2022 VW Tiguan Review

Redesign of the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan sharpens exterior styling and adds standard heated seats, safety technologies, and seats for 7

Table of Contents

Tiguan Overview
What’s New For 2022
Better Than Base Standard Features
Pricing
Performance and Fuel Economy
Ride and Handling
Safety Features
Interior Function
Back Seats and Cargo
Why Buy the VW Tiguan?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

I don’t often get to test an entry-level new car or truck. But a week in a base 2022 VW Tiguan was proof of the good bones that underpin this small SUV.

From the first drive-away, the Tiguan telegraphs the German engineering of a car to be enjoyed for its drivability. It is felt in the smooth roll of the steering and the quiet function of the compliant suspension. The cabin is well sound-isolated from road harshness or wind noise at speed, yet there was no significant effort for weighty soundproofing materials or laminated glass.

Manufacturers typically provide a well-equipped vehicle for media evaluations to showcase technologies and refining features. Generally, a base model has a reasonable amount of features, but limitations of technologies, option packages, and paint colors will cramp personal style. And the interior can be a plastic hell to meet a low price point for advertising.

Volkswagen, too, keeps the formula simple for the entry Tiguan S with limited options and paint colors. But so much is built into the Tiguan that the term “base” does not translate as cheap.

VW Tiguan Overview

The VW Tiguan is part of a long line of VW Group vehicles, including the Audi Q5 and Porsche Macan. And like those luxury-class SUVs, the Tiguan embodies that shared German ethos for keen drivability.

The Tiguan nameplate is a mashup of German words for Tiger and Leguan (iguana). Volkswagen says Tiguan is its best-selling model in the U.S. and worldwide.

The second-generation Tiguan debuted in 2018, which makes the 2022 model a midcycle update. Sold globally, the U.S. model is the long-wheelbase version, which provides seating for seven. For the U.S., the Tiguan is built in Puebla, Mexico.

The Tiguan slots in the VW lineup as a compact-class SUV. But because of its long wheelbase, the cabin is more of a super-compact, even midsize by some measurements. The Tiguan is also somewhat unique among its competitors for a pair of standard third-row seats on front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive models only have seats for five.

There are four trim levels of Tiguan, all powered by a 184-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive is standard and 4Motion all-wheel drive is available on the first three trims, while the top-of-range model includes AWD. All Tiguan models have an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Competing small SUVs include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Cherokee, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4.

What’s New On the 2022 Tiguan?

For 2022, the Tiguan’s front-end styling was sharpened a bit to make it look more like the larger VW Atlas SUV. LED daytime running lights are new and complement LED lighting front and rear. In addition, there are four new wheel designs for the standard 17-inch aluminum alloys to 18-, 19-, and 20-inch wheels.

There are two new paint colors of Kings Red Metallic and Oryx White, both $395 each but not available on the base model. And for upper-trim models, there are two new interior colors of Cinnamon leatherette and Noisette (hazelnut color) leather.

Options include an illuminated line of lighting that flanks the VW logo. And there are updated R-Line design elements.

Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit instrument cluster is now standard with an 8-inch display (or an optional 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro).

Also standard is the Volkswagen Car-Net infotainment system (for apps). There is Wi-Fi but only with a data-plan subscription. From the second trim level, MIB3 infotainment is standard, along with wireless charging and wireless App-Connect for compatible devices.

Heated front seats are now standard, with a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats as options.

Optional Tiguan Upgrades

Models from the second trim level up include a power tailgate and a next-generation Climatronic Touch interface for climate control.

R-Line models get a leather-wrapped steering wheel with touch “islands” and sliders.

Additional options include leatherette or leather seating surfaces, power driver and passenger seats, panoramic sunroof, Fender Premium Audio, and 15-color ambient lighting.

New interior colors include Cinnamon leatherette and Noisette leather.

Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit instrument cluster is now standard and has an 8-inch display (or optional 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro).

From the second trim in the revised lineup, MIB3 infotainment is standard, along with wireless charging and wireless App-Connect for compatible devices.

Heated front seats are now standard, with options for a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats.

Additional options include leatherette or leather seating surfaces, power driver and passenger seats, panoramic sunroof, Fender Premium Audio, and 15-color ambient lighting.

Better Than Base Features

The number of standard details is almost untouchable by competing entry-level offerings.

• New standard tech includes the Digital Cockpit configurable gauge array and keyless entry with push-button ignition.
• Automatic up and down lifts for all windows, not just the driver’s. Some brands seem to dole out the auto-for-all function as if it were gold.
• Grab handles above all doors. Some makers save a few dollars and leave out the driver’s handle.
• VW interiors are almost spartan for their disdain of flash-bang gimmicks. The interior design is reserved, but the Tiguan plastics have a premium appearance and graining. A few brushed-aluminum accents add contemporary style along the face of the instrument panel, door panels, and switchgear.
• Door panel storage is flocked for sound-dampening.
• I also like the dual overhead reading lights in the second row. And the separate jacket hooks at the B-pillars are often a budget-killing feature on other SUVs.
• The second row reclines or folds flat.

VW Tiguan Pricing

The front-wheel-drive Tiguan is sold in four trim levels, all with the same powertrain. 4Motion all-wheel drive is available on the first three trims and standard on the top model.

Tiguan starting prices range from $27,190 to $37,790 for the top-line SEL R-Line with AWD. Otherwise, add $1,500 for all-wheel drive. A sunroof would add $1,200.

The Tiguan S tester was $28,085 with one option for the combined IQ.DRIVE Package and S Convenience Package, $895. The IQ.DRIVE package adds adaptive cruise control for hands-on semi-autonomous driving, with Travel Assist, Lane Assist, and Emergency Assist. Among the convenience elements are a leatherette-wrapped and stitched multi-function steering wheel. Also included are an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

See the complete Tiguan S standard equipment list in the specifications list at the end of this review.

Find current pricing and incentives here.

 VW Tiguan S Performance

While the engine is the same as before, VW tinkered with the peak horsepower and torque power ratings. And because of its long wheelbase and third row, the Tiguan is heavier than most competitors by about 200 to 400 pounds. As a result, the curb weight of 3,765 pounds is reflected in the Tiguan’s performance and fuel economy.

Horsepower now peaks at 6,000 rpm, up from 4,360 rpm last year. And peak torque of 221 lb.-ft. at 1,900 rpm is now substantially higher than the previous peak at 1,600 rpm.

The re-calibrations might have been aimed at fuel economy, which is 1 mpg improved in the highway and combined ratings. But the 2022 ratings of 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 mpg combined were unachievable in the front-drive tester. My driving averaged 14-15 mpg around town, and I was able to work up to just 24 mpg combined on highway driving. Longer daily commutes likely would stretch the mileage.

There’s not much compromise to fuel economy from front- to all-wheel drive. The 4Motion is rated 22/29/25 mpg, and mileage for the Tiguan R-Line drops to 21/28/24 mpg.

The engine runs on 87 octane for all models, and there’s a 15.3-gallon tank for front-drive models and a 15.9-gallon tank for AWD models.

In daily driving, there is a slight delay in acceleration until the turbo is fully charged. At times, pulling away from the light can bring a squeal of the front tires. And sometimes, the acceleration requires a heavier foot. On the highway at 70-75 mph there is strong pull for passing or emergency maneuvers.

Sport mode sharpens the response, but it can feel unsteady and with some abrupt gear changes.

Tiguan S Ride and Handling

The simplicity of the Tiguan suspension has secret-sauce engineering that is true to the Volkswagen DNA for driving. There are no hydraulics or electronics, just front struts with lower control arms, steel coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an anti-roll bar. The rear multilink also has coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an anti-roll bar.

The ride is uncommonly supple for an SUV of any size. The ride quality is firm but never harsh, and the cabin is remarkably quiet at highway speeds. Tiguan can handle enthusiastic cornering without falling all over itself.

Braking has a reassuring and flat grip from power-assisted, 13.4-inch vented front discs and 11.8-inch solid rear discs.

VW Tiguan Safety Features

All Tiguan models have such safety features as six air bags, automatic post-collision braking, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, and rear traffic alert.

New this year is standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking. The system will apply the brakes in certain crash types when the air-bag sensors detect a primary collision. Automatic braking is intended to reduce the chance of additional damage.

Tiguan also includes the Intelligent Crash Response System. The feature shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in a severe collision.

 VW Tiguan Interior Function

The Tiguan S tester had a basic black interior with durable and attractive fabric upholstery. Cabin décor is contemporary with reserved use of satin aluminum accents. There is much black plastic, but it has a premium appearance and all panels were well aligned. However, the loud ping-pong tone of the turn signal could be toned down.

The doors open wide for easy entry and exit, which shows more engineering attention to finesse another degree or two on opening. The driver’s position is secure, with clear sightlines over the front fenders and over the shoulder. Headroom is tall at 39.6 inches with shoulder room. And there is a robust driver’s footrest.

I like the configurable gauge array to highlight a “classic” view or to add such categories as “gear and speed,” fuel economy, and range.

The front seats have manual height adjustment and are firmly stuffed for support on long drives. However, I would have liked some seat-cushion tilt and adjustable lower-back support (lumbar), which is not available on the Tiguan S. Door-side armrests and the steering wheel are neatly stitched as part of the IQ Drive package.

The standard 6.5-inch color display touch screen seems small, particularly when viewing the rearview camera. Upper trim models have an 8-inch display.

There are large and convenient storage areas, including a small box on driver’s left on the lower instrument panel. Bottle holders in the door panels have large capacity. Even the hood release lever is of stout design.

There is a charging area on the shift console with two USB-C ports and space to lay a large phone.

Tiguan Back Seats and Cargo Space

The second row is road-trip relaxed with 36.5 inches of maximum legroom with good footroom, even with Big Daddy in the front seat.

The bench seat has a 40-20-40 split with reclining seatbacks. The seats have fore-aft travel and tip-and-slide for access to the third row, but the manual function is stiff to use and could be refined for easier operation.

Amenities include airplane-style lights in the headliner, a fold-down center armrest, grab handles and four coat hooks.

Third-row space is best for a pair of youngsters. Headroom is 5.3 inches lower than in the second row (33.8 inches) and legroom is short at 27.9 inches. But the pair of seats are handy just in case, and the seats lie flat when folded.

Cargo space behind the third row is great for corralling grocery bags in the 12-cubic-foot space.

With the third row folded, there is 33 cubic feet of capacity, stacked to the headliner. Fold both rows or one section of the second row, and there is about 6 feet of length. The entry is wide at 45 inches.

There is underfloor storage for the roller-cover when the seats are in use. Other extras include a 12-volt plug and second-row seatback release levers.

Why Buy the 2022 VW Tiguan?

So much is built into the 2022 VW Tiguan that the term “base” does not translate as cheap.

Seldom is a base model from any maker an acceptable purchase without a couple of option packages, at least. The entry Tiguan S is an exception. But even the test car had one package for $895, which added safety in its semi-autonomous driving elements and a couple of welcome convenience features.

At $28,085, the tester is fully priced, but it made for a value-plus purchase as a very enjoyable vehicle.

I am enthusiastic about the qualities of the Tiguan S, but it has limits for personalization. The S model has just four choices of paint colors: Platinum Gray Metallic, Pyrite Silver Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, and Pure White.

Moving up to the SE, $30,690, adds color choices of red (a $395 cost) or blue metallic, and pearlescent black or white.

And the SE also adds an eight-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar, V-Tex leatherette upholstery, adaptive cruise control, Travel Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, wireless phone charging, Bluetooth phone connection, and audio streaming, and 18-inch wheels.

Depending on the purchaser, spending another $2,605 for the SE might build a better family SUV.

 2022 VW Tiguan S Specifications

Body style: compact, 7-seat, 5-door compact-class SUV in front- or optional all-wheel drive

Engine: 184-hp, turbocharged and intercooled direct-injected 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with auto stop-start at idle; 221 lb.-ft. peak torque at 1,900 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic with sport and manual modes

Fuel economy: 23/30/26 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane recommended

Towing capacity: 1,500 lbs., braked

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 15.3 gallons

Cargo space: 12 to 33 cu. ft.

Front head/leg room: 39.6/40.2 in.

2nd-row head/leg room: 39.1/36.6 in.

3rd-row head/leg room: 33.8/27.9 in.

Length/wheelbase: 186.4/109.9 in.

Curb weight: 3,765 lbs.

Turning circle: 37.7 ft.

FEATURES

• Standard Tiguan S equipment includes: Keyless entry and locking with push-button ignition, rearview camera, electric parking brake, digital cockpit gauge array with 8-inch display, cloth seating, heated front seats, multi-function steering wheel, 6-speaker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, two USB-C ports, LED headlights and taillights (with LED Daytime Running Lights), black roof rails, body-colored heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, Car-Net infotainment and apps with 6.5-inch touch screen and six-speaker sound system, Wi-Fi capability with subscription, sliding and folding 40-20-40 second-row seat, third-row 50/50 seating, and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
• Safety features include: 6 air bags, automatic post-collision braking, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, rear traffic alert

PRICING

Tiguan S Base price: $27,190, including $1,195 freight charge; price as tested $28,085

Options on test vehicle: IQ.DRIVE Package & S Convenience Package, $895, includes adaptive cruise control, auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, leatherette-wrapped, multi-function leatherette steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, travel assist, lane assist, emergency assist

Where assembled: Puebla, Mexico

Warranty: 4-years/50,000-miles bumper to bumper, transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of coverage; 3-years/36,000-miles roadside assistance; free scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 20,000 miles