2022 Hyundai Palisade vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a standout in its class, boasting a design that was both conservative and timeless. Its refreshed exterior featured new front styling that aligned it with Volkswagen's larger models, such as the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. The restyled grille, complete with the new VW logo and an optional illuminated grille bar, added a touch of modernity. Standard LED headlights and redesigned aluminum wheels further enhanced its appeal. Inside, the Tiguan Highline R-Line offered a luxurious cabin with perforated leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and advanced technology. However, the use of hard plastic in the lower half of the cabin reminded occupants of its mass-market status. The Tiguan's interior was equipped with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and keyless entry, making it a comfortable and convenient choice for drivers.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade, on the other hand, was a true flagship SUV for Hyundai, replacing the Santa Fe XL. Its exterior design was elegant and striking, with distinctive lines and shapes that set it apart from previous Hyundai models. The Palisade's profile was visually interesting, with sculpted wheel arches and a continuous strip of glass that created the illusion of a floating rear roof. Inside, the Palisade offered a polished and luxurious cabin, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, high-quality materials, and spacious seating for up to eight passengers. The Ultimate Calligraphy model, in particular, was a standout with its Steel Graphite paint and black interior combination, showcasing Hyundai's commitment to design and execution.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,900 rpm. This power was transferred to the 4Motion AWD system via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, as well as Offroad settings. Despite its power, the Tiguan's engine exhibited some turbo lag, which could be noticeable when accelerating from a stop. Fuel efficiency was a focus, with an estimated 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Tiguan's ride and handling were nimble and responsive, but it lacked the outright fun factor that some drivers might seek.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Palisade featured a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a smooth and powerful driving experience, with no turbo lag. The Palisade's fuel consumption was estimated at 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres combined, which was not the most efficient in its class. However, the trade-off was a more powerful engine and a pleasant V6 engine note. The Palisade's handling was commendable, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and stabilizer bars. It also had a towing capacity of up to 2,267 kilograms with trailer brakes.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was a spacious compact crossover, offering interior space comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. It featured comfortable leather-wrapped front seats with power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The second row provided ample headroom and legroom, making it suitable for adults and children alike. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard posed usability challenges. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade excelled as a minivan replacement, offering comfortable seating throughout the cabin. The third row was easily accessible, and the second-row captain's chairs provided ample comfort. Storage options were abundant, with various compartments and cupholders. Luggage space was impressive, with up to 2,447 litres available when both the second and third rows were folded flat. The Palisade's gear selector featured a compact shift-by-wire setup, and controls were logically arranged for ease of use. A dual-panel sunroof enhanced the ambiance in the upper trim levels.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, offered an 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone mirroring, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Highline R-Line included a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system. However, the natural voice recognition feature was disappointing, and users were encouraged to use smartphone integration for a better experience. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade showcased Hyundai's technological prowess, featuring a standard 1920 x 720 colour touchscreen and a 630-watt Harman Kardon premium audio system with 12 speakers. The infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. The Palisade offered multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a head-up display on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim. Hyundai's Blue Link connected car system provided remote engine start and vehicle monitoring. The digital instrument cluster on higher trims integrated with turn signals and blind-spot cameras for added safety.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered standard safety features such as Front Assist and Side Assist. It also introduced Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance, and Emergency Assist, which could 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 aimed to improve with standard LED headlights and advanced driver aids.

The 2022 Hyundai Palisade boasted a comprehensive list of passive and active safety features, including seven airbags, electronic stability control, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The Palisade also offered advanced features like Highway Driving Assist and trailer sway control. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its commitment to safety.