2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among its competitors with a design that was both conservative and timeless. Its refreshed front styling aligned it with Volkswagen’s larger Atlas models, featuring a new grille, standard LED headlights, and redesigned aluminum wheels. The SEL R-Line trim, in particular, boasted a sportier look with blacked-out elements and 18-inch alloy wheels, making it visually appealing in Atlantic Blue Metallic.

Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line offered a luxurious cabin with perforated leather upholstery, touch-sensing controls, and ambient lighting in 15 colors. Despite the upscale appearance, the lower half of the cabin revealed its mass-market status with hard plastic materials. Standard features included keyless entry, push-button start, and heated front seats, with higher trims adding remote start and new interior color options.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received subtle styling updates, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and a light-up rear VW logo added to its modern look. While it was easily distinguishable as an EV, it lacked the traditional SUV profile, which might have been a drawback for some buyers.

The ID.4's interior carried over the minimalist design and quality feel from VW’s gasoline models. The base ID.4 Standard model featured leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts, and the higher-level Pro S trim offered additional comfort. The 2023 model also introduced a conventional lid for the center console and improved phone storage, along with available three-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

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. The AWD system could send up to half of the power to the rear wheels, enhancing traction when needed. The Tiguan offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings for AWD models.

Despite its power, the Tiguan experienced some turbo lag, particularly when accelerating from a stop. The EPA rated the AWD R-Line model at 24 mpg combined, and real-world testing yielded a similar 24.7 mpg. The Tiguan's ride and handling were nimble and responsive in normal driving situations, but it lacked the excitement for more spirited driving.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, while the Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus retained the 82-kWh pack. The single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD models delivered 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4's AWD models provided impressive acceleration but lacked the handling finesse of hot hatchbacks. Regenerative braking was present but did not support one-pedal driving, offering a more familiar experience for new EV drivers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in interior space, rivaling smaller midsize SUVs. It offered a standard third-row seat in FWD models, while AWD models had more cargo space. The SEL R-Line trim featured comfortable leather seats with power adjustments, excellent visibility, and a panoramic sunroof. The second row was spacious, accommodating adults and children alike.

Cargo space was generous, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down in AWD models. FWD models with the third-row seat had 12 cubic feet behind the third row, 33 cubic feet with it folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample legroom and headroom. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded. The ID.4 also had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models.

VW improved the ID.4's interior functionality for 2023, adding a conventional lid to the center console and better phone storage. Three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats were also available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line offering a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on all but the base S trim, 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.

Natural voice recognition was available but required a Plus Speech upgrade and an active Car-Net Hotspot subscription. Car-Net offered remote access, crash notification, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Tiguan also had an available Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remaining standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard.

The ID.4's user interface included haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which could be distracting. However, the natural-language voice recognition system made it easier to control functions. The ID.Light system provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with Front Assist and Side Assist. The IQ Drive system included Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and Emergency Assist, which could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's improvements aimed to maintain or enhance that rating.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The 2022 model earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. The 2023 ID.4 added cyclist detection to its automatic emergency braking system and included standard Park Assist Plus, automated lane change, and a 360-degree camera system.