LIKES
- Spacious cabin
- Wireless smartphone connectivity
- Digital gauge cluster
- Minimalistic styling
- Large windows
DISLIKES
- Skimpy standard safety features
- Climate touch controls
- Small third row
- Small 6.5-inch standard touchscreen
BUYING TIP
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan freshens its face and upgrades some features but skimps on the base model.
What kind of vehicle is the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan? What does it compare to?
The refreshed 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan fights in the most hotly contested automotive segment right now: compact SUVs. That puts it up against popular vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson.
Is the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan a good SUV?
We’ll wait until we drive it later this year, but the Tiguan’s technology and feature upgrades will likely lead to an improvement on its TCC Rating of 6.2 out of 10 for the 2021 model.
What’s new for the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The Tiguan’s refresh for 2022 adds new styling inside and out, as well as technology upgrades for all trim levels. Volkswagen says the Tiguan’s dimensions and wheelbase are virtually identical and that’s a good thing —its spacious second row makes it great for families. An available third-row tucked into the cargo area is now offered on Tiguan models with front-wheel drive only. All-wheel-drive versions will not be offered with the third row.
The only engine option is a carryover from last year, a 184-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 that is joined to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive remains standard on all trim levels, with all-wheel-drive optional.
Though the Tiguan’s overall look remains similar, some of the details have changed. Each trim level has new wheels (ranging from 17 to 20 inches in size) and the nose has been redone with a new bumper and grille, or so Volkswagen tells us. The nip-tuck leaves the Tiguan’s upright profile and minimalistic styling intact, there are a few creases to be found but for the most part it is understated compared to more angular competitors. The changes for the new year will be hard to pick out, except for the optional single LED light line that spans the grille and gives the Tiguan a more prominent visual signature, especially at night.
Trim levels have been condensed down to four from five: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line. This gives the top two trim levels a sportier appearance with unique side sills and bumpers, along with R-Line badging in a few spots.
Most notable are the updates to the cabin, which adds screens and touch capacitive controls on most trim levels. An 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster is now standard, with a 10.0-inch digital cluster with additional customization options comes on the SEL R-Line. Base S models still feature last year’s 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Heated front seats are a new standard feature for 2022.
Many of the updates on the Tiguan are pulled down from the Arteon, Volkswagen’s flagship sedan, such as the 10.0-inch digital instrument cluster and the touch controls for climate functions now found on the SE and above. The controls provide some haptic feedback and work well enough, but we aren’t convinced that such setups are more convenient than a simple dial. SE models also add a power tailgate, synthetic leather seating surfaces, and a wireless charger. The SE features a larger 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen that also adds wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
The SE R-Line Black, in addition to its sporty exterior accents, adds ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and an R-Line steering wheel with more touch controls placed on either side. These controls take some getting used to, especially for setting the volume. The line topping SEL R-Line piles on a Fender premium audio system, 20-inch alloy wheels, cooled front seats, leather upholstery, a surround-view camera system, and park assist.
Standard safety features on the S model include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and rear traffic alerts. Thankfully, the 2022 Tiguan S can include the same safety features as most of the other trim levels by adding on a safety package that includes adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and a more sophisticated blind-spot monitor system that will countersteer if you try to move into an occupied lane.
How much does the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan cost?
Where is the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan made?
The Tiguan will be produced in Puebla, Mexico.
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