2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
Whenever you see a vehicle go through a mid-cycle refresh, you always ask “what’s really changed on this vehicle?”
In the case of the Volkswagen Tiguan, there had been marked improvements dating back its second model year. There had been changes to the transmission, ride quality, and in driver assist technology. For 2022, Volkswagen made its changes visible to everyone – including adding the brand’s new logo.
Is that the only thing Volkswagen changed on their popular compact SUV?
The new logo is just the start to the cosmetic changes on exterior of the 2022 Tiguan. There is a new front clip with a deeper grille pattern. New wheels are available on all trim levels. New badging on the tailgate to match current Volkswagen trends. In all, it’s more handsome than ever.
At its heart, it is still a Tiguan. It remains very straightforward and practical by nature. The 109.8-inch wheelbase is longer than a lot of its competitors. All four doors open wide, with the rear ones being the longest in its class. The liftgate opens high for great cargo access.
Our tester was the luxurious and sporty SEL R-Line model. It featured the full LED headlamp units and a handsome set of 20-inch alloy wheels. R Line badges appear on the grille and on the side trims near the front door. In the tester’s Atlantic Blue Metallic paint job, the updated Tiguan appears to be elevated in style.
That elevated style continues inside. Aside from the new logo, there is a new steering wheel with haptic-touch controls for audio and cruise control. Haptic-touch technology is also found on the climate controls on the center stack.
Nothing else has changed on the Tiguan, with its great Digital Cockpit and intuitive infotainment system offering excellent connectivity.
The light-colored leather seats were heavily bolstered as expected in an R-Line model. The second-row seats added some bolstering to a mainly flat. There is plenty of passenger space for up to five people.
Cargo space starts with 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row. Folding down the second row of seats will get you up to 73.5 cubic feet available.
The 2022 Tiguan is motivated by a 184-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 221 pound-feet of torque. Turbo lag is minimal and throttle response is quite good. An eight-speed automatic transmission connects this engine to a permanent 4Motion all-wheel drive system on our tester. This driveline can return a fuel economy figure of 24 MPG on a combined cycle.
We praised the Tiguan in the past for its long wheelbase. It delivers a smooth ride, which we found somewhat compromised by the 20-inch wheels on this SEL R-Line. It does its best to absorb imperfections on the road. However, the Tiguan is built for greater stability and handling when it needs it the most.
The steering system is fine. The wheel provides some feedback from the road and it has a good turning radius for tight situations. Braking is sharp in stops with superb pedal response and feedback. It also offered great stops in normal and panic situations.
Pricing for the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan starts at $25,995 for an S model with front-wheel-drive. Our SEL R-Line tester with 4Motion came with a sticker price of $37,790.
Since the Tiguan arrived in its current form, it has gained competitors that have reached its size and interior space. Yet, it remains one of the most competitive segments in the automotive industry. These competitors include the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Kia Sportage, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Jeep Cherokee, GMC Terrain and Mitsubishi Outlander.
If you are hauling your family, commuting to work, or just taking in the pursuits of your active lifestyle, the updated 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan may just fit you right. Even if you’re working from home, it is the right escape vehicle that compliments whatever lifestyle you live in.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
