2021 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was a study in understated elegance, with its clean lines and balanced proportions. While some might have found its styling a bit conservative, it was undeniably upscale and timeless, promising to age gracefully. The Tiguan was notably large for its class, offering a roomy interior that could accommodate up to seven passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. Its interior design was characterized by modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout, though it fell short of luxury with its hard plastics and flimsy steering wheel stalks. The Tiguan was available in several trims, with prices ranging from $25,245 to $39,095, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia carried a mature design, having remained largely unchanged since its last major update in 2008. Its exterior was a testament to the idea that good taste never goes out of style, with modestly sized grilles and elegant wheel arches. The Sequoia was a large SUV, offering ample space for passengers across its three rows. However, its interior design felt dated, with a smaller infotainment screen compared to its competitors. Despite this, the Sequoia's interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and a focus on durability. The Nightshade Special Edition added a modern touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with power sent to the front wheels by default. The 4Motion AWD system was available as an option. While the powertrain was adequate, it suffered from turbocharger lag, making it feel breathless during acceleration. The Tiguan's fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD, though real-world testing showed slightly lower figures. Despite its powertrain shortcomings, the Tiguan offered a pleasant driving experience with responsive steering and a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, was equipped with a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, with a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential and a two-speed transfer case for 4WD models. The Sequoia boasted a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds and a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway for both RWD and 4WD models. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities.

Inside the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, comfort was a priority. The SUV featured large doors and tall seating positions, making entry and exit easy. The front seats offered a wide range of adjustments, while the back seat provided generous legroom and foot space. The Tiguan's cargo space varied depending on the presence of a third-row seat, with a maximum capacity ranging from 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet. The interior also included a panoramic sunroof and various storage compartments, though overall storage was somewhat limited.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows. The SUV featured three-zone climate control and a power moonroof, enhancing the cabin experience. The Sequoia's cargo space was impressive, with 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 120.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded flat. The interior also included ample storage options, with a large center console and door pockets.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB3 infotainment system starting with the SE trim, offering an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a range of connected services. However, the system had some quirks, and the standard six-speaker sound system was underwhelming. Higher trims offered a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.5-inch TFT driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system lacked the modern features found in competitors. The Sequoia Limited added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package available. Despite its dated technology, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with the IQ Drive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in certain trims, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia featured the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The Sequoia also came with the STAR safety system, offering stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. However, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had released crash-test ratings for the Sequoia.