A new front end, high degree of standard tech and semi-autonomous driving capability ensure the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan continues as the brand best-seller.
Up front, a sharper headlight design and enlarged lower grille openings lend a more aggressive appearance to the 2022 Vollkswagen Tiguan. LED headlights are newly standard, liftgate lettering is updated, and a pair of new colors are added to the palette including Kings Red Metallic. Inside, touch sensitive controls are implemented on the available dual-zone climate system and revised steering wheel controls. As well, heated front seats and a digital instrument panel become standard equipment. This mid-cycle refresh should go a long way towards the Tiguan maintaining its position atop the VW sales ladder.
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Amped up exterior on R-Line models
High-end standard digital cockpit
Usable legroom in third row
Semi-autonomous driving capability
Needs an optional motor with more power
Crisp European looks add class to the segment
Front-wheel drive is standard on the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan with the option for 4Motion, otherwise known as all-wheel drive. It adds $1500 to the bottom line, but it is standard on the SEL R-Line model. Regardless of configuration, a 2.0L inline-4 with maximum turbocharged boost pressure of 31.7 psi produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque run through an 8-speed automatic. Drivers can select from Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes or customize programming to their preference with Individual mode. When equipped with 4Motion, an Active Control rotary dial adds Snow, On-Road, Off-Road, and Off-Road Custom to the list of driver-selected vehicle modes.
Idle start-stop tech is utilized on the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, which achieves 23 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway in base, FWD guise. Adding the 4Motion components drops those figures to 22 and 29 mpg, respectively. R-Line trim with AWD does slightly worse at an estimated 21 mpg for city driving and 28 mpg highway.
A 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan with front-wheel drive features seating for 7 and 28” of third row legroom. 65 cubic feet of storage volume is available behind the first row in this configuration with 33 cubes behind the second row and 12 aft of the wayback. Models running 4Motion AWD nix the third row and offer even more cargo space at 73 cubic feet with the middle row folded. However you setup the interior, front row occupants benefit from standard heated seats with ventilation on the SEL R-Line. Dual-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof are pleasantries all passengers can appreciate and available memory settings for the seats and side mirrors are a helpful touch.
A fully digital gauge cluster is standard across the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan lineup, though only the top trim model comes with the big 10.25” version that can show a full-width view of navigation maps. Two USB ports and smartphone mirroring integration for Apple and Android devices is standard as is a 6.5” infotainment display with capacitive-touch capability. On SE trim and above, the screen size increase to 8” with voice-control and wireless phone charging added. Audiophiles should look for the top-spec SEL R-Line to enjoy a 480-watt, 9-speaker Fender audio system.
IQ.DRIVE is VW’s umbrella of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that features the simply named Travel Assist with its far-from-simple ability to handle certain driving functions on its own. Adaptive cruise control with lane keeping assist is also in there along with Emergency Assist that will bring the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan to a stop if no steering wheel activity is detected. This suite of systems is standard on the SE and above or as a package on the base S model. The Intelligent Crash Response System is standard fare that can turn off the fuel pump, unlock doors and activate hazard lights in the event of an accident. Seven airbags and automatic post-collision braking further burnish the Tiguan’s safety credentials.
The only 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan starting under thirty grand, S models feature 17” wheels, the full LED exterior lighting treatment, and heated windshield washer nozzles keeping “Snow Belters” happy. A fun accessory is the Dynamic Wheel Center Caps, which self-level to keep the VW logo up right while the car is in motion. Cloth seats in gray or black wrap the inside, though the shifter knob is wrapped in leather and front cushions are heated.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring tech is controlled via the central 6.5” touchscreen interface. Dual front USB ports are on hand along with the subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot and VW Car-Net that allows remote access for engine start, door locks, and Alexa syncing. An 8” “Digital Cockpit” replaces traditional gauges and standard driver-aids include blind spot monitoring and forward-collision warning. For $895, the IQ.DRIVE suite of ADAS can be added.
Wheels on the SE increase to 18”, rain-sensing wipers, and a power-operated tailgate add convenience and access to the $395 Kings Red Metallic paint job is unlocked. Cabin amenities are bolstered with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Travel Assist, VW’s name for their semi-autonomous drive mode, is part of the IQ.DRIVE suite of ADAS that is standard on the SE. It also features adaptive cruise control with lane keeping assist.
Combining sporty R-Line design flourishes with the blacked-out treatment, this upgraded SE model sports black roof rails, black 19” wheels, and an array of black exterior trim to complement the R-Line bumper treatment. A panoramic sunroof lets in the light and plenty of fresh air to a cabin with 15-color ambient light customization and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Parking sonar is added to the driver-aid list but there are no optional packages here.
Only available with the 4Motoin AWD system, SEL R-Line Tiguans sit on 20” rims and feature headlamps that swivel in the curves to better illuminate the road ahead. An accent bar running across the front grille features LED illumination and the fog lamps automatically light up corners in low-speed maneuvering. Leather upholstery is offered in a pretty Noisette Brown color, the seats pick up ventilation, and the steering wheel is heated. Navigation and a bigger, 10” digital gauge cluster along with a Fender audio system fill out the tech offerings on this model while automatic high beams and partially-automated parking further the ADAS capabilities.
New 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan models come with a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty period on the vehicle and powertrain components. Roadside assistance is on hand for 3 years or 36,000 miles and a Car-Net subscription is included for the first 5 years of ownership. Complimentary service for 2 years or 20,000 miles is in place to cover the 10,000- and 20,000-mile factory scheduled maintenance visits.
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Standing out in a segment as crowded as that of the compact SUV is not easy. However, the 2022 Volkswagn Tiguan manages to do so thanks to its mid-cycle refresh, classy European interior appointments, and tech-heavy features. Not to mention semi-autonomous driving capability.