2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, distinguishing itself from its often less attractive competitors. Its refreshed exterior featured a creased and symmetrical look, aligning with Volkswagen's larger models like the Atlas. The new front styling included a restyled grille with the updated VW logo and an optional illuminated grille bar. Standard LED headlights and redesigned aluminum wheels added to its appeal. The Tiguan's interior was equally refined, with perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and metallic accents, though the lower half's hard plastic hinted at its mass-market status. The SUV's lineup was simplified to four trims, with prices ranging from $25,995 to $36,995, plus a destination charge of $1,195.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication with its elegant exterior, featuring quad-lamp headlights and a bold grille. The midsize SUV's stately presence was enhanced by 22-inch alloy wheels on the Prestige trim. The rear echoed the quad-lamp design with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts. The interior continued the luxurious theme with quilted leather seats, metal and matte wood trim, and a unique two-spoke steering wheel. Despite a minor quibble with the 14.5-inch infotainment screen's placement, the spacious and luxurious cabin was a delightful place to spend time. The GV80's matte Brunswick Green paint added an extra touch of elegance to its overall look.

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 AWD system could send up to half of the power to the rear wheels, decoupling when not needed to save fuel. Drivers could choose from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings for 4Motion models. Despite its enjoyable drive, the Tiguan's engine exhibited some turbo lag, and its fuel economy was modest at 24 mpg combined. The ride and handling were satisfactory for everyday driving, though it lacked excitement for more spirited driving.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. While not particularly nimble or quick, the GV80 excelled in highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts. Its electronically controlled suspension scanned the road for roughness, enhancing ride comfort. Active noise cancellation contributed to a serene driving experience. Despite its slower acceleration compared to some competitors, the GV80's highway prowess made it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a spacious compact crossover, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered a standard third-row seat in FWD models, though 4Motion models lacked this feature. The SEL R-Line trim provided exceptional comfort with leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats, excellent visibility, and a panoramic sunroof. The second row was roomy and comfortable for adults, with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. Cargo space was generous, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with luxury features. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats available. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing adjustments. Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous interior. A third-row option was available, though legroom was limited. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key. Tri-zone climate control and a 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort and entertainment. Cargo space was impressive, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with the seats folded. Towing capacity was a robust 6,000 pounds.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The MIB3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen, was standard on most trims, while the base S used MIB2. The MIB3 system included Car-Net connected services, App-Connect smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The SEL R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. 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 2023 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a tactile experience, though navigating the menu was cumbersome. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. Remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside, a standout feature in tight parking situations.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with significant improvements to its IQ Drive system. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, though the touch-sensing controls were challenging to use. Emergency Assist operated when Travel Assist was active, slowing the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's standard LED headlights and advanced driver aids aimed to improve that score.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A unique feature was the blind-spot video feed displayed in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used multiple systems to provide a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled in bright sunlight. The NHTSA awarded the GV80 a full five-star safety rating, while the IIHS rated it "Good" for crashworthiness and "Superior" for front crash prevention.