Overview
Volkswagen’s Tiguan is a European take on an American classic—the SUV. It offers more athletic handling than many of its rivals, and its cabin has a restrained vibe with plenty of trendy technology features. While the Tiguan hasn’t proved to be particularly quick at our test track, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine performs dutifully, sounds refined, and will pass muster with most buyers. Although the Tiguan is sold in global markets, U.S. dealerships only peddle the long-wheelbase model, which means a third row of seats is available for those who need it. That kind of cabin flexibility is something that rivals such as the Honda CR-V, the Mazda CX-5, and the Toyota RAV4 don’t offer.
What’s New for 2022?
Volkswagen has given its compact SUV a handsome styling refresh for 2022 to help it look at home alongside the restyled Atlas and new Atlas Cross Sport mid-size SUVs. New LED headlamps, revised grille and bumpers, and new wheel designs give the 2022 Tiguan a more modern appearance. The Tiguan’s cabin receives updates as well, in the form of a new steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls. Heated seats and a digital gauge display are now standard across the lineup. All models except the base S also receive a new touch-sensitive climate control panel, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a semi-autonomous driving mode that VW calls Travel Assist. The Tiguan’s third row of seats will remain an option. Expect the 2022 Tiguan to appear in VW showrooms by the end of 2021.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Volkswagen hasn’t released pricing for the 2022 Tiguan yet, but our estimates here should be close. Stepping up to the mid-range SE trim adds 18-inch wheels, a power-operated rear liftgate, lane-keeping assist, and the new semi-autonomous driving mode. A panoramic sunroof will be an option on the SE, but we don’t yet have a full run-down of other optional features. For a sportier appearance, consider the SE R-Line Black model, which swaps 18s for 19-inch wheels and adds black exterior trim and a sport steering wheel.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the hood of every 2022 Tiguan is a turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 184 horsepower; front-wheel drive is standard but Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is optional. This is a sporty, fun-to-drive SUV with a smooth, willing engine and a well-coordinated automatic transmission. Like most of its competitors it’s far from fast, but it makes up for that with a taut ride, athletic handling, and responsive steering with a whisper of sportiness that recalls VW’s well-respected GTI hot hatchback. The Tiguan’s brake-pedal action is soft and it doesn’t match up to the firm, progressive pedals we enjoy in other members of VW’s family tree. We haven’t driven the refreshed 2022 model yet, but we expect it to match the performance of the 2020 model we tested which required 8.3 seconds to reach 60 mph at our test track.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t released fuel economy numbers for the 2022 Tiguan yet, nor have we had the chance to test it on our 200-mile highway fuel economy route. We expect similar EPA fuel economy estimates as the 2020 model, which earned ratings as high as 29 mpg highway. For more information about the Tiguan’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Tiguan’s interior is classically Volkswagen, which is to say that it is simple and functional but not particularly stylish. Others offer more legroom in the second row, but the Tiguan is one of the only vehicles in the class that can be had with seating for seven. The Tiguan comes standard with cloth seating and partial power adjustment for the front seats. Opting into more expensive versions can net full power adjustment for the driver, faux-leather seating, and a panoramic sunroof. With just 12 cubic feet of cargo space behind the available third row, the Tiguan simply can’t be a hauling vehicle when the third row is in use. With the third row folded, the Tiguan’s cargo measurements put it about in the middle of this class for raw space. With all the seats folded, we fit 19 of our carry-on boxes in the Tiguan, less than we stuffed inside key rivals including the CR-V
Infotainment and Connectivity
Volkswagen’s infotainment system is sleek-looking but features touch-sensitive controls integrated into a large glass screen which we have found difficult to use in Volkswagen’s electric ID.4 SUV. The system comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so drivers who prefer their smartphone’s familiar interface to Volkswagen’s system are in luck; a Wi-Fi hotspot is standard. A 480-watt nine-speaker Fender audio system is available for audiophiles, but only in upper trims. All models come with either an 8.0- or 10.3-inch digital gauge display which can be reconfigured to display a variety of information.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Forward-collision alert with automatic braking and a blind-spot warning system are standard, but Volkswagen charges extra for more desirable driver-assistance features such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. For more information about the Tiguan’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with forward collision warning
- Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
What was previously the industry’s best bumper-to-bumper warranty at six years and 72,000 miles of coverage has been shortened to four years or 50,000 miles. To help make that reduced coverage a little easier to handle, all new Volkswagens offer two years of regularly scheduled maintenance included at no charge.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for 2 years or 20,000 miles
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