2023 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, distinguishing itself from its often less aesthetically pleasing competitors. With a refreshed exterior, it aligned more closely with Volkswagen's larger models, featuring a restyled grille, standard LED headlights, and redesigned aluminum wheels. The Tiguan's lineup was simplified into four trims, offering both FWD and AWD options, with prices ranging from $25,995 to $36,995. The SEL R-Line model, in particular, boasted a sportier appearance with its blacked-out features and Atlantic Blue Metallic paint, complemented by 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line offered a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, advanced technology, and ambient lighting, though the lower half's hard plastic betrayed its mass-market roots. Standard features included keyless entry, push-button start, and heated front seats, with additional options like remote engine start and a panoramic sunroof available on higher trims.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Line and X-Pro models showcased a more aggressive and modern design with updated front and rear styling, new wheel designs, and fresh paint colors. The X-Line replaced the Nightfall Edition, featuring a raised suspension, unique grille, and black 20-inch wheels, while the X-Pro added 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires for a more rugged look. Inside, the Telluride offered a futuristic feel with a digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a curved 24-inch glass. Interior updates included new colors, minor trim changes, and a more functional center console. The Telluride was available in multiple trims, with the X-Line and X-Pro packages offering additional features. Prices started at $35,690 for the base LX model and went up to $52,785 for the SX Prestige X-Pro with AWD.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to the front wheels or optionally to all four wheels with VW's 4Motion AWD system. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with additional off-road settings for AWD models. Despite its decent performance, the Tiguan experienced some turbo lag, and its fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg combined for the R-Line with 4Motion. The Tiguan's ride and handling were satisfactory for everyday driving, but it lacked the excitement some Volkswagen enthusiasts might expect.

The 2023 Kia Telluride, on the other hand, featured a robust 3.8-liter V6 engine, generating 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Telluride offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Smart, Sport, and Snow, with an AWD system featuring a low-speed Lock setting. The Telluride's V6 provided ample power, achieving an average of 24.1 mpg in the X-Line during a mixed driving test. The X-Pro, with its off-road capabilities, returned 20.4 mpg. The Telluride's suspension was raised for improved off-road performance, and it featured a new Downhill Brake Control system. On highways, the Telluride delivered a smooth and comfortable ride, with some wind noise at higher speeds. The X-Pro's all-terrain tires made it slightly less agile in turns, but overall, the Telluride was a pleasure to drive.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact SUVs with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered a standard third-row seat in FWD models, while AWD versions like the SEL R-Line provided ample cargo space. The front seats were comfortable, with leather upholstery and power adjustments, and the second row was roomy enough for adults. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use. Cargo space was generous, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded in AWD models.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered seating for seven or eight passengers, with premium Nappa leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. The SX Prestige trim included heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, along with a heated steering wheel. The Telluride's interior was spacious, with a power lumbar stabilization system for long trips. The second-row seats were comfortable, with manual sunshades, USB ports, and storage pockets. Access to the third row was easy, and it provided more comfort than many competitors. Cargo space was ample, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with it folded, and 87 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The Telluride also featured a smart power tailgate with an automatic closing function.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. 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 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 various plans, including remote access and a Wi-Fi hotspot, with additional features available for a fee. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2023 Kia Telluride featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Kia Connect services. The voice recognition system performed well, though it couldn't adjust climate controls. The Kia Access app allowed remote control of some functions, and OTA updates kept the system current. The Telluride included Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, along with an optional Harman Kardon audio system and wireless charging. New digital-key technology transformed smartphones into vehicle keys, and a Full Display Mirror provided a video view of the rear. The Telluride also offered a head-up display with expanded information and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist systems, with additional safety features in the IQ Drive package. 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 improvements aimed to enhance its safety credentials.

The 2023 Kia Telluride offered an extensive list of standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a new junction turning system. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction. Highway Drive Assist 1.5 and 2.0 provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, with additional collision avoidance features on higher trims. The Telluride also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention warning system, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. The forward collision warning system was effective without being overly alarming, and Highway Drive Assist 2.0 performed well in various driving conditions. Crash-test ratings for the 2023 Telluride were not available at the time of review.