Volkswagen Tiguan Review

The Volkswagen Tiguan remains VW’s smallest SUV option, but it does still come available with a third row. Aside from the surprisingly spacious interior with flexible seating, there’s also high-tech infotainment to enjoy, a solid amount of power backing the vehicle up, and plenty of driver assistance features to help keep you safe.

For 2020, front assist, side assist, and rear traffic alert now come standard on all models. In addition to the newly standard driver assistance features, all Tiguan models also now have in-car WiFi capability when you subscribe to a data plan.

There are five main trim levels for the 2020 Tiguan: S, SE, SE R-Line, SE R-Line Black, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line. 4MOTION all-wheel drive is optional on all trims except for the SEL Premium R-Line, where it comes standard.

Front-wheel drive Tiguan models come with three rows of seating as standard, while the all-wheel drive models come standard with two rows and the third row is optional.

There’s a lot to like about the Tiguan and what’s nice is that it is a more affordable option than the Atlas. While the Atlas is an excellent three-row family hauler and it is more spacious, it costs more than $6,000 more to start than the Tiguan.

To learn even more about the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, continue reading below!

The Volkswagen Tiguan is characterized by its wide, low stance and bold character lines. The exterior design emphasizes its rugged utility. Volkswagen calls it “sophisticated yet capable.”

Roof rails come standard, allowing people to attach various accessories for their next big adventure. There are also available LED headlights and the wheels vary in size depending on the trim you opt for. LED daytime running lights come standard no matter the trim, as do heated exterior mirrors.

SUVs.com is a fan of the SE R-Line Black trim, which features standard 20” wheels, fog lights with cornering functionality, black roof rails, special R-Line badging, and a panoramic sunroof.

From the sculpted hood to the strong, sharp character line, the Tiguan has a nice looking exterior overall.

Volkswagen says the versatility of the Tiguan’s seating is what sets it apart from the competition.

In front-wheel drive models, three rows come standard to fit seven. The second-row bench seat can recline and slide seven inches fore and aft. It can also fold down and be split 40/20/40. The 50/50 split third-row, meanwhile, provides seating for two and also folds down.

When configured with 4Motion all-wheel drive, the 2020 Tiguan comes standard with two rows and the third row is optional.

As for the size of that back row, it is going to be best fit for kids. If you need ample space for three rows of passengers all the time, you might want to consider scaling up to the larger Atlas SUV. After all, the Tiguan is technically a compact SUV.

The interior has a modern feel to it with a sporty, driver-focused layout. Standard features include a multi-function steering wheel and cloth seats with a rhombus pattern that offer a premium look. Higher level trims feature heated front seats with leatherette seating surfaces. The range-topping SEL Premium R-Line, meanwhile, receives a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and leather seating surfaces.

The higher level Tiguan trims also feature a stunning panoramic glass tilt-and-slide sunroof as standard. It’s optional on the SE trim.

While the SE trim is only one step above the entry-level S, it does offer wireless charging and keyless access, along with push-button start.

As for infotainment, there’s the Volkswagen MB II touchscreen infotainment system. The base S trim has a 6.5” touchscreen display with it. It also offers a rearview camera and standard Bluetooth technology. There’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to take advantage of, too. Plus, Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan.

All other Tiguan models are equipped with a larger glass-covered 8.0” touchscreen display.  There’s also more USB ports with it. The highest level trims, SEL and SEL Premium R-Line, get added navigation. Those trims also come standard with the available Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display. It can store up to four driver profiles and there’s available full screen navigation view for an even better look at your directions! The range-topping SEL Premium R-Line also features the latest Fender Premium Audio System as standard. It immerses you in rich sound.

The SEL trim and above come with a remote power liftgate and the range-topping SEL Premium R-Line gets a hands-free liftgate as standard. It helps make loading cargo easier. As for cargo space, there’s up to 65.7 cubic feet of it with the three-row models. Two-row models offer up to 73.5 cubic feet of space. The 40/20/40 split seats allow the two-row Tiguan to accommodate skis, fishing gear, and other large items.

All trims feature the same turbocharged engine that makes the Tiguan fun to drive. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims except for the range-topping SEL Premium R-Line, where 4MOTION all-wheel drive comes standard. It’s optional otherwise. It features four different settings to choose from based on the driving conditions: on-road, snow, off-road, and off-road custom.

The available accessory towing hitch can be used to pull up to 1,500 pounds with the Tiguan when properly equipped.

The 2020 Tiguan now features more safety features as standard than before. Front assist, side assist, and rear traffic alert are now standard on all models. There’s also a standard rear view camera system. Plus, many available driver assistance systems to help further put your mind at ease.

The entry-level 2020 Tiguan S starts from $24,945 in front-wheel drive and $26,245 in all-wheel drive (before the destination charge). That’s a great price point considering all you get with the vehicle. But, to get the nicest features possible you’d need to pay more for a higher trim. The most expensive Tiguan is the range-topping SEL Premium R-Line with 4 MOTION. It starts at $38,795 before destination.

As for competitors, you could consider the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, or Chevrolet Equinox. They are not available with a third row, though. You could also consider scaling up to the Tiguan’s sibling, the three-row Atlas. There’s also the all-new Atlas Cross Sport to take a look at, though it only offers space for five.

If you’re interested in the Tiguan, be sure to do plenty of additional research on the vehicle to make sure it fully suits your needs. It’s also best to take it for a test drive, if possible.

The Volkswagen Tiguan has a great look, is surprisingly spacious and versatile inside, features a turbocharged engine under the hood, and is highly safe. There’s a lot to like about it and for a small family, it might just have everything you need!

There’s plenty of room to store cargo in the back, you can attach accessories to the standard roof rails, and there’s other benefits to owning a Tiguan.

We gave the 2020 Tiguan an SUVS.com deal score of 77/100. Did you watch our YouTube review of the vehicle? Please be sure to subscribe!