger, more squared-off kidney grille that balanced familiarity with boldness, ushering in a robust appearance. The flush door handles borrowed from the i4 and standard LED headlights and taillights signaled a modern upgrade. The X1’s L-shaped taillights got a fresh take, and 13 new exterior colors, including Blue Bay Lagoon, Cape York Green, Utah Orange, Space Silver, and Frozen Pure Grey, expanded its palette. Our Portimao Blue tester (an extra-cost color) exemplified this dynamic approach.

The X1 maintained 18-inch wheels as standard but for the first time offered optional 19-inch and 20-inch wheels with the xLine design or the M Sport Package. These came with performance tires instead of BMW’s usual run-flats. The xLine featured silver accents and high-gloss body cladding, while the M Sport Package added body-color elements and black roof rails and trim. Inside, the X1's cabin felt premium rather than overly luxurious, dominated by the BMW Curved Display and long, narrow vents. The SensaTec 2.0 seat coverings in various color options felt premium, while additional upgrades like the stitched SensaTec dashboard, sport seats, and a leather steering wheel with paddle shifters in the M Sport Package enhanced the sporty ambiance.

For 2022, the Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,900 rpm. The power was transferred through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels, or to all wheels with the optional 4Motion AWD. The AWD system could decouple the rear axle to save fuel when not needed. Drivers could choose from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with 4Motion models adding Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad settings, bolstered by a Hill Descent Control system.

Despite its engine's torque figure, the Tiguan experienced momentary turbo lag during acceleration from a stop. However, once the torque engaged, the Tiguan proved enjoyable to drive. The EPA rated the SEL R-Line with 4Motion at 24 mpg in combined driving, a figure we found accurate with a 24.7 mpg average during testing. The Tiguan’s MacPherson struts in front and multi-link rear suspension, along with the variable assist steering, provided a nimble and responsive driving experience, although it lacked the engagement some Volkswagen enthusiasts might seek.

The 2023 BMW X1 featured a significant power boost with its 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and a notable 295 pound-feet of torque, up 13 horsepower and 37 pound-feet from 2022. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and could tow up to 3,500 pounds, a first for the X1. This newfound capability aligned it with competitors like the Volvo XC40 and larger models like the BMW X3. BMW introduced an all-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) that replaced the previous eight-speed automatic. The DCT performed well, especially with the paddle shifters in the M Sport Package, offering an engaged driving experience.

Adaptive M Suspension and damping upgrades minimized body roll and enhanced stability, making the X1 feel agile and reminiscent of a hatchback rather than a crossover. Visibility was commendable with large windows and narrow pillars, although the narrow rear window occasionally limited rear visibility. The EPA rated the X1 at 25 mpg city, 34 highway, and 28 combined, with premium fuel recommended.

The 2022 VW Tiguan excelled in interior space, impressive enough to warrant comparisons with smaller midsize SUVs like the Chevrolet Blazer and Hyundai Santa Fe. The Tiguan's standard third-row seat in FWD models offered versatility, though it was omitted in 4Motion versions. Our SEL R-Line test vehicle featured leather-wrapped eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, providing excellent comfort. The second row offered ample space for adults and children, with rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and decent storage.

Cargo space in the Tiguan was among the segment's best. FWD models with the third-row seat had only 12 cubic feet behind it, but 33 cubic feet with it folded, and 65.5 cubic feet in total. Our 4Motion-equipped test vehicle had 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 73.4 cubic feet maximum, similar to a midsize SUV.

The 2023 BMW X1 benefited from increased dimensions, offering impressive headroom—42.1 inches in the front and 39.3 inches in the rear—surpassing competitors like the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Legroom in the front was 40.4 inches and 37 inches in the back, with cargo space of 25.7 cubic feet behind the 40/20/40-split folding rear seats and 57.2 cubic feet with them folded down.

Heated seats were available for $550, including a heated steering wheel, although the approach felt a bit penny-pinching for a BMW. Nevertheless, the option to add heated seats independently rather than bundling them into the Premium Package was appreciated. The wireless charging pad, part of the Premium Package, featured a clever clasp to keep the phone secure, adding to the functional appeal of the X1.

For 2022, the VW Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, called Digital Cockpit, with an 8-inch display or a 10.25-inch display in the SEL R-Line. The MIB3 infotainment system, except in the base Tiguan S, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The SEL R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system.

Natural voice recognition proved disappointing due to the need for a Plus Speech upgrade to an active Car-Net Hotspot plan, which cost an additional nine dollars annually. However, Car-Net Remote Access was complimentary for five years, offering remote engine start, door lock control, and location tracking. The Safe & Secure plan and Hotspot plan were additional upgrades, with the latter enabling a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Park Assist was available on the SEL R-Line to autonomously park the vehicle.

The 2023 BMW X1 introduced the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 8, integrating a 10.7-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch driver information display into a single pane. The infotainment system was responsive but cluttered with numerous apps and sub-menus. Voice commands worked well for functions like climate control and moonroof operation but struggled with navigation inputs. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were seamlessly integrated.

Standard BMW Live Cockpit Plus included BMW maps and Bluetooth, while Live Cockpit Professional, available in the Premium Package, added a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. The X1 featured four USB-C ports, a start/stop button, and a new toggle-style gear selector. The optional Harman Kardon 12-speaker sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2022 VW Tiguan came with standard safety features, including Front Assist with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and Side Assist with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Significant safety upgrades included Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, though its touch controls required precise operation. Emergency Assist, another upgrade, engaged if the driver became unresponsive, slowing the SUV to a safe stop. In 2021, the Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, with improvements for 2022 expected to enhance this rating.

For 2023, the BMW X1 included standard active blind-spot detection with an exit warning function, and a front-collision warning system with pedestrian and cyclist detection with brake intervention. Active Driving Assistant Professional, newly available, offered features like speed limit assist, traffic-jam assistant, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control with stop & go. The adaptive cruise control system utilized route monitoring and could bring the X1 to a complete stop.

A 360-degree camera system was available in the Premium Package, while Active Park Distance Control provided front and rear collision alerts. The Back-Up Assistant feature retraced routes for up to 150 feet, and Parking Assistant Plus used the curb and other vehicles as reference points for automated parking.