2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a refined and conservative design that stood out among its competitors. Its updated front styling aligned it with Volkswagen's larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan's exterior was further enhanced with redesigned aluminum wheels and new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate. The SUV was available in several trims, including the sporty R-Line models, with the SE R-Line Black offering a trendy blacked-out appearance. Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line boasted a luxurious cabin with perforated leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting. However, the lower half of the cabin's hard plastic revealed its mass-market status. Standard features included keyless entry, push-button start, and heated front seats, with additional options like remote engine start and a panoramic sunroof available.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, maintained a robust presence with its large cabin and powerful V8 engine. The Sequoia received a facelift in 2018, updating its headlights and grille, and for 2021, it introduced the Nightshade Special Edition. The interior, however, showed its age with a massive, multi-tiered center dash design reminiscent of the mid-2000s. The standard 7-inch touchscreen appeared small against the expansive dash, but the Sequoia offered ample cabin space, especially in the second row. The SUV's trims ranged from the entry-level SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro and the luxurious Platinum. The Sequoia's towing capacity was respectable, though it lagged behind some competitors. Despite its dated design, the Sequoia's simplicity and comfort appealed to those seeking a traditional SUV experience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its 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, offering front-wheel drive as standard, with the option for VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Tiguan featured various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with additional Offroad settings for 4Motion models. Despite its enjoyable driving experience, the Tiguan's engine exhibited some turbo lag, and its fuel economy was modest, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined for the R-Line with 4Motion. The Tiguan's ride and handling were nimble and responsive, though it lacked the excitement some Volkswagen enthusiasts might seek.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This power was channeled through a six-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive available. The Sequoia's acceleration was strong, and its driving dynamics resembled those of a capable pickup truck. While the Sequoia's towing capacity of 7,400 pounds was respectable, it fell short compared to some competitors. The SUV's ride was characterized by a soft suspension and strong brakes, providing a confident driving experience despite some body roll in corners.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It featured a standard third-row seat in front-wheel-drive models, while 4Motion models focused on maximizing cargo space. The SEL R-Line trim provided exceptional comfort with leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats and a panoramic sunroof. The second row was roomy and comfortable, accommodating adults and children alike. The Tiguan's cargo space was impressive, with up to 73.4 cubic feet available in 4Motion models. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging for some users.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a cavernous cabin, with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and an impressive 120 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Sequoia's power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, allowing easy access to the cargo area. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia offered ample storage options, including deep door pockets and a massive center console. Despite its age, the Sequoia provided plenty of space for passengers and cargo, though newer SUVs offered more efficient use of interior space.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line offering a more advanced Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available in most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, and smartphone mirroring. However, the natural voice recognition feature required an additional subscription, which was not active during testing. The Tiguan also offered a Park Assist system for autonomous parking, standard on the SEL R-Line.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Our test model featured a larger 9-inch screen, though it still felt small on the expansive dash. The Sequoia's infotainment system was straightforward and easy to use, with large hard buttons for navigation. While the technology was dated, the Sequoia's simplicity and modern smartphone connectivity were appreciated.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist, with significant improvements to its IQ Drive system. Travel Assist combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, while Emergency Assist 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 enhancements aimed to improve its safety score.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While the Sequoia lacked more advanced safety tech, it provided a comprehensive set of standard features. However, its older platform resulted in a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA.