2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a refined and conservative design, distinguishing itself from its more ostentatious competitors. Its updated front styling aligned it with Volkswagen's larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and optional illuminated grille bar. Standard LED headlights, new nameplate lettering, and redesigned aluminum wheels added to its appeal. The Tiguan's lineup was simplified into four trims, with prices ranging from $25,995 to $36,995, plus a destination charge. The SEL R-Line model, tested in Atlantic Blue Metallic, showcased a sportier look with 18-inch alloy wheels and a sophisticated interior featuring leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting. Despite its upscale appearance, the use of hard plastic in the lower cabin areas hinted at its mass-market status.

In contrast, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained its familiar yet attractive design, avoiding the trend of oversized grilles. Its clean, car-like styling was complemented by Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured subtle yet distinctive styling cues, such as a Viper-like hood and unique wheels. The Durango offered various appearance packages, including the Blacktop and Hemi Orange packages, allowing for customization. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, provided a comfortable environment with available Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats. The Durango's color palette expanded for 2023, adding new options like Frostbite and Night Moves.

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 delivered power to the front wheels, with optional 4Motion AWD available. The AWD system could decouple the rear axle to save fuel when not needed. Drivers could choose from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings for AWD models. Despite its enjoyable drive, the Tiguan's engine exhibited some turbo lag, and its performance seemed limited compared to its potential. The EPA rated the R-Line with 4Motion at 24 mpg combined, with real-world testing achieving 24.7 mpg. The Tiguan's ride and handling were nimble and responsive, though it lacked excitement when pushed to its limits.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, producing up to 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with RWD or optional AWD. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8, standard on the R/T and optional on the Citadel, delivered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The SRT 392 model featured a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 475 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat model boasted a 6.2-liter supercharged V8, producing 710 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. The Durango's performance was exhilarating, especially in the Hellcat, though its size made it less agile on twisty roads. The adaptive-damping suspension and Brembo brakes provided control, while the supercharger whine added to the driving experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact crossovers for its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered a standard third-row seat in FWD models, while 4Motion models did not. The SEL R-Line provided exceptional comfort with leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats and excellent visibility. The second row was roomy, accommodating adults and children alike. The switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard added sophistication but proved challenging to use. Cargo space was generous, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded in 4Motion models.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with standard bucket seats and a three-seat second-row bench. Higher trims featured second-row captain's chairs. Interior space was competitive with other three-row midsize SUVs, though cargo space was less than some rivals, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 85.1 cubic feet with seats folded. Small-item storage was ample, with a wireless charging pad and USB ports. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models towing up to 6,200 pounds and V8 models up to 8,700 pounds. However, it lacked off-road emphasis, focusing instead on towing and performance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line offering 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. Natural voice recognition required a subscription, which was not active during testing. Car-Net offered remote access and safety features, with additional plans available for a fee. The Tiguan also offered Park Assist for autonomous parking.

The 2023 Dodge Durango's SXT and GT models came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch screen with Uconnect 5. The infotainment system was responsive and user-friendly, with unique SRT-themed animations. The SRT models included the Performance Pages app for performance data. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on the SRT Hellcat. Despite its age, the Durango's tech updates kept it competitive with newer rivals.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with improvements to its IQ Drive systems. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, though touch controls made it challenging to engage. Emergency Assist could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS, with hopes for improved ratings in 2022.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed safety ratings, with "Good" marks in some IIHS tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating, with five stars in side crash tests. Standard safety features were limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard, but other features only available on higher trims.