2022 Volkswagen Tiguan – All You Need To Know

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan when you’re shopping for a small crossover SUV. Though it is now the best-selling VW in America, the Tiguan doesn’t immediately spring to mind like some of the more popular models in the segment, which is a shame. Equipped with appealing design, a roomy cabin, a large cargo area and decent performance, there is plenty to like about the 2022 Tiguan.

That’s especially true this year. Updates include sharper styling, improved interior materials, more standard technology features, and the wider availability of advanced driver-assist systems. Volkswagen also simplifies the Tiguan lineup and reduces the price of the top-trim version. Still available for the 2022 Tiguan is a third-row seat. It’s cramped but can come in handy on those occasions when you need to take along extra passengers.

Overall, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is worth a close look as an alternative to small five-passenger SUVs such as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4. There’s also the Kia Sorento, which, like the Tiguan, has a small third-row seat.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Under the hood of every 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is a turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 184 horsepower; front-wheel drive is standard but Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is optional. This is a sporty, fun-to-drive SUV with a smooth, willing engine and a well-coordinated automatic transmission. Like most of its competitors it’s far from fast, but it makes up for that with a taut ride, athletic handling, and responsive steering with a whisper of sportiness that recalls VW’s well-respected GTI hot hatchback.

The Tiguan’s brake-pedal action is soft and it doesn’t match up to the firm, progressive pedals we enjoy in other members of VW’s family tree. At our test track, the Tiguan delivered a rather languid 9.1-second zero-to-60-mph time. On the road, the Tiguan doesn’t feel as slow as its test results indicate, with enough low-end grunt to feel perky around town. Merging onto the highway may be the only time you’ll wish the Tiguan had a bit more power.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The front-wheel-drive Tiguan’s EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg combined is unremarkable. In fact, that’s very similar to the Kia Sorento, and that SUV has an extra 100 horsepower. But on Edmunds’ real-world evaluation route, our test Tiguan returned an excellent 30 mpg, and did so using only the required 87 octane gasoline.

All-wheel drive drops those numbers by 1 mpg each and going with the SEL R-Line results in an additional 1 mpg penalty. When we get a chance to test the 2022 Tiguan on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test, we’ll update this story with results. For more information about the Tiguan’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan‘s interior is classically Volkswagen, which is to say that it is simple and functional but not particularly stylish. Others offer more legroom in the second row, but the Tiguan is one of the only vehicles in the class that can be had with seating for seven. The Tiguan comes standard with cloth seating and partial power adjustment for the front seats.

Opting into more expensive versions can net full power adjustment for the driver, faux-leather seating, and a panoramic sunroof. With just 12 cubic feet of cargo space behind the available third row, the Tiguan simply can’t be a hauling vehicle when the third row is in use. With the third row folded, the Tiguan’s cargo measurements put it about in the middle of this class for raw space. With all the seats folded, we fit 19 of our carry-on boxes in the Tiguan, less than we stuffed inside key rivals including the CR-V.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Volkswagen’s infotainment system is sleek-looking but features touch-sensitive controls integrated into a large glass screen which we have found difficult to use. The system comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so drivers who prefer their smartphone’s familiar interface to Volkswagen’s system are in luck; a Wi-Fi hotspot is standard.

A 480-watt nine-speaker Fender audio system is available for audiophiles, but only in upper trims. All models come with either an 8.0- or 10.3-inch digital gauge display which can be reconfigured to display a variety of information.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Forward-collision alert with automatic braking and a blind-spot warning system are standard, but Volkswagen charges extra for more desirable driver-assistance features such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. For more information about the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

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