The Volkswagen Tiguan is offered in several different trims ranging from a base S up through SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL and top-of-the-line SEL Premium. All trims other than the SEL Premium come standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option, while the SEL Premium comes only in all-wheel drive form.
No matter which model buyers choose, the Tiguan is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, making 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. On all Tiguan models, an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting mode is standard. Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive features a mechanical center differential and electronic differential locks, allowing it to transfer power to each wheel independently. The system also includes a variety of driver-selectable modes, including On-Road, Snow, Off-Road and Off-Road Custom. Within On-Road mode are four additional settings: Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual.
The Tiguan is a crossover wagon, and it allows plenty of passenger space plus a mechanical layout that allows it to ride and handle like a compact sedan. A strut-type front suspension and 4-link rear setup keep the wheels in contact with the road, while an electromechanical power steering system provides precise control. The Tiguan includes 4-wheel vented disc brakes, with vented discs in front as well as brake assist and an electronic parking brake.
The base Tiguan S includes a third-row seat, a 6.5-inch touch screen infotainment system, Bluetooth and USB smartphone connectivity, a rearview camera, LED daytime-running-lights and a 40/20/40 split, sliding, reclining, fold-flat 2nd-row seat. The SE model adds standard 8-inch touchscreen and V-TEX leatherette seats. SEL Premium models include VW Digital Cockpit, leather seating with heated front seats, a power reclining driver seat, heated washer nozzles, and adaptive front LED headlights.
A panoramic sunroof is optional. As for VW's Car-Net infotainment system, stepping up to the subscription-based Security & Service group adds capabilities like remote vehicle lock/unlock, automatic crash notification, and the parent-friendly Family Guardian with features including remote speed and boundary alerts.
Sophisticated All-wheel Drive
Spacious Seating
Cargo Capacity
Advanced Safety Features
Apple/Android Connectivity And Sound Systems
Segment-leading Warranty
The 2020 model year brings modest changes to the Tiguan lineup. Front Assist, Side Assist and Rear Traffic Alert systems are now standard on all Tiguan models. Improvements to the car's infotainment means that built in Wi-fi is also standard for 2020. A new SE R-Line trim has also been added for this year, adding 20-inch black alloy wheels, black accents around the exterior, fog lights, a panoramic sunroof and park distance control.
The Volkswagen Tiguan goes up against a long list of strong rivals like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, and it stands out even in that crowd for its very refined, efficient engine, crisp handling and cleanly styled, technology driven interior. Feature-wise, with the Car-Net system, Fender audio and Area View parking, the Tiguan also leads the front of the pack in terms of included entertainment and technology.
