2022 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among its competitors with a design that was both creased and symmetrical, leaning towards a conservative aesthetic. This approach, while not eliciting strong emotions, aged gracefully and appealed to fans of simplicity and minimalism. The refreshed front styling aligned the Tiguan with Volkswagen’s larger Atlas models, featuring a new grille with the updated VW logo and available illuminated grille bar. Standard LED headlights, new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate, and redesigned aluminum wheels added to its refined look.

Volkswagen simplified the Tiguan lineup for 2022, offering it in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims with either FWD or AWD. Prices ranged from $25,995 to $36,995, with a destination charge of $1,195. The SEL R-Line test vehicle, priced at $37,970, featured a sportier look with blacked-out elements and Atlantic Blue Metallic paint. Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line boasted a richer cabin with leather upholstery, new technology, touch-sensing controls, and ambient lighting in 15 colors. However, the hard plastic in the lower half of the cabin revealed its mass-market status.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was offered in 2LT, 3LT, Premier, and RS trims. All but the RS came with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and FWD or AWD. The RS trim included a V6 engine with a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for better responsiveness on low-traction surfaces. For 2022, the Blazer saw minor changes, including revised bumper and bodyside trim for the Premier, a new Enhanced Convenience Package, and a Trailering Package for models with the turbocharged engine. Two-tone paint was available for the LT and RS trims.

Blazer pricing ranged from $33,400 to $41,100, excluding the $1,195 destination charge. The RS test vehicle, equipped with optional AWD, extra-cost paint, and additional packages, totaled $49,000. The Blazer’s Camaro-inspired design was appealing, especially with 20-inch wheels. However, the black trim on the rear bumper gave it an unfinished look. Inside, the Blazer featured Camaro-like infotainment and climate controls, with an 8-inch touchscreen and innovative temperature adjustment rings. Despite the sporty appearance, the interior had plenty of hard plastic, detracting from its overall quality.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,900 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with an optional 4Motion AWD system that could send up to half the power to the rear wheels. The Tiguan offered Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings for AWD models. Despite its 7.6 inches of ground clearance, the Tiguan was best suited for well-traveled paths.

The Tiguan’s MacPherson struts in front and multi-link independent rear suspension provided a balanced ride. It featured 13.4-inch vented front discs and 11.8-inch solid rear discs, with variable assist steering. However, the engine’s torque arrived later than some turbocharged engines, resulting in momentary turbo lag. The Tiguan was enjoyable to drive once the torque kicked in, but it could have benefited from more power. The EPA rated the R-Line with 4Motion at 24 mpg in combined driving, and our test drive averaged 24.7 mpg. The Tiguan felt nimble in normal driving but lacked excitement when pushed hard.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission powered the front or all four wheels, with driving modes including Tour, Sport, Slippery, and Tow/Haul. The Blazer RS featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, paired with a dual-clutch AWD system. The V6 could tow up to 4,500 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the base engine.

The Blazer RS felt firm and sporty in city and highway driving, with satisfying acceleration from the V6 engine. However, it often sounded loud and unrefined. The 20-inch wheels provided decent grip, and the steering felt good in most modes. The brakes were capable, but the Blazer RS struggled on winding roads, with a bouncy suspension and slow downshifts from the nine-speed automatic. The steering felt artificially heavy in Sport mode, and the SUV fought against the driver in high-speed curves. The Blazer RS averaged 20.5 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 21 mpg.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a giant among compact crossover SUVs, with an interior spacious enough to rival smaller midsize SUVs. FWD models featured a standard third-row seat, while AWD models did not. The SEL R-Line test vehicle offered exceptional comfort with leather-wrapped, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heating, and ventilation. The panoramic glass sunroof added to the airy feel, and outward visibility was excellent.

The second row was roomy and comfortable for adults, with rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and ample storage. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard was less user-friendly. Cargo space was among the best in its class, with 12 cubic feet behind the third row, 33 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. The AWD model offered even more space, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 73.4 cubic feet in total.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was comfortable and useful in typical driving situations. The RS test vehicle’s black leather upholstery with red perforations looked sporty but lacked quality. The steering wheel was pleasing to grip, with power tilt and telescopic adjustment and heating. The front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and ventilation but lacked thigh support.

Dual-zone automatic climate control was effective, with rear air vents and USB ports for passengers. The back seat was wide and flat, with plenty of legroom and the ability to slide forward and back. Storage space was impressive, with a large glove compartment, a spacious center bin, and door panel shelves. The Blazer’s power rear liftgate, available with hands-free operation, revealed a 30.5 cubic-foot cargo area, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded. These numbers were small for a midsize SUV.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch display in most versions and a 10.25-inch display in the SEL R-Line. The MIB3 infotainment system, introduced last year, carried over in all but the base Tiguan S, which used MIB2 with a 6.5-inch touchscreen. The MIB3 system included an 8-inch touchscreen, 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 premium audio system.

Natural voice recognition was a touted feature, but it required a Plus Speech upgrade and an active Car-Net Hotspot subscription. The Remote Access plan was complimentary for five years, allowing remote engine start, door lock operation, and vehicle location tracking. Additional Car-Net plans included Safe & Secure, Hotspot, Plus Navigation, and Plus Online Radio. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system, standard on the SEL R-Line.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer’s infotainment system was user-friendly, with an 8-inch touchscreen, high-resolution graphics, and physical controls for volume and tuning. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an upgraded system offering satellite radio and connected navigation. Connected services included an OnStar Safety and Security plan and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, though trial periods were short.

The infotainment system was easy to use, with separate stereo volume and tuning functions and independent climate controls. Enhanced voice recognition and connected navigation were impressive, and the test vehicle featured wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Bose audio system. The Blazer also had rear parking sensors, a high-resolution reversing camera, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror, all of which were useful given the Blazer’s poor rear visibility.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with Front Assist (forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection) and Side Assist (blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert). The Tiguan’s IQ Drive collection of advanced driving assistance systems included Travel Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and Emergency Assist, which could safely bring the SUV to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model’s improvements could enhance that score.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, low-speed automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. Available upgrades included a vibrating Safety Alert Seat, adaptive cruise control with enhanced automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Blazer’s advanced driving assistance systems worked well, but the IIHS did not award it a “Top Safety Pick” rating due to its headlights.