By: Joshua Lee
June 5, 2023
Bear Mountain State Park, New York – Finding an affordable SUV can sometimes be challenging as there are so many options to choose from. With so much competition in the compact SUV category, most buyers would search for the most popular models, such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, and Hyundai Tucson. Another well-known model would be the Volkswagen Tiguan, which is also the automaker’s top-selling model. Volkswagen USA brought their latest crossover out for us to review.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is now in its second generation, with a facelift in 2020, and some styling updates in 2022. Our 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan features a turbocharged 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic that produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque at 1600-4300 RPM. This is the only engine choice offered in the Tiguan and it has enough power for everyday use although some competitors do offer more power. We do notice that sometimes it doesn’t react quick enough when accelerating, but the Tiguan offers a smooth ride with minimal engine and road noise inside the cabin. We had the front wheel drive SE model for our review, but Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all wheel drive is optional. The Tiguan is responsive and has a slightly stiffer ride which makes it feel sporty. This is also reflected in the great steering feel and minimal body roll as we drove around curves and tight turns.
The Tiguan looks appealing with its sharp exterior lines and redesigned front end. Our SE model features the optional Kings Red Metallic paint finish, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, a power tailgate, and silver roof rails. The Tiguan isn’t particularly flashy and that might be a pro for some buyers if they are looking for something a little more conservative. If you do want something a little more outspoken, the R-Line package will give the Tiguan bigger wheels, an illuminated front grille, a different front bumper with larger air intakes, and body-colour lower panels.
The Tiguan is comfortable on the inside with dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats. We even got the optional Cinnamon leatherette interior with a black headliner. The 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and 6-way manually adjustable front passenger seat are supportive and provide great visibility all around the car. The cockpit is simple with an eight-inch digital driver’s display and an eight-inch centre touchscreen. All the controls are within reach and easy to use; we like that there is a separate climate control area that features touch-sensitive buttons. There is no navigation featured on this model, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard as is wireless charging and a six-speaker sound system. Our Tiguan also seats seven passengers; but legroom for both the second and third row are pretty small compared to its competitors. Cargo capacity behind the 50/50 third row is 339L, 934L behind the 40/20/40 second row, and 1849L with both rows folded down.
Six airbags are standard in the Tiguan including a rear-view camera, hill hold control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Volkswagen’s advanced driving assistance package, IQ.DRIVE, features adaptive cruise control, semi-automated driving assistance, lane keeping assist, emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert.
According to the EPA, the Tiguan 2.0T SE is rated at 23 MPG city, 30 MPG highway, for a combined 26 MPG. Since we were driving an US-spec Tiguan, our Canadian version features standard all-wheel drive, which increases the fuel economy to 10.6L/100KM city, 8.0L/100KM highway, for a combined rating of 9.4L/100KM.
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SE has an MSRP of $31,910 USD (~$43,287.50 CAD). The base model Trendline in Canada starts at $36,733, Comfortline (which is like our test vehicle) at $40,733, Comfortline R-Line Black at $43.733, and Highline R-Line at $47,233. Looking at the Canadian configurator, the Comfortline doesn’t offer the Cinnamon leatherette interior but features an optional panoramic sunroof worth $1500 and the third-row package worth $800, making the total cost of the Tiguan $43,328 after taxes and delivery.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a solid contender on the market. We like the exterior styling of the SUV, and the interior is practical and versatile for small families, with it being one of the compact crossovers to offer a third row. The handling is a great perk, and the ride is comfortable no matter where you go. Infotainment features are slim in the base models, but standard smartphone integration for all models fixes that issue. The Tiguan is worth considering for buyers who are looking for a well-equipped, no-fuss SUV.
