The Volkswagen Tiguan: A Compact SUV Worth Exploring

When you want something a little different than the typical compact SUV, the Volkswagen Tiguan could be exactly what you’re looking for.

The Tiguan is the only mainstream compact SUV with German design elements and European driving manners. Volkswagen found a way to stuff a third row of seats in some models, which isn’t typical of this class. Although this little SUV wears a German badge, it’s built locally, which is pretty standard for most vehicles sold in America. If you haven’t thought to consider the Tiguan in the past, it might be time to take a look.

How much power does this VW provide?

The Tiguan utilizes a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This power is sent to the front wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. AWD is optional for this small VW SUV, adding the control of power at all four wheels. If you have the FWD version, you’ll enjoy 24 city/31 hwy mpg, which is decent for this little SUV. When you toss in AWD, these figures drop, with most returning 22 city/29 hwy mpg combined and the SEL R-Line providing 24 mpg combined.

Does the Tiguan have anything new?

The 2024 model year of this VW SUV now has the IQ.Drive safety tech suite on every trim. This means you’ll have the benefits of these features in the base S model, which gives you:

• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Leatherette steering wheel

Let’s take a look at what every trim has for you.

Tiguan S

The Volkswagen Tiguan S is the starting point for this small German SUV. At this trim level, you’ll have:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Cloth seats
• Heated front seats
• Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• 8-inch Digital Cockpit gauge cluster
• 6.5-oinch touchscreen
• Two USB-C ports
• Automatic emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alerts
• Full-speed adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keeping assist

The only options for the base model are the choice of paint colors and AWD. It’s important to note that if you choose AWD, you lose the third-row seat.

Tiguan SE

Moving up one step in the Tiguan lineup brings you to the SE trim. This model has more of the desirable features you’re looking for, including:

• 8-inch infotainment touchscreen
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Four USB-C ports
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Heated wipers and washer nozzles
• Power liftgate
• Power driver’s seat
• Leatherette upholstery
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Remote engine starting
• Wireless charging pad

The options for the SE trim include AWD, a panoramic sunroof, and Kings Red Metallic paint.

Tiguan SE R-Line Black

Another step up the Volkswagen Tiguan trim ladder, and you’ll reach the SE R-Line Black version. This model is mostly an appearance package that gives this little SUV a sporty and impressive appearance package. When you move up to this trim, you’ll get:

• R-Line bumpers, side sills, and badging
• 19-inch black wheels
• Black exterior trim
• Panoramic sunroof
• Multicolor ambient interior lighting
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Parking sensors

At this trim level, another optional paint color is added to the options: Opal White Pearl. AWD is still an option for this model.

Tiguan SEL R-Line

The top model in the Tiguan lineup is the SEL R-Line version. This model comes with features you won’t find on other models, including standard AWD. If you want a third-row seat, you won’t find it at this trim level.
Some of the items for the SEL R-Line trim are:

• 4Motion AWD
• R-Line appearance package
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Illuminated light bar across the grille
• Power-folding mirrors
• Hands-free power liftgate
• Leather upholstery
• Heated and cooled front seats
• Driver’s seat memory settings
• Powe front passenger seat
• Heated steering wheel
• 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro gauge cluster
• GPS navigation system
• Fender 9-speaker premium audio system
• Park Assist – parking and steering assistant
• Light Assist – automatic high beams
• Area View – 360-degree camera
• Dynamic Road Sign Display

The only options for this top trim are the paint colors available for the SE R-Line Black model.

This VW offers a good warranty

The Volkswagen Tiguan includes a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, which is much better than what you get with most other vehicles. This little SUV also includes a 2-year/20,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan.

Will the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan be the small SUV you love to drive every day? Very few compact SUVs have three rows of seats, but this VW has them standard on three of the four trims, making it much easier for you to have the desired level of versatility while driving.