2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a refined and conservative design that stood out among its competitors. With a refreshed front styling, the Tiguan aligned itself with Volkswagen's larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The SUV's exterior was further enhanced by redesigned aluminum wheels and new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate. The Tiguan's interior boasted a sophisticated cabin with perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and new technology, although the hard plastic in the lower half of the cabin hinted at its mass-market status. The updated Tiguan maintained its appealing looks while adding a touch of modern flair.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its long-standing second generation with a design that emphasized timeless elegance. Despite its age, the Sequoia's exterior featured a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines, giving it a substantial presence. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated compared to modern trends, with a smaller touchscreen and analog instrument panel. However, the interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and a focus on durability. The Nightshade Special Edition added a contemporary touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, updating the Sequoia's appearance.

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 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Tiguan provided various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with additional off-road settings for 4Motion models. Despite its enjoyable driving experience, the Tiguan's engine exhibited some turbo lag, and its fuel economy was modest, achieving up to 24 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, was powered by a robust 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's truck-based construction contributed to its impressive towing capacity of 7,400 pounds and a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds. However, its fuel economy was less efficient, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway for RWD models. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities, especially in the TRD Pro model.

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, while 4Motion models provided ample cargo space. The SEL R-Line trim featured comfortable leather seats with power adjustments, excellent visibility, and a panoramic sunroof. The Tiguan's second row was roomy, accommodating adults and children alike. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use. Cargo space was generous, with up to 73.4 cubic feet available in 4Motion models.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with its roomy three-row seating and three-zone climate control. The interior featured a power moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and ample storage options. The Sequoia's cargo compartment offered 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded. With both the second and third rows flat, the Sequoia provided an impressive 120.1 cubic feet of cargo space, making it ideal for family adventures.

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

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system 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 Sequoia's technology lagged behind competitors. The Limited trim added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package. Despite its dated technology, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered standard safety features, including Front Assist and Side Assist. The IQ Drive collection included Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and Emergency Assist, which could safely bring 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's improvements aimed to enhance its safety credentials.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also featured the STAR safety system, with stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. A full complement of airbags, crumple zones, and other safety features contributed to the Sequoia's safety profile.