2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, distinguishing itself from its often less aesthetically pleasing competitors. Its refreshed exterior featured new front styling that aligned with Volkswagen's larger models, such as the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. The updated grille, adorned with the new VW logo and an optional illuminated grille bar, added a touch of modernity. Standard LED headlights, new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate, and redesigned aluminum wheels contributed to its refined appearance. The Tiguan's interior was equally impressive, with the SEL R-Line trim offering a luxurious cabin featuring perforated leather upholstery, advanced technology, and ambient lighting. However, the presence of hard plastic in the lower cabin areas reminded occupants of its mass-market status.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid marked a significant departure from its predecessors with a bold and assertive design. The new model was longer and wider, giving it a more muscular stance. The classic D-pillar taillights were updated with a modern three L-shape design, complementing the blockier rear end and bolder front fascia. The Sport Touring trim, in particular, showcased special Sport styling with black accents and 19-inch wheels. Inside, the CR-V Hybrid followed the design direction of the 2022 Civic and 2023 HR-V, featuring a honeycomb grille across the dash and high-quality materials. The cabin exuded a premium feel, with contrast stitching on the seats and steering wheel adding an attractive touch.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the option of VW's 4Motion AWD system. The AWD system could send up to 50% of power to the rear wheels when needed, enhancing traction. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with additional Offroad settings for 4Motion models. Despite its capabilities, the Tiguan's engine exhibited some turbo lag, impacting acceleration from a stop. Fuel economy was modest, with the R-Line 4Motion achieving 24 mpg combined. The Tiguan's ride and handling were satisfactory for everyday driving, but it lacked the excitement some enthusiasts might seek.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid introduced a new hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a two-motor hybrid-electric system. This setup delivered 204 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful CR-V to date. The hybrid powertrain provided improved responsiveness and was rated for towing up to 1,000 lbs. The CR-V Hybrid featured four drive modes, including a new Snow mode, and an updated Real Time AWD system. The addition of a "B" shifter position allowed for increased regenerative braking, enhancing fuel efficiency. The CR-V Hybrid's FWD variant achieved impressive fuel economy, with 43 mpg city, 36 highway, and 40 combined, making it an efficient choice for eco-conscious drivers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among compact crossovers with its spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It offered a standard third-row seat in FWD models, though this feature was absent in 4Motion versions. The SEL R-Line trim provided exceptional comfort with leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats and excellent visibility. The second row was roomy enough for adults and children alike, with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. Cargo space was generous, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 73.4 cubic feet with them folded, rivaling midsize SUVs.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid benefited from its larger exterior, resulting in increased interior volume. Cargo space improved by 3 cubic feet over the previous model, offering 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.5 cubic feet with them folded. The CR-V Hybrid's rear doors opened wide for easy access, and the improved LATCH system facilitated car seat installation. Rear seat legroom increased to 41 inches, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The cabin featured thoughtful storage solutions, including a cubby for smartphones and eight cupholders, enhancing practicality for families.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available in most trims, offered an 8-inch touchscreen with connected services and smartphone mirroring. However, the natural voice recognition feature required an additional subscription, limiting its functionality. The Tiguan also offered a Park Assist system for autonomous parking, standard on the SEL R-Line trim.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid catered to user preferences with physical buttons for essential functions. The standard 7-inch touchscreen included volume and tuning knobs, while the Sport Touring trim featured a 9-inch touchscreen with a volume knob. Both Hybrid models offered USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and dual-zone climate control. The Sport Touring trim added premium features like a wireless charging pad, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and Honda's smart navigation system, optimizing fuel efficiency based on the route.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard Front Assist and Side Assist systems, enhancing safety with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The IQ Drive suite included Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, though its touch-sensing controls could be challenging to use. Emergency Assist was another notable addition, capable of bringing the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model aimed to improve with standard LED headlights and advanced driver aids.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid boasted an extensive array of safety features, with the Honda Sensing suite standard across all trims. The suite included improved collision mitigation, road-departure mitigation, and lane-keeping assist systems. New features for 2023 included traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. The CR-V Hybrid also offered a blind-spot information system, cross-traffic monitor, and parking sensors on higher trims. The vehicle's structure was reinforced for added safety, and it received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.