Family-oriented compact SUV with a tasteful European touch
Price From $34,105 – To $41,595
Source: www.vw.com
by SUViews Editor | Mar 24, 2022
Overview
In this 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan review, we will evaluate the brand’s newest small SUV based on different parameters. Our primary focus areas are engine, performance, cabin, comfort, safety, and pricing. Read on to find out if this is an ideal purchase for you.
While the original Tiguan was one of the very first compact SUVs available in the global market, the second generation arrived with the task of keeping Volkswagen competitive in what has become a gigantic trend. The new scenario forced it to prepare better than ever, which was done with an all-new platform and two wheelbase options, although the shorter one is offered in restricted regions.
The current model has just been facelifted and sports a sleeker look which not only catches up with the company’s latest design tendencies, but also helps express its position on the line: you will find it above the younger Taos and below the Atlas. Speaking about the model per se, the best way we can describe it is by simply saying that it is a typical Volkswagen car, this time available as an SUV.
The good aspects of that DNA are engaging dynamic behavior, good value on some trim levels, and competent powertrain. The downsides are inexpressive design, slow performance, and the fact that the base versions have cheap-looking trim. Nevertheless, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is still a very interesting option if you want your compact family SUV to feature a distinctive European touch.
Performance, Engine, and Comfort
Since SUVs have dominated the automotive market, it is natural that some automakers are deciding to replace other vehicles with them. While the Taos is a spiritual successor to the Golf and the Jetta, the bigger brother Tiguan acts as a taller and roomier replacement for the Passat. The efficient and reliable powertrain is there, but so is the generic design. It is a competent, yet bland, family SUV.
Engine & Performance
One of the reasons why minivans lost sales was the fact that their entire concept focused on family so much that they were boring to drive. The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is a great reminder of why the SUV category prospered so fast: there are no miracles in its tech specs, only well-done performance tuning. This is one of the most engaging models to drive among compact generalist SUVs.
Engine and gear
The only engine available is a four-cylinder 2.0L with a turbocharger and an intercooler. It produces 184 hp of power and 221 lb-ft of torque and is always paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Suspension
The Tiguan complies with Volkswagen’s standard and offers a firm but engaging dynamic behavior. That makes a big difference compared to what we have learned to expect from generalist SUVs.
Handling
The steering system is responsive at all times, which makes the Tiguan somewhat fun to drive despite its size and weight. The specialized press has found some resemblance with the Golf.
Vibration and ride
Controlled noise and vibration make the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan one of the most fun models to drive in its market category. That is a lot to say considering it is a family-oriented SUV.
Safety & Reliability
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan was originally released before the Taos, back when it was the only compact SUV offered by the German company. Therefore, it was designed to cater to many types of customers. A downside of that strategy is that, in order to reach an attractive base price, it must offer a base version with little equipment. Safety gets much more attention at the upscale ones.
Brakes
The model is equipped with disc brakes on all wheels as standard. It also offers an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic systems related to braking, but the latter are restricted to the upscale trim levels.
Airbags
The standard version offers dual-stage front and side airbags for the driver and the front passenger, and curtain airbags for all three seat rows. There is also an occupancy sensor to prevent unnecessary deployments.
Electronics
There are electronic traction and stability controls, autonomous emergency braking, rear traffic alert, front collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and low tire pressure warning.
Lights
Aero-composite LED headlights are standard in this vehicle, as well as daytime running lights. Perimeter/approach lights are also offered. On the rear end, there are LED brake lights.
Traction control
While electronic traction and stability control are standard, all-wheel drive is an optional system in the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. Volkswagen names the AWD system “4Motion”.
Fuel Economy
The fact that Volkswagen uses a rather small line of engines and transmissions on many car models might make their performance inexpressive, but it also gives the company an opportunity to invest more in their efficiency. Once we set aside the fact that the Tiguan has no electrified options, we can see that it performs quite well in this aspect compared to its direct rivals.
Engine size
The only engine available is a four-cylinder 2.0-liter equipped with direct injection, a turbocharger and an intercooler. It is good for 181 hp of power and 221 lb-ft of torque.
Gas per mileage consumption
According to EPA estimates, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan makes 21 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined.
Interior
Volkswagen is characterized by its consistency and the Tiguan is no exception to that. The cabin has a conservative, almost boring look which leads you to focus on its functions. The digital instrument cluster is a nice touch and looks just as good as the infotainment system. However, the latter could be more intuitive to use. The optional third seat row may be tight but is still a positive difference in its market segment.
Driving seat
The base trim level offers fabric upholstery and some power adjustments, but that can be upgraded with faux-leather and full electric adjustment on the upscale versions. The driver will always enjoy a reconfigurable digital gauge cluster, although it will have 8” or 10.3” depending on the version.
Dashboard
Function over form is the rule here. The minimalist design wants you to focus on the infotainment system, whose graphics are beautiful but come with an interface which the specialized press has considered difficult to use.
Passenger seats and extras
While the cabin is not one of the roomiest in this market category, it is one of the few to offer the option of a third row of seats. Upscale versions may be equipped with a panoramic sunroof and a nine-speaker Fender audio system with 480 W.
Overall height and space
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan has an overall height of 66.5 inches and a total volume of 100 ft³ for the passenger area. It takes up to seven passengers accommodated in three rows of seats – the third one is available as an option.
Trunk space
The base cargo room is 12 ft³. When you fold down the third row of seats, that is increased to 33 ft³. Folding down the second row as well takes it to the maximum of 65.3 ft³.
Price and Extras
Volkswagen knew that it would be impossible for the Tiguan to remain competitive at high prices; the compact SUV market has too many models fighting for attention. Therefore, the restyled SUV focuses on offering good value. If you opt for the upscale trims, the longer equipment list is paired to the R-Line package, which gives it an interesting sporty appearance.
Market Price
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is available on the following trim levels:
| Version | Starting price |
| S | $27,490 |
| SE | $30,990 |
| SE R-Line Black | $33,800 |
| SEL R-Line | $38,165 |
The main difference between all those versions lies on the equipment list. However, the R-Line pack adds performance-oriented visual accessories and comes with black accents on the SE version. The long-wheelbase Tiguan is not expected to receive a proper sporty version anytime soon.
AWD/FWD
The standard layout is front-wheel drive. The 4Motion system, which refers to all-wheel drive, is available in all the four versions listed above.
Warranty
While Volkswagen used to cover its cars for six years, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan now features limited coverage for 4 of them or 50,000 miles – and that is the same coverage for the powertrain. Fortunately, scheduled maintenance is on the house for the first 2 years or 20,000 miles.
Verdict
To sum it up, the 2022 Tiguan is a typical compact SUV with the expected Volkswagen touch. The generic design is there inside and out just like the family-friendly electronics, the affordable prices, and even the slow but efficient powertrain. However, this SUV model stands out in the category crowd with engaging dynamics and a sleek infotainment system.
