There’s nothing that signifies the transition from adolescence to adulthood quite like having a morning commute. It’s a rite of passage that encompasses the very definition of non-linear. The distance from the driveway of your home to the parking lot in front of your place of occupation can drastically vary from person to person. The long and the short of it is this—you’re certain to spend a predetermined amount of time in your car each day going to and from work, and on the weekends, there’s the time you commit for your leisurely activities.
But your week isn’t just limited to time spent at the office. Your children have activities they need you to get them to, there’s the weekly grocery run, and not to mention these longer-than-average trips that occur when you have time off and the children are out of school. An SUV is ideal for just such a situation. While there’s no shortage of makes and models available, finding the best one might seem like a difficult choice. Today, we’ll attempt to make the decision a little bit easier as we examine the advantages of the Volkswagen Tiguan and the benefits of choosing it over the Ford Escape. It’s time to dish out the details – it’s the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Ford Escape, and there can be only one winner.
Out With the Old, In With the New
The past couple of decades has seen an unsurpassed rise in popularity for the SUV. Now known to millions as the ideal family vehicle, the SUV has been scaled down in size by manufacturers to appeal to a wider demographic. One of the very first to start this transition was none other than the ford Escape, which first began appearing during the 2001 model year. Smaller in size than Ford’s then-smallest SUV, the Explorer, the Escape provided customers with all the benefits of the sport utility vehicle on a slightly smaller scale. Since then, the name of the game has been scaling down and offering advantages on a smaller scale to accommodate drivers who exist in different locations.
One of the many manufacturers to capitalize upon this rising trend in the industry was Volkswagen. The 2009 model year saw the arrival of the Tiguan. A compact SUV that seemed to be a slightly larger variation of their popular hatchback, the Golf. Both vehicles have quite a bit to offer, so let’s not waste another moment as we delve into the realms of competition.
Long (and Comfortable) Moments in Waiting
It’s been estimated that the average human being spends the equivalent of two days a year and four months of a lifetime looking at traffic lights, waiting for them to change. That’s a large amount of time that could be utilized for more enjoyable activities. But, if your situation warrants it, you might as well be comfortable during this time. While you wrap your head around the fact that an entire weekend is wasted waiting for a light to turn from red to green, let’s examine the varying levels of comfort that are made available to you.
After being in production for over two decades, one might assume that the Ford Escape has been refined in every aspect to make it a popular choice for consumers. While the Escape might be a viable option for some, a look at the interior isn’t so much inviting as it is bland. While faux and genuine leather upholstery is available, it comes with a hefty price tag that might be out of range and impractical for average consumers. While many drivers might think of their commute as an escape from the monotony of their occupation, the Ford Escape fails to live up to its namesake and instead reminds them of their situation. Plastic panels make Ford’s SUV seem more akin to an office cubicle than a method of transportation.
As Volkswagen literally means “the people’s car,” a great deal of emphasis was placed upon making something that, well, people can enjoy. The Tiguan has an interior that’s inviting, warm, and not overly burdened with flashiness. The unique gear shifter and pedals offer drivers a feel of sophistication, while a back-to-basics style will allow someone to feel separated from their obligations while navigating the highways and roads.
Turn Up the Jams
It’s a tradition as old as time—being on the open road with the stereo up, the windows down, and all worries cast aside in favor of enjoying personal freedom. The time has come to commune with your inner teenager and take a closer look at the earth-rattling audio options that are made available. After all, you’re decompressing from the stress of the world, so why not drown out the dread of monotony?
The Ford Escape certainly offers something to satisfy the cravings and impulses of those who favor sound above all else. However, as we’ve seen many times before, these options come with a noticeable price tag. The Titanium trim does come with a 10-speaker B&O stereo system that’s considered by many to be one of the best. However, you’ll be spending upwards of $10,000 or more above the starting MSRP of $26,510[a]. This has been a criticism regarding Ford that’s almost impossible to overlook—from safety features to stereos, much is held back on the lower-end trims. Almost to the point of having any decent amenities out of reach for the average income.
For the Volkswagen Tiguan, things are much more accessible, not to mention high-end. The German manufacturer equips the Tiguan with a standard six-speaker Fender audio system. And yes, you read that right; that’s what comes standard. For those who crave more power and louder tunes, you can upgrade to a nine-speaker stereo system that redefines the term “high-definition audio.” With a brain-scrambling power rating of 480 watts, it’s more than apparent that this is the key to unlocking your inner metalhead.
It should also be noted that the MSRP for the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan starts at $26,295. While this is slightly lower than the starting price of the Escape, you’re certainly receiving “more bang for your buck.”
Best in Show, Best in Commute: A Win for Volkswagen
As you prepare to put yourself through the ordeal that’s known as the daily commute, the choice for the ideal vehicle has hopefully been made a little bit easier for you. Because the average consumer spends a great deal of time in their vehicle, they need something that provides comfort and, when necessary, drown out the sounds of the outside world that, more often than not, can be wildly unpredictable. The key difference between the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan and the 2022 Ford Escape ultimately comes down to making a quality product more accessible for the general public.
The Tiguan is the newest in a long line of compact SUVs that are affordable and don’t overcharge consumers for the comfort and amenities contained therein. Your daily commute is stressful enough as it is. The aggravation that it sometimes inflicts upon you should be remedied with a vehicle that’s built for stress relief, and that vehicle is the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan.
