2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan continued the path set by its 2022 model, maintaining its sophisticated and conservative design. This year’s version was available in four trims: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line. The SEL R-Line, which we tested, came in an attractive Atlantic Blue paint with Storm Gray leather interiors, exuding a sense of understated luxury. Despite offering seven exterior colors and four types of interior colors, choices were often restricted within each trim level, occasionally making it challenging to find the perfect combination.

The SEL R-Line stood out with its sporty appearance, featuring 20-inch machined-finish wheels and adaptive front lighting that improved nighttime visibility. The sophisticated light bar across the grille added a touch of modern flair. Inside, the cabin boasted quality leather upholstery, appealing artificial wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof. The upscale atmosphere was slightly marred by some materials reminding you of Tiguan's base price. Despite this, the overall interior felt solidly assembled.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid took a bold new direction with the sixth generation, introducing a more assertive and truck-like appearance. Its dimensions were slightly larger than previous models, extending about 2.5 inches longer and half an inch wider, giving it a more muscular stance. The classic D-pillar taillights were reimagined with three modern L shapes, enhancing the vehicle's aggressive look. The blockier rear end and all-LED lighting system gave the CR-V Hybrid a more contemporary edge.

Our test of the Sport Touring trim featured the striking Canyon River Blue color. The Sport style included black roof rails, mirrors, dual chrome exhaust finishers, and black wheels. The interior design remained consistent with other Honda models, featuring a honeycomb grille around the climate control vents and high-quality materials throughout. Contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel added a premium feel.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine yielding 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The SEL R-Line trim included standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and featured multiple driving modes such as Eco, Normal, Sport, and an Individual mode. Additional settings for different terrains like Snow and Offroad were also available.

Despite its robust engine, the Tiguan's power felt somewhat limited, especially at higher speeds. The automatic transmission occasionally stumbled with delayed downshifts, and there was noticeable turbo lag from a stop. However, its variable-assist steering was light and responsive, offering excellent tire grip in curves, making it stable and predictable in turns. With an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined, our testing loop averaged 22.6 mpg.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered a simplified powertrain choice: turbocharged or hybrid. The hybrid version combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system, producing a total of 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. This setup made it the most powerful CR-V to date, offering improved responsiveness and a towing capacity of up to 1,000 lbs.

The hybrid system added a new “B” shifter position for enhanced regenerative braking. The available drive modes—Normal, Sport, Econ, and the new Snow mode—adjusted accelerator response, making the drive smoother or more sensitive depending on the terrain. The hybrid configurations were more fuel-efficient, with the front-wheel drive (FWD) Sport trim achieving 43 mpg city and 40 mpg combined. The Real Time AWD system now sent up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels, offering better traction and adding hill-descent control for those with off-road inclinations.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan was notable for its spacious interior. The FWD models had a third-row seat option, though it reduced cargo space. Our AWD SEL R-Line test model, with its second-row layout, offered 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down, rivaling some midsize SUVs.

The front seats were particularly comfortable, with eight-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The heated steering wheel was a delightful touch. Storage was ample, though the placement and complexity of touch controls for climate and steering functions were less than ideal. The cargo area was versatile, featuring an adjustable load floor and handy levers for folding the seats.

On the other hand, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid's larger dimensions resulted in a roomier interior. Cargo space increased by 3 cubic feet over the previous model, with 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down. These numbers compared favorably with other hybrids like the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.

Rear passengers enjoyed better legroom, totaling 41 inches, and the spacious back seat offered eight reclining positions. The thoughtful design extended to storage solutions, with a console that provided best-in-class storage space and a cubby large enough for two smartphones. Hands-free power tailgate and wide-opening rear doors made loading and unloading a breeze.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured digital instrumentation across all trims, with the SEL R-Line sporting a 10.25-inch display. This larger screen offered a sophisticated look and a wide array of data, including full-panel navigation. The center dashboard housed an 8-inch touchscreen for most trims, surrounded by touch-sensitive buttons and physical control knobs.

Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system were among the highlights. However, the sub-menu and multi-layered processes for simple tasks like changing the radio station could be cumbersome. Voice recognition was also subpar without an active Car-Net Hotspot subscription, which hindered smooth, hands-free operation.

Honda's CR-V Hybrid, however, acknowledged the preference for physical buttons, incorporating them alongside a standard 7-inch or upgraded 9-inch touchscreen. Volume and tuning knobs made for a user-friendly interface. Even the base trims were well-equipped with multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and dual-zone climate control.

The Sport Touring trim was packed with features, including driver’s seat memory, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system, and Honda’s smart navigation system. This system optimized fuel efficiency by considering the terrain of the route, demonstrating Honda's attention to detail and user convenience.

Volkswagen’s 2023 Tiguan was loaded with safety features. Standard equipment included Front Assist and Side Assist, offering forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. IQ.Drive, standard on most trims, added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Travel Assist for semi-autonomous driving on highways. However, the 2023 crash-test ratings were incomplete, creating some uncertainty about its occupant protection capabilities.

Conversely, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid offered an extensive array of safety features as standard. The Honda Sensing suite included technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation, and road departure mitigation. New for 2023 were traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and blind-spot information systems. Front and rear parking sensors and rain-sensing windshield wipers were standard on the Sport Touring Trim. The CR-V Hybrid also benefited from structural improvements and new airbags, contributing to its reputation for safety.