2022 Jeep Compass vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan exhibited a refined and conservative design that many of its competitors lacked. Sporting a creased, folded, and symmetrical look, the Tiguan tended towards minimalism, which aided in its timeless appeal. In 2022, the front styling of the Tiguan took cues from Volkswagen’s larger Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models. Updates included a restyled grille with an illuminated bar, standard LED headlights, new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate, and revamped aluminum wheels.

The Tiguan lineup for 2022 was simplified into four trims: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line, each available with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices ranged from $25,995 to $36,995, with an additional destination charge of $1,195. The SEL R-Line test model, featuring standard 4Motion AWD and an accessory cargo cover, came to $37,970 MSRP. The sportier look of the R-Line models, including the blacked-out SE R-Line Black, and the Atlantic Blue Metallic color on the SEL R-Line with its 18-inch alloy wheels, added extra flair.

Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line showcased a luxurious cabin with perforated and piped leather upholstery, cutting-edge technology, touch-sensing steering wheel, and climate controls. Ambient lighting with 15 color options added an upscale ambiance. However, the hard plastic in the lower half of the cabin detracted slightly from its premium feel. Standard features across all Tiguans included keyless entry, push-button engine start, and heated front seats, while SE trims and above added remote engine starting. The overall impression was of a vehicle that maintained its fresh appearance, aiming to remain competitive until its next full redesign.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Compass retained much of its design since its last revamp in 2017. Resembling a smaller Grand Cherokee, the Compass featured new wheel designs and styling tweaks for 2022. The High Altitude test model sported dark sparkly 19-inch multi-spoke wheels that complemented its premium, compact Jeep image.

Inside, the Compass High Altitude felt markedly upscale with its redesigned dashboard, updated digital instrumentation, and infotainment systems. The premium leather seats, soft-touch surfaces, and added sound deadening contributed to a luxurious feel. The lineup for the Compass ranged from the base Sport trim to the Latitude, Latitude Lux, Limited, Trailhawk, and High Altitude models, with prices spanning from $26,020 to $35,085, plus a $1,595 destination charge. The High Altitude variant, with its AWD, Elite Interior Group, and Driver Assist Group 1 options, reached an MSRP of $40,470, providing every conceivable upgrade.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its mechanical setup with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 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, while the optional 4Motion AWD could direct up to 50% of power to the rear when needed. Driving modes such as Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual were now standard across all trims, with additional Active Control settings for the AWD variants.

Despite the engine's torque peaking at a more delayed interval than other turbocharged units, resulting in slight turbo lag during acceleration, the Tiguan handled enjoyably once the torque kicked in. With MacPherson struts in the front, a multi-link independent rear suspension, and variable assist steering, the Tiguan offered a smooth ride, although its performance seemed to fall short of what could be expected. Fuel economy for the SEL R-Line 4Motion model was rated at 24 mpg in combined driving, but a short test drive in Malibu yielded a slightly better average of 24.7 mpg.

The 2022 Jeep Compass, on the other hand, came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder "Tigershark" engine, delivering 177 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm. Critics felt that a turbocharger could have significantly improved its performance, especially for those taking the Compass on mountainous outings. Despite lacking forced induction, the engine often needed to rev hard, producing an unpleasant sound. The nine-speed automatic transmission was preferable to a CVT, though its reluctance to downshift and hurried upshifting took away from driving enjoyment. The automatic stop/start system was a bit slow to re-engage, causing occasional harsh driveline engagement.

Featuring Jeep Selec-Terrain, the Compass offered Auto, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes, and its Active Drive AWD system allowed full power transfer to the rear wheels when necessary, with a driveline disconnect system for improved fuel economy. The EPA rated the Compass High Altitude at 25 mpg combined, yet testing averaged 23.8 mpg. The Jeep Compass had better ground clearance at 8.1 inches, making it more suitable for light off-roading or snowstorms. The Trailhawk model, with its specialized features for rugged terrain, was even more capable.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out in the compact SUV segment due to its spacious interior, almost rivaling smaller midsize SUVs. The FWD models even included a standard third-row seat, which was absent in AWD variants. The SEL R-Line's front seats offered eight-way power adjustments with heating and ventilation, and drivers appreciated the high driving position and panoramic sunroof, which brightened the cabin.

Rear seat comfort was equally impressive, accommodating adults comfortably and providing ample space for children in safety seats. Touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard, while sophisticated in design, proved less user-friendly than traditional buttons. Cargo space was generous, with AWD models offering 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down, surpassing some midsize SUVs.

The 2022 Jeep Compass’s interior also catered to a premium experience, particularly in the High Altitude trim. Front seats with eight-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, as well as a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats, were standout features. Beneath a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and black headliner, the redesigned dashboard and new Uconnect 5 infotainment screen elevated the cabin's luxury feel.

Though the storage space in the new center console was doubled, it still fell short in comparison to the Tiguan. Cargo capacity in the Compass measured 27.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with them folded down, which was satisfactory but less than that of the Tiguan.

Volkswagen’s 2022 Tiguan came equipped with the Digital Cockpit, featuring an 8-inch display, with the SEL R-Line boasting a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available in most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, App-Connect smartphone integration, and SiriusXM 360L radio. The SEL R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system.

Natural voice recognition was dependent on an additional Plus Speech subscription, which was not active during tests, leading to disappointing performance. Car-Net Remote Access was free for five years, offering features like remote engine start and vehicle locator. Additional subscriptions for Hotspot and other services cost $250 annually. The Park Assist system, standard in the SEL R-Line, could autonomously steer the vehicle into parking spaces.

In the Jeep Compass, the Uconnect 5 infotainment system promised quicker responses and smoother operation than its predecessor. Standard features included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while a 10.1-inch upgrade was available. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and voice text reply, with over-the-air updates ensuring longevity.

Despite the advanced voice recognition system handling commands well, it faltered with more complex requests like finding the nearest hospital. However, the overall user experience with Uconnect 5 was positive, further enhanced by available navigation, connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was updated to include Front Assist (forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection) and Side Assist (blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert) as standard. The IQ Drive package introduced Travel Assist (adaptive cruise control combined with lane-centering assistance) and Emergency Assist (which activated if the driver became unresponsive) for improved safety on the road.

With the 2021 Tiguan earning a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS, the new standard LED headlights and enhanced driver aids aimed to retain or improve its safety reputation.

For the 2022 Jeep Compass, standard safety features were upgraded to include forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features like Highway Assist, active later in the model year, and available parking assistance and 360-degree cameras enhanced safety.

During tests, the Compass’s safety systems generally worked well, although the forward-collision warning occasionally gave false alerts, and adaptive cruise control didn't mesh smoothly with the engine’s performance.