2023 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

In the past, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan distinguished itself in a sea of unattractive rival SUVs with its refined and symmetrical design. VW enthusiasts appreciated its conservative approach, which promised to age gracefully without sensationalism. For 2022, the Tiguan underwent a subtle facelift to bring it more in line with the design cues of larger Volkswagen models like the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. Updates included a revised front grille featuring the new VW logo, standard LED headlights, nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate, and redesigned aluminum wheels.

Volkswagen simplified the Tiguan lineup for 2022, offering it in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, with the option for front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices ranged from $25,995 to $36,995, with an additional $1,195 destination charge. The SEL R-Line test vehicle, equipped with standard 4Motion AWD and an accessory cargo cover, priced at $37,970 MSRP, featured a sportier aesthetic with distinct machined-surface 18-inch alloy wheels complementing the Atlantic Blue Metallic paint job.

The interior of the Tiguan SEL R-Line embraced an upscale feel, featuring perforated and piped leather upholstery, touch-sensing controls, and ambient cabin lighting with 15 color options. Metallic accents enhanced its premium appearance. However, hard plastic materials used in the cabin's lower half hinted at its mass-market positioning. Standard amenities included keyless entry, push-button engine starting, and heated front seats, with remote engine starting available from the SE trim.

The 2023 Honda CR-V, by contrast, underwent a more dramatic redesign that gave it a cleaner and slightly more aggressive look compared to its fifth-generation predecessor. The new CR-V boasted a blunt nose, long hood, and extended wheelbase which favored conservative styling expected to age well. Both the CR-V EX and CR-V EX-L sported 18-inch alloy wheels, multi-spoke design, and dark-tinted rear privacy glass. Inside, the EX-L trim offered upgrades such as leather-wrapped seats, a steering wheel, and a shift knob compared to the cloth upholstery in the EX.

The interior of the 2023 CR-V was modeled after the latest Civic, featuring metal mesh trim that integrated air vents and demarcated the dashboard's upper and lower sections. Both trims included digital instrumentation displays, but the EX-L version had additional features such as a larger touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable front passenger seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power rear liftgate. The CR-V’s starting price for the EX was $31,110 with FWD, climbing to $35,260 for the EX-L AWD, plus a $1,245 destination charge. The tested EX-L AWD model, with Radiant Red Metallic paint and Gray leather seats, retailed at $36,900 MSRP.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan carried forward its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, offering 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,900 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it came with the option of FWD or VW’s 4Motion AWD, the latter capable of distributing up to 50% power to the rear wheels when needed. Driver-selectable modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with specific AWD settings for Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad.

The Tiguan’s suspension used MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link independent rear setup, providing a balance between nimbleness and comfort. It came with 13.4-inch vented front discs and 11.8-inch rear discs. Performance-wise, while there was a slight turbo lag during acceleration, the Tiguan was enjoyable to drive once the torque kicked in. Despite the potential for better power output from the engine, the focus was on fuel economy, with the EPA rating the 4Motion model at 24 mpg combined; during testing, the Tiguan averaged 24.7 mpg.

The 2023 Honda CR-V EX and EX-L retained the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine from the previous generation, delivering 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 179 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 and 5,000 rpm. The engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which diffused the excitement of the turbo engine's torque with its distinctive droning sound during hard acceleration.

Despite the CVT’s drawbacks, the CR-V excelled in ride and handling, offering a well-tuned suspension, precise steering, and effective brakes. It managed road imperfections smoothly and felt responsive during spirited driving. The CR-V’s EPA rating was an impressive 29 mpg combined, matching the observed 29.1 mpg over a mountainous Southern California route.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out for its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered a third-row seat in FWD models, providing versatility. The SEL R-Line’s leather-wrapped seats offered eight-way power adjustment with heating and ventilation, delivering exceptional comfort. Visibility was excellent, enhanced by a panoramic sunroof. The second-row seats offered ample room for adults, making it suitable for families with children. The Tiguan’s touch-sensing controls, although sophisticated, presented usability challenges.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Tiguan was competitive. FWD models with a third-row seat had limited space behind the seats (12 cubic feet), increasing to 33 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 65.5 cubic feet with the second row down. The 4Motion AWD model tested had 37.6 cubic feet behind the seats, extending to a generous 73.4 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Honda CR-V, while claiming increased roominess, felt more compact in the driver’s seat with a car-like, low seating position. Visibility was clear, and the redesigned seats provided comfort despite lacking ventilation options. The rear seats, however, felt more spacious, offering a higher seating position, extensive thigh support, and ample legroom, although some taller passengers might find headroom lacking.

The CR-V’s cargo area, accessed via a power liftgate, offered 39.3 cubic feet with the rear load floor in the lowest position. Storage trays and grocery bag hooks provided additional utility. When the back seat was folded, cargo capacity expanded to 76.5 cubic feet, slightly more than the Tiguan, cementing its suitability for families who often need to carry more gear.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, called Digital Cockpit, with an 8-inch display in most trims and a 10.25-inch display in the SEL R-Line. The MIB3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen, came with Car-Net connected services, App-Connect smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM 360L. The SEL R-Line provided a superior navigation system and a Fender premium audio system. However, natural voice recognition required a Plus Speech upgrade, which wasn't functional during testing, prompting reliance on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The Car-Net Remote Access plan, free for five years, enabled remote operation of the vehicle via a smartphone. Enhancements included Park Assist, capable of autonomously steering into parking spaces, which was standard on the SEL R-Line.

The 2023 Honda CR-V offered a straightforward 7-inch digital instrumentation panel paired with a similarly-sized touchscreen in the EX trim, featuring stereo volume and tuning knobs, and smartphone integration. The EX-L trim upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, enhanced audio, and SiriusXM radio. HondaLink subscription, Bose audio, and built-in navigation were reserved for the high-end Sport Touring Hybrid.

Although the EX-L lacked some of the top-tier tech found in rivals, the system was intuitive and user-friendly, providing sufficient features for the price. However, Honda's omission of more advanced tech in lower trims meant buyers had fewer built-in options.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard Front Assist and Side Assist. New additions to the IQ Drive system included Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, though the touch-sensing steering controls proved finicky. Emergency Assist would slow and stop the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive, adding an extra layer of safety.

The 2021 Tiguan achieved the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating, and improvements in the 2022 model, such as standard LED headlights and advanced driver aids, were expected to maintain or elevate this rating.

For 2023, Honda significantly enhanced the CR-V’s safety suite with the Honda Sensing package, offering a comprehensive set of driver-assist features. Standard equipment included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and additional features like a rear-seat reminder and traffic sign recognition. Advanced camera and radar systems ensured accurate and refined operation. The CR-V's ACE body structure was designed to deflect collision energy, and new airbags reduced injury risks.

Despite not having released crashworthiness ratings at the time, Honda expected high safety scores for the CR-V.