Volkswagen, Germany’s largest auto producer, pumps out a number of well executed five door crossovers of varying size. The compact Tiguan arrived in 2007, the longest serving of a portfolio including the all-new for 2021 diminutive Taos and the relatively new mid-size Atlas joining the fray in 2018.
American consumers can’t get enough of these versatile ‘crossover’ haulers, combining hatchback flexibility with four side doors, decent fuel economy and pleasant drive-ability. All construct from a lighter uni-body, or car-based platform instead of a heavier, bulkier body-on-frame structure found in most pickup trucks and larger off-road intended Sport Utility Vehicles.
Our 2022 model year Tiguan tester evolved from the second-generation effort debuting in the 2018 model year. During its tenure, Tiguan added numerous radar-based safety nuances as standard fare, helping to establish itself as the brand’s best-selling model here in the states and worldwide. Expect potent sales to continue as 2022’s undergo a noted mid-cycle refresh.
While not excelling in any one category, Tiguan continues appealing to the masses in an incredibly popular segment, although Tiguan may not roll off the tongue or spark memory recall as quickly as Toyota RAV-4 or Honda CR-V crossovers. Expect responsive handling with above-average interior space, smooth-shifting and predictable conventional automatic transmission, better-than average head space and a well-tested, turbo four-cylinder.
Built upon a MQB (Modularer QuerBaukasten) platform, it translates from German-to-English as ‘Modular Transverse Matrix.’ Underpinnings boast a more ridged chassis and a scalable architecture; helping reduce costs through economics of scale as many VW family products adapt this model.
Volkswagen produces Tiguan at four plants worldwide with two different wheelbases (distance between front and rear axles). Models targeted for the U.S. assemble in Pueblo, Mexico featuring the longer wheelbase variant, creating one of the segment’s more spacious choices available Stateside. Tiguan also sets itself apart by offering a third row; a rarity among compact class competitors, although the way-back row is best left to the pre-teen set.
Germany’s largest automaker differentiates its relatively new three-row Atlas crossover from the two-row Atlas version by marketing the latter as the VW Atlas Cross. No such modifier bestows Tiguan as both two-row and three-row versions simply sell as Tiguan.
Exterior refreshes in 2022 deliver a closer family resemblance to the slightly larger Atlas thanks to the addition of new LED front headlights (and returning LED daytime running lights), upgraded bumpers, newly designed alloy wheels and grille face. Oryx White and King’s Red join exterior color palate selections. Once again, the oh-so-familiar V over W circular logo centers the horizontally-slated grille, but an illuminated center line is newly available. Composite lower body black framing returns for added protection from dings especially inside the round wheel wells.
Four trim levels return from 2021: S, SE, SE R-Line Black and SEL-R-Line. An SEL trim has retired in 2022. Front wheel drive remains standard in lower trims with VW’s four-wheel-drive branded 4Motion standard in the top-trim SEL-R-line with four selectable modes: On-road, snow, off-road and custom off-road. The trifecta of front-drive lower trims are also privy to three-row seating while the SEL R-Line 4Motion absorbs two-rows and five-passenger accommodations.
Volkswagen’s 4Motion defaults to front drive, but automatically sends power back to the rear wheels when needed through a control unit up to a 50/50 torque split. The system also detects slippage of a single wheel, delivering power to the opposite wheel for added stability.
One four-cylinder internal combustion engine returns for 2022, a 2.0-liter, 16-valve turbocharged version pumping out 184 horses utilizing 87 octane fuel in a 15.9-gallon tank. Turbo charging technology helps goose up power, and the 184 horses is on par with segment rivals. While sufficient, the lack of a six-cylinder option could dissuade some, although six-bangers are a rarity in this field. No gas-electric hybrid, plug-in electric hybrid or all-electric EV alternatives power Tiguan (yet). For those seeking an all-electric EV with VW badging, the compact, five-passenger ID.4 crossover merits a look.
As with a growing number of competitors, a start/stop mode improves fuel economy by stopping the engine during prolonged idles, then snaps back to action once releasing the brake pedal. It deactivates via a button right of the mechanical eight-speed automatic transmission shifter located between front buckets. Whenever starting Tiguan via the push-start button conveniently adjacent to this shifter (and electronic parking brake tab), the system defaults to start/stop.
Inside seating surfaces get dictated by the trim selected. Entry S sports a cloth palate while SE and SE R-Line opt for the leatherette variety. Top choice SEL R-Line drivers enjoy leather seating surfaces. All four side doors smartly include ceiling grab handles above.
No matter the surface, seating positions elevate to a pleasant level and all trims come standard with heated seats in 2022 (a ventilated cooling feature is privy to only SEL R-Line). Volkswagen continues building lower-situated five-door wagons (see the VW Golf), but Tiguan’s raised position provides enhanced visual command of the road ahead. All trims boast a power liftgate save for the base S with top-tier SEL R-Line adding a handy hands-free power lift opportunity. When open, ample clearance awaits if loading or unloading.
Of note for the 2022 interior, an all-new rectangular touch-sensitive climate control panel adorns most trims under the center multi-function in-dash screen save for the entry S which promotes the still likeable tactile three dial version. Selecting fan speed within this color coordinated design takes a gentle left-to-right finger slide. An icon push selects three fan directions while dual temperature zones include a digital readout interacting with a swipe or push. The instrument panel and dashboard employ a simplistic, easily digestible design.
An eight-inch digital instrument gauge cluster now adorns most Tiguan trims and most ’22 VWs with Tiguan’s top trim graduating to a 10.25-inch variety. Multi-panel windows select via a steering wheel push button.
Tiguan and the VW line in general get above average marks with the built-in third-generation effort of Modular Infotainment Platform (MIB), a fancy high-tech description for the high-tech in-dash touch screen and accompanying inner workings.
Incorporating a user-friendly capacitive-touch sensor, found in newer-generation cell phones and tablets, allows for on-screen pinching and zooming, not usually available with older pressure-sensitive resistive varieties. First-generation MIB arrived a decade ago. Secondary push controls found on the steering wheel face also expedite listening selections and volume control.
Popular Smartphone Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sound-system connections with wireless charging compatibility and voice control come standard in all trims sans the entry S.
Driver-assistance technology, which VW markets as IQ.DRIVE is an $895 option in S and standard in all other trims, one step above a nice array of standard safety nuances such as forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitor and rear traffic alert. The IQ.DRIVE adds stop-and-go cruise control and lane assist among other treats.
Front-drive S pricing starts at $25,995. Our fully-loaded SEL R-Line tester with standard 4Motion started at $36,959, ending at $37,790 with $1,195 destination charge.
Exclusive to our top-line R-Line tester: 20-inch wheels (largest available), heated steering wheel, supersized 10.25-inch digital cockpit/instrument panel, in-screen navigation, eight-way power driver’s seat and high-tech extras including parking steering assist, high-beam headlight control and dynamic road sign display.
Tiguan boasts Volkswagen’s recently adopted four-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty covering the powertrain, transmission and mechanical parts besting time frames offered by Ford, General Motors, Honda and Toyota. In addition, a ‘carefree maintenance program’ provides a 10,000-mile and 20,000-mile checkup redeemable at dealerships during the first two years of ownership.
At a Glance
Price as tested: $37,790
Engine: 2.0-liter turbo four
Horsepower: 184
Wheelbase: 109.8 inches
Overall Length: 186.1 inches
Overall Width: 72.4 inches
Overall height: 66.5 inches
Curb weight: 3,856 pounds
Fuel economy: 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
Assembly: Pueblo, Mexico
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