The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is expected to come in the same five times the 2021 model. The trims are the base S, followed by the SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL, and the top-end SEL Platinum. The base S trim is fairly basic and doesn’t come with many premium features and is not advised to be the best option if you plan to buy one.

The following table shows the detailed feature list and the expected prices of the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan trims-

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The SE R-Line Black trim in an AWD configuration would be the best option. This one to be further equipped with the larger 10-inch infotainment unit would be a better setup. The R-Line Black comes with distinctive, stealthy styling and standout design elements. The R-Line Black gets the larger 20-inch wheels as standard along with other luxury features already equipped in the SE trim along with a panoramic sunroof and other features listed in the table.

The 2022 model year will use the same engine as the 2021 model year- a turbocharged inline-4 capable of putting down184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic and power can either be delivered to the front wheels, or all wheels using Volkswagen’s 4Motion AWD. This transmission is smooth with the shifts, but far from being the best.

Since the engine is similar to last year, we expect it to complete the 0-60 MPH sprint in around 8.3 seconds and reach the quarter-mile in 16.3 seconds. It is slightly sluggish and lacking power when needed, but it still gets the job done. For normal city driving, the powertrain will suffice and even for attaining reasonable cruise speeds on the highway also it is sufficient. But there’s nothing very exciting about the performance of the powertrain. 

All the SUVs are pretty matched for power and none of them are monsters. The RAV4 does away with the most power and it is also the quickest among the four, while the CR-V really struggles a lot. The CR-V is the only one with a CVT. The fact that the RAV4 puts out its maximum power at a higher 6,600 rpm makes it a better option for more enthusiastic driving.

How does the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan handle?

Although the Tiguan might not be the most agile SUV, it has made a name for itself for its driving characteristics. The SUV has average handling, a pretty good grip on the road with the 4Motion AWD equipped, and can flow smoothly. The engine and the transmission complement each other quite well with the smooth shifts. The steering is responsive while the body roll is not controlled well, though it is not too much. 

If equipped, the 4Motion AWD keeps the car gripped on the road firmly. The suspension also offers a pretty comfortable ride for the occupants. The handling cannot ever be described as athletic, and it is not a major selling point for the vehicle. For a sportier driving experience, the Toyota RAV4 or the Mazda CX-5 can be chosen. The Volkswagen Tiguan is a disappointing option in terms of handling and driving dynamics.

The official figures for the fuel economy of the 2022 Tiguan have not been revealed yet, but since the powertrain will be the same, we can expect similar fuel economy figures as the 2021 model year. The German SUV is expected to offer 23 MPG for the city and 29 MPG for the highway. Combined, it will do 25 MPG. The tank size is also expected to remain the same as last year’s– a 15.9-gallon tank. This would offer a combined range of 397 miles. The range isn’t a lot and certainly not on par with the competitors. 

The VW and the CX-5 are both below par when it comes to fuel economy. However, the CX-5 is much better than the Tiguan in terms of efficiency. The CR-V and RAV4 both offer an excellent fuel economy of 30mpg. Owing to their better fuel economy, they also get bigger tanks which help them increase range. The 2022 Tiguan is an overall disappointment in the fuel economy segment.

Most of the changes in Tiguan’s interior are characterized by a lot of new tech upgrades. The color contrast and the design is quite attractive. All the trims are welcome with a digital instrument cluster and all the trims other than the base trim get touch-sensitive climate controls. The interior is available in color tones including Saffrano and Black, Storm Grey, and Titan Black. The seats come in cloth trim as standard, but an upgrade to faux leather is inevitable when you upgrade the trim level. The seats are quite comfy, and the highest trim gets a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support. 

A heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel can also be found. The front and second-row have good seating space. The German SUV can also be equipped with a third row as an option, but it would be quite tight. You get 12 cubic feet of cargo storage if you opt for a third row, but you are greeted with 37.6 cubic feet of cargo storage with the third row down.

With the second row folded, that expands to 73.5 cubic feet of cargo storage. Suffice to say, the German is pretty spacious.

The Tiguan is the only one that comes with a third row. The rear row spacing is decent in all of the four SUVs, but the CX-5 offers the least cargo spacing when compared to the others. In the case of interior space and interior quality, the Tiguan is a capable contender and can carry more people or luggage according to the configuration chosen. Some interior features include-

• 10-way power driver's seat including power-adjustable lumbar support with 3-position memory function
• Climatronic dual-zone automatic climate control with 2nd-row air vent
• Heated front seats
• Interior ambient lighting
• Leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel 
• Vienna leather seating surfaces (top trim)

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan: Infotainment and Connectivity

The Tiguan comes equipped with a MIB3 6.5” touchscreen infotainment system in the base trim which is a bigger 8-inch unit in the higher trims. A 10.3” digital instrument cluster is also available while a larger 10.25-inch infotainment unit may also arrive in the 2022 model’s highest trims. All models, except the base trim, come with a Climatronic Touch interface, which includes all touch controls for the climate. The system is responsive and intuitive and feels pretty modern.

There is also a long list of features, including App-Connect (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, wireless charger, Bluetooth, SiriusXM Radio, etc. Wireless App-Connect is also available for compatible devices. The higher trims can also be equipped with a 400W premium Fender audio system with a subwoofer. Some highlights of the infotainment system include-

• Discover Media touchscreen navigation system with 8-inch color display
• 10.3” digital cluster
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Climatronic Touch climate controls
• Fender Premium Audio System
• SiriusXM with 360L with a 3-month trial subscription

Yes, there will be changes to the Tiguan’s appearance, with upgrades to the front fascia. The overall design looks sharp, more elegant, and statelier. VW tried to instill a bit of sportiness and athleticism into the design. The front fascia has new LED headlights with sharp edges and curves. A LED light bar is also available as an option. Color options available with the 2022 Tiguan would include Atlantic Blue Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, Platinum Gray Metallic, and Pyrite Silver Metallic along with Pure White.

The bumper sees bigger vents with more aggressive styling. Higher trims are also equipped with a distinct bumper and side sills. The sides look big and bold, with a strong line passing along the side all the way to the rear taillights. The tail lights will feel familiar, with the same shape and design. Quad tip exhausts finish the sporty look. The highest trim rides on 20” two-toned machined alloy wheels, while the base trim rides on 17” wheels.

The VW comes with the longest wheelbase since it also has an optional third row. The VW is also the longest, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it is the heaviest. The Tiguan also comes with the most ground clearance adding to the practicality of the vehicle. However, all that heft and size takes a toll on the handling of the Tiguan while increasing the interior space. Few exterior features include-

• Standard 17" wide multi-spoke two-tone machined alloy wheels
• Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)
• Power tilting/sliding panoramic sunroof
• Fog Lights with low-speed corner-illuminating feature
• 17" Corvara Winter Wheels in Brilliant Silver
• 19" Gloss Black Wheels
• 20" Kapstadt Wheels in Galvano Grey

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan comes as standard with a set of advanced safety features including Electronic Stability Control, Anti-Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Lock, and Engine Brake Assist along with Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist). The 2021 Tiguan has received the Top Safety Pick award from IIHS which means that the Tiguan is an extremely safe vehicle. The 2022 version is also expected to showcase the same levels or even more safety and security. The following are the prominent safety features equipped in the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan-

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Blind Spot Monitor (Side Assist)
• Lane Assist
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Area View
• Front Assist
• Light Assist
• Park Distance Control with Maneuver Braking

The new Tiguan is loaded with tons of new tech features, so for someone who is a geek, the Tiguan would be the perfect affordable SUV. It is also your only option if you want a three-row SUV at this price range. The looks are also sleek while the handling is not the best or even above average. The powertrain would also be a letdown as it is underpowered and not as responsive as many rivals. If you can look past that and space is your number one consideration then and then only the Tiguan is a good option for you.