Volkswagen Tiguan Review 2022

January 0001

The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan is 4,494mm long, 1,899mm wide and 1,766mm high.

Wheel and tyre sizes are:

17-inch with 215/65 R17 tyres

18-inch with 235/55 R18 tyres

19-inch with 235/50 R19 fronts and 255/45 R19 rears

20-inch with 235/45 R20 fronts and 255/40 R20 rears

It has a body weight 50kg lighter than the original Tiguan, yet more space inside. Load volume of the new Tiguan is 615 litres (loaded to the back of the rear bench) and with rear seat backrests are folded, capacity increases to 1,655 litres.

A broad range of eight engines have power outputs from between 85kW/115PS to 176kW/240PS and are . up to 24 per cent more fuel-efficient than the previous model. The new 4MOTION Active Control lets drivers adjust the all-wheel drive system more individually and easily to all driving conditions. The Tiguan has also been engineered for trailer weights of up to 2,500 kg. The assistance systems perfect the vehicle's convenience, dynamism and safety (including Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, Lane Assist and the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, all as standard).

January 2016

Tiguan GTE unveiled

After starting the drive system, the Tiguan GTE always drives at first as a zero emissions vehicle in the all-electric E-mode. Normally, it is driven by the rear wheels, but if there is a risk of traction loss, the front wheels are engaged too within fractions of a second.

All four wheels are also activated when the driver selects 4MOTION Active Control of the all-wheel drive or off-road programs. Then too, the Tiguan GTE Active Concept starts up in all-wheel drive and with zero emissions (provided of course that the battery is sufficiently charged). The Volkswagen can cover up to 20 miles all-electrically. The vehicle's driving range (based on a battery capacity of 12.4 kWh and a 64-liter fuel tank) is 580 miles.

The Tiguan GTE Active Concept - which is equipped with a turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engine (TSI, 110 kW / 250 Nm) and two electric motors (front 40 kW / 220 Nm, rear 85 kW / 270 Nm) - shows that a plug-in hybrid drive (system power: 165 kW / 225 PS) can confidently supply all four wheels with propulsive force under off-road conditions. The all wheel drive system - known as 4MOTION at Volkswagen - boosts traction and contributes to active safety on normal roads as well.

April 2016

Volkswagen Tiguan opens for orders in the UK

In the UK the car will over time be offered with up to three new petrol engines, with power outputs from 125 PS to 180 PS, and four new diesel engines ranging from 115 PS to 240 PS. All EU6-compliant, they are more powerful and more fuel-efficient than the comparable EU5 engines of the previous model. The diesel engines feature SCR catalytic converter technology, using the now familiar AdBlue additive.

As order books open, the high-volume diesel will be available as a 2.0 TDI 150 PS with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) or six-speed manual transmission; or with front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox. In addition the 2.0 TSI with 180 PS, 4MOTION and DSG is also on offer from today. These engines are expected to account for around three quarters of UK Tiguan sales.

The first wave of engines in the UK offer 0-62 mph times of between 7.7 seconds (2.0 TSI 180 PS) to 9.3 seconds (2.0 TDI 150 PS), with top speeds, where legal, ranging from 129 mph to 124 mph. For the first wave of engines, CO2 emissions are calculated at between 125 g/km (2.0 TDI 150 PS front-wheel drive with six-speed manual gearbox), to 170 g/km (2.0 TSI 180 PS 4MOTION with seven-speed DSG).

Fuel economy for the launch engines, on the official EU combined cycle, ranges from 58.9 mpg (2.0 TDI 150 PS front wheel drive six-speed manual) to 38.2mpg (2.0 TSI 180 PS 4MOTION with seven-speed DSG).

October 2016

Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 BiTDI and 2.0 TSI launched

The 2.0 BiTDI-equipped Tiguan has 240PS and sprints from rest to 62 mph in just 6.5 seconds. A start/stop system and battery regeneration contribute to a CO2 figure of 167g/km and a claimed 44.1mpg

The Tiguan 2.0 TSI 180 PS with a six-speed manual or new seven-speed wet clutch DSG transmission also comes with 4MOTION four-wheel drive. It has a 0-62 mph time of 7.7 seconds and a CO2 figure of 170g/km and an official economy figure of 39.8mpg with the manual gearbox.

Both the Tiguan 2.0 BiTDI 240 and 2.0TSI 180 are exclusively offered with the range-topping SEL or R-Line trims. Tiguan SEL standard features include Volkswagen’s Discover Navigation infotainment and satellite navigation system with eight-inch colour touch-screen.

Adaptive Cruise Control uses radar to govern the distance to the car ahead automatically. In addition the SEL comes with Active Info Display – a 12.3-inch high-resolution TFT screen located within the binnacle in front of the driver and replacing conventional analogue instruments. It can be configured to show a variety of information about the car, or even relay the satellite navigation route guidance.

July 2017

Seven new petrol derivatives added to Volkswagen Tiguan range. A 1.4-litre 125 PS TSI 2WD has been introduced on the SE and SE Nav trim lines, offering a lower entry price from just £25,000 RRP OTR.

The 1.4-litre 150 PS 2WD DSG is now available on the SEL and R-Line which, priced from £29,900 RRP OTR for the SEL trim, also creates a lower entry point into these luxurious and sporty models.

December 2018

reader reported that Tiguan 2.0TSI has been dropped from the Tiguan range.

January 2019

New trim levels and new 230PS petrol engine for Tiguan

Volkswagen has added a host of equipment upgrades to the Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace, with the introduction of new Match and R-Line Tech specifications, in addition to a new petrol engine with 230PS.

Match trim replaces the SE and SE Nav trims, but also brings a rear view camera, park assist, keyless entry and 19-inch Victoria alloy wheels.

The Tiguan Match starts from £26,750 Volkswagen’s 130PS 1.5-litre TSI EVO engine, two-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, and the Tiguan Match range is topped by a 190PS 2.0-litre TDI SCR variant with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a DSG gearbox, at £34,770.

R-Line is also being replaced by a new R-Line Tech trim. This specification now includes area view, Park Assist, Keyless entry and full electric tailgate operation. Prices start at £33,150 for the 150PS 1.5-litre TSI EVO variant with a DSG gearbox, and £38,335 for the new 230PS 2.0 TSI version, with more engines to follow.

The new 230 PS 2.0-litre TSI engine produces 350Nm of torque, allowing a 0-62mph time of 6.3 seconds, and a top speed of 142mph. The 230PS engine is offered in both R-Line Tech and SEL Tiguans, and as standard gets both 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a 7-speed DSG gearbox. This range-topping petrol Tiguan returns 36.7 mpg on a combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 175 g/km. SEL cars equipped with the 230PS engine are priced at £35,820.

October 2019

Volkswagen Tiguan updated for 2020

The Tiguan features a new engine – a 1.6-litre, 115PS TDI unit, replacing the 2.0-litre TDI with the same power in the entry-level S trim. This 1598cc, 280Nm engine achieves a WLTP-certified 48.1mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting 128g/km CO2 (NEDC), and represents the most affordable diesel offering in the Tiguan range, at £26,515 RRP OTR.

A set of optional LED headlights is also now available for the Tiguan S and Match, enhancing the front end of the car compared with the halogen-equipped standard S and Match. As with other S and Match trims, the Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace are now provided with a standard-fit VW Connect Dongle.

July 2020

New Volkswagen Tiguan offers hybrid tech and R model for 2021



The plug-in hybrid SUV Tiguan eHybrid has an electric range of 30 miles. The PHEV system offers a combined power of 245PS, and can operate in electric-only mode at speeds up to 81mph. No economy figures have been released for the eHybrid just yet though.

The eHybrid offers multiple driving modes, too, including one named GTE that maximises the output of both the engine and electric motor. With a powertrain similar to that used in the Golf, Passat and Arteon PHEVs, it combines a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor for 245PS.

The updated range also features changes to its TDI diesel engines, which will be fitted with two SCR catalytic converters, each with its own AdBlue injection. Volkswagen says these changes reduce NOx emissions compared to the previous model.

The new 320PS Tiguan R is the other new addition to the SUV's mid-life update, joining the larger Touareg R in Volkswagen's performance range. It uses a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and four-wheel drive. Further performance details are to be confirmed.

In terms of design, the new Tiguan sees minor changes, including standard front and rear LED lights, a new front bumper featuring enlarged air intakes and a more prominent grille. The interior changes bring the Tiguan in line with Volkswagen’s newer models, including the newest infotainment system and larger touchscreens.

Wireless Apple CarPlay is offered, as well as a 'We Connect' system - which allows the user to connect to a variety of online services, including live traffic data and numerous app-based functions. There are also two illuminated USB-C ports in the centre console, new multicoloured ambient lighting and, on the Tiguan R, exterior logo projection.

The touch buttons can optionally be used to operate functions such as the seat, rear window and windscreen heating - while a sports steering wheel is an option, as is a wheel that offers touch-sensitive controls and sliders in place of buttons.

The new Tiguan is due on sale in autumn 2020.

October 2020

Updated Volkswagen Tiguan priced from £24,915

The revised Volkswagen Tiguan has opened for order in the UK, with six engine and gearbox configurations available across four trim levels. The SUV now starts at £24,915 for the entry-level version: the Tiguan 1.5 TSI 130PS six-speed manual, which is priced £545 lower than its outgoing equivalent.

The Tiguan is now available to UK customers in four specifications, starting with entry-level Tiguan trim. This model is equipped with a 1.5-litre TSI, 130PS engine, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. In this specification, the Tiguan can achieve up to 44.8mpg (WLTP, combined), with CO2 emissions of 143g/km, a top speed of 121mph and a 0-62mph time of 10.9 seconds.

This entry-level trim kicks off the Tiguan range with standard equipment including 17-inch ‘Montana’ alloy wheels and LED headlights. Driver assistance systems include Lane Assist, Front Assist, and a multifunction front-facing camera as standard. This trim level starts at £24,915.

Inside, the new MIB3 infotainment system is a prominent feature, with an eight-inch touch screen, DAB+, and streaming and internet capabilities. Wireless App Connect also facilitates smartphone mirroring via Bluetooth, without the need for a cable. Comfort and convenience is further bolstered with height adjustment for the front seats, dusk and rain sensors, a leather-wrapped gear shifter and multifunction steering wheel, and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.

The Tiguan Life – the next in the Tiguan’s new, Y-shaped specification line-up – is also open to order starting at £26,915, with 130PS and 150PS 1.5-litre TSI engines, with the latter benefitting from the option of a seven-speed DSG transmission alongside the standard six-speed manual gearbox. A 2.0-litre TDI engine with 150 PS is also available on Life trim cars, with a seven-speed DSG as standard.

The most frugal of these powertrains is the Life 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS DSG, which returns up to 50.4mpg on the combined cycle, with CO 2 emissions of 147 g/km (both WLTP), while the swiftest is the 1.5-litre TSI 150PS DSG variant, which takes 9.2 seconds to reach 62mph, and tops out at 126 mph.

The Tiguan Life is fitted with 18-inch ‘Frankfurt’ alloy wheels, roof rails, rear tinted glass from the B-pillar backwards, while the interior is generously appointed with a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, front comfort seats with lumbar support and seat trim covers in ‘Shooting Star’ velour, and 3Zone climate control including rear passenger controls.

Expected to be the top-seller in the revised Tiguan range, taking 50% of UK sales, the Tiguan Life also features driver assistance systems including Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist and front and rear parking sensors, as well as a Driver Alert System and Dynamic Road Sign Display.

The Tiguan’s new Y-structure trim line-up has two separate range-topping variants, with Elegance representing comfort and luxury, and R-Line being the sportier offshoot of the Tiguan range. Both of these Tiguan specifications are available with 1.5-litre TSI, 150PS engines allied to smooth and quick-shifting seven-speed DSG transmissions. These models start at £32,430 (Elegance) and £32,730 (R-Line). Two diesel engines are currently available across Elegance and R-Line specifications: 150PS and 200PS 2.0-litre TDI units, both of which come with seven-speed DSG transmissions. The 200PS version benefits from Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system, while the lower-powered TDI is offered with both front- and all-wheel drive versions.

Of these top trims, the 2.0-litre TDI, 200 PS DSG 4Motion cars – both Elegance and R-Line – are the quickest, with identical top speeds of 134mph, and 0-62mph sprint times of 7.5 seconds. The Tiguan R-Line 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS DSG is the most frugal of these, with 48.7 mpg fuel economy (combined), and CO 2 emissions of 152 g/km (both WLTP).

Elegance-spec Tiguans are marked out by 19-inch ‘Auckland’ alloy wheels with a Dark Graphite finish, IQ.Light LED matrix headlights with individual settings for different driving conditions and environments, silver roof rails, and chrome trim around the side windows. Inside, the Tiguan Elegance features 30-colour ambient lighting, heated front seats with ArtVelours upholstery, a heated steering wheel, illuminated front scuff plates in aluminium, ‘Cross’ design decorative inserts in the dashboard and front door trim, and Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit Pro, 10.25-inch TFT customisable instrument panel in the dashboard.

Keyless locking and starting is also included on Elegance cars, including a sensor-controlled tailgate opening and closing function, while a panoramic sunroof is also fitted as standard. Driving Profile Selection allows customised settings for different drivers, and a rear view camera brings additional convenience and peace of mind during reversing manoeuvres. Side Assist and Rear Traffic Alert add to the Tiguan’s Driver Assistance and safety offering, while Park Assist and a headlight range control system further bolster the level of convenience provided by the enhanced SUV.

The other prong in the Tiguan’s Y-shaped specification line-up, R-Line, is expected to be selected by 28% of Tiguan customers, and takes a sportier approach than the comfort-oriented Elegance trim.

This sporting approach can be seen in the Tiguan R-Line’s standard equipment including: 20-inch ‘Misano’ alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension, bespoke R-style bumpers and rear roof spoiler, as well as LED ‘Plus’ self-levelling dipped and main beam headlights featuring High Beam Assist and dynamic headlight range control. Inside, ‘Greyson’ seat upholstery covers the main part of the seat, with the inner bolster sides finished in ArtVelours. A sports steering wheel with touch control function, brushed stainless steel pedals and a black headliner carry this sporting ambience to the interior of the R-Line, while the aluminium scuff plates are emblazoned with the R-Line logo.

Like the Tiguan Elegance, the R-Line benefits from 30-colour ambient lighting, heated front seats and the Digital Cockpit Pro dashboard instrument panel, as well as keyless entry and start. Also akin to the comfort-focused Elegance, the exterior mirrors have power adjustment, folding and heating, and surround lighting, while a raft of driver assistance systems provide safety and reassurance to both driver and passengers. The R-Line features Emergency Assist and Travel Assist over the Elegance trim model, facilitating Level 2 autonomous driving at speeds of up to 130 mph (where permitted).

February 2021

Volkswagen adds 2.0-litre petrol engines to Tiguan range

The Volkswagen Tiguan’s range of petrol engines has been bolstered by the addition of two powerful units – 190PS and 245PS units, both featuring 4MOTION four-wheel drive.

The Tiguan’s two new engines – both turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol units – are the most powerful petrol powertrains in the range yet, offering 190PS and a range-topping 245PS, with 320 and 370Nm of torque respectively.

Both engines provide a brisk 0-62mph acceleration time of 7.4 seconds and a 133mph top speed for the 190PS model, and 6.0 seconds for the more powerful 245PS unit, which tops out at 142mph.

The Tiguan 190PS 4MOTION is available in high-spec Elegance and R-Line trim levels, with WLTP combined cycle fuel consumption figures of 33.2 and 34.0 mpg respectively, and CO 2 outputs of 194 and 189g/km. The 190 PS-equipped Tiguan starts at £36,275 in Elegance trim. The Tiguan’s personality, the 245 PS 4MOTION powertrain is available exclusively in the more visually assertive R-Line specification, and has figures of 32.1 mpg and 200g/km of CO 2 . This current Tiguan range-topper starts at £39,560.

February 2021

Volkswagen Tiguan R priced from £45,915

The Tiguan R is powered by Volkswagen’s EA888 evo4 four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. In this guise it produces 320PS and 420Nm of torque, enabling 0 to 62 mph acceleration of 4.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph. The Tiguan R matches its T-Roc R stablemate in these figures, and is just two-tenths of a second behind the Golf R on the 0 to 62 mph sprint.

The R’s formula of a 7-speed DSG transmission, muscular petrol engine and 4MOTION four-wheel drive are bolstered by the new R-Performance Torque Vectoring system, which distributes power to all four wheels. The system not only manages this between the front and rear axles, but also between the two rear wheels. Up to 100% of available torque can be directed to the rear wheel on the outside of a bend, improving agility.

This new R model features adaptive chassis control (DCC) as standard, and rides 10mm lower than any other Tiguan. DCC always provides the highest level of driving comfort and optimum driving dynamics. In addition, the characteristics of the shock absorbers have been adapted individually to the Tiguan R.

Sitting on standard-fit 21-inch ‘Estoril’ wheels, the Tiguan R features an 18-inch performance braking system, identifiable by its blue-painted callipers with R-logo on the front units. Hallmark R quad tailpipes are a hint at the model’s power, while the door mirror caps are finished in matt chrome – another key identifier of the revered R brand. An assertive and unique R body kit incorporates sportier front and rear bumpers, with a black rear diffuser adding to the SUV’s purposeful aesthetic. Among the items optionally available for the Tiguan R is an Akrapovič performance titanium exhaust system, which is lighter in weight than the standard set-up and augments the sound the high-performance engine makes.

As in the Golf R, the Tiguan R’s sports seats are finished in a blue-black ‘Sardegna’ cloth with ArtVelours outer areas, while the driver has new levels of interaction with the bespoke, heated R steering wheel, thanks to a new ‘R’ button. This feature enables swift access to the model’s seven diverse and useful drive modes without the need to take hands off the wheel. The steering column features extended paddle shifters to add to the driver-focus of the Tiguan R’s cabin.

The Tiguan R’s standard equipment list builds upon the R-Line trim and includes Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC); IQ.Light matrix LED headlights; Digital Cockpit Pro with specific R functions; Keyless entry and start; rear view camera; 30-colour ambient lighting; heated steering wheel; heated front seats; and Travel Assist.

April 2021

Volkswagen Tiguan Active special edition priced from £27,860

Based on the Life model, the Active adds winter pack (including heated front seats and heated steering wheel); driver profile; keyless entry including the addition of an electric tailgate; electric folding door mirrors; and ambient lighting.

August 2021

Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid priced from £35,515

The plug-in hybrid Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid has opened for order to UK customers today, priced from £35,515 OTR in Life trim. The newest PHEV model from the brand has a CO 2 output from just 38 g/km (WLTP) and fuel economy of up to 176.6 mpg (WLTP, combined), with the capability to travel up to 30 miles purely on electric power from a single full charge.

The eHybrid drivetrain combines a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and a powerful electric motor, resulting in peak system output of 245 PS. It is available on value-packed Life, luxury-focused Elegance, and sporty R-Line trims, with respective WLTP CO 2 emissions of 38, 43 and 41 g/km.

The high power output of the Tiguan eHybrid is complemented by an abundance of instant torque from the electric motor, while the petrol engine provides 250 Nm of twisting force, available between 1,550 and 3,500 rpm. These contribute to a top speed of 127 mph (where permitted) and a brisk 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of 7.5 seconds, while maintaining the low running costs associated with plug-in hybrid models.

An electric-only range of up to 30 miles (WLTP combined, and depending on specification) is available from the Tiguan eHybrid’s 10.4 kWh battery, and depending on the power source, charging takes place with 2.3 or 3.6 kW alternating current (AC). When supplied with 230 volts at 2.3 kW via the normal domestic grid, the battery can be fully charged in five hours from empty. This is reduced to three hours and 40 minutes using a 3.6 kW wall box or public charger.