2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out with its creased, folded, and symmetrical design, which leaned towards conservatism but aged gracefully. For 2022, the front styling better aligned the Tiguan with Volkswagen’s larger Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models. The updated grille featured a new VW logo and offered an illuminated grille bar as an option. All 2022 models came standard with LED headlights and redesigned aluminum wheels, which enhanced the vehicle's overall aesthetic.

Volkswagen simplified the trim structure for 2022, offering S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, each available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices ranged from $25,995 to $36,995, plus a destination charge. The SEL R-Line, with 4Motion AWD, came in at $37,970 MSRP. The R-Line models boasted sportier looks, with the SE R-Line Black offering a trendy blacked-out appearance. In terms of paint options, the SEL R-Line featured four choices, including the appealing Atlantic Blue Metallic.

Inside, the 2022 Tiguan’s cabin exuded a refined quality with perforated and piped leather upholstery, new technology integrations, touch-sensing steering wheel and climate controls, and ambient lighting with 15 different color options. However, hard plastic materials in the lower cabin betrayed its mass-market status.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan carried forward the conservative, yet sophisticated design language from the previous year, offering little change. The main update was Volkswagen's offer of a complementary five-year Car-Net Safe & Secure connected services plan. Trims remained the same: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line, with prices ranging from $26,950 to $37,680 plus a slightly increased destination charge.

The test vehicle for 2023, the SEL R-Line, featured Atlantic Blue paint and a Storm Gray leather interior. However, choices were restricted based on trim level, making it difficult to find an ideal combination. For instance, you couldn’t get bigger wheels on a Tiguan SE or select certain color combinations.

Despite these limitations, the SEL R-Line stood out with a sporty appearance and 20-inch machined-finish wheels. Its conservative design continued to age well. The top trim level also featured adaptive front lighting and an eyecatching light bar across the grille.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,900 rpm. Power was managed through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard and VW’s 4Motion AWD optional. The AWD system could direct up to 50% of power to the rear wheels but decoupled the rear axle when not in use to save fuel.

Standard driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Individual) allowed customization, and the SUV's 4Motion system introduced Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad settings. Although the torque arrived later than in some turbocharged engines, causing brief turbo lag when accelerating from a stop, the engine was deemed enjoyable once in motion. However, with combined EPA fuel economy pegged at 24 mpg, some felt VW could deliver more power and performance.

The Tiguan’s handling was nimble and responsive in typical driving scenarios, maintaining its German-engineered communication between driver and machine. However, the vehicle’s suspension and tires were less supportive when pushing for more dynamic driving experiences.

For 2023, the Tiguan retained the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Options for FWD and 4Motion AWD persisted. Driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Individual) remained standard. AWD models offered additional settings for various terrains, influencing the power distribution between wheels.

The 2023 Tiguan’s average fuel economy, according to the EPA, remained at 24 mpg for the SEL R-Line, but our test vehicle managed only 22.6 mpg during mixed driving conditions. This model featured substantial 20-inch wheels, and the Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires were better suited for on-road driving rather than off-road challenges.

The turbo-four engine delivered adequate power but fell short during more demanding scenarios like passing slower vehicles or navigating heavy traffic. The automatic transmission exhibited occasional delayed downshifts, mitigated somewhat by switching to Sport mode. Turbo lag was noticeable from a standstill, requiring careful planning during turns across traffic.

Despite these quirks, the 2023 Tiguan offered rewarding dynamic qualities, with excellent tire grip in curves and corners, stable handling, and responsive steering. Road noise and a subtle resonance on certain highways were noted, but visibility and maneuverability were strengths.

Both the 2022 and 2023 Volkswagen Tiguans excelled in interior space, drawing comparisons to smaller midsize SUVs like the Chevrolet Blazer and Hyundai Santa Fe. Both models with FWD featured a standard third-row seat, offering greater versatility, although this compromised cargo space. AWD models did not include the third-row option but provided added traction.

In the 2022 SEL R-Line, front seats were eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, ensuring comfort. Visibility was exceptional, enhanced by a panoramic sunroof. The spacious second row comfortably seated adults or children in safety seats, with rear air conditioning vents and decent storage.

However, new touch controls for steering and climate systems in 2022 proved challenging to use. Cargo space for the AWD model was generous: 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. FWD models had less cargo volume especially with the third row up, offering just 12 cubic feet initially, 33 cubic feet with the third row down, and 65.5 cubic feet maximum.

The 2023 Tiguan maintained similar interior amenities, including eight-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats in the SEL R-Line, plus a heated steering wheel. Storage spaces were practical, though some bins were undersized. The touch controls remained an ergonomic issue, detracting from the overall usability.

Regarding cargo, the 2023 AWD model mirrored the 2022, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet maximum. FWD versions dropped to 33 cubic feet and 65.3 cubic feet respectively with the third row down, and only 12 cubic feet available behind the third seat.

In 2022, all Tiguans came with digital instrumentation, dubbed Digital Cockpit by Volkswagen. Most trims featured an 8-inch display, while the SEL R-Line had a new Digital Cockpit Pro system with a 10.25-inch display. The MIB3 infotainment system was standard in all but base trims, offering an 8-inch display, Car-Net connected services, App-Connect smartphone tethering, and SiriusXM 360L.

The SEL R-Line upgraded to a refined navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio setup. Natural voice recognition required a subscription, limiting its functionality during tests. Car-Net’s Remote Access plan was complimentary for five years, encompassing features like remote engine start.

The 2023 Tiguan continued this tech lineup with digital instrumentation, 8-inch displays on most trims, and a 10.25-inch display on the SEL R-Line. The infotainment’s user interface remained complex, requiring multiple steps for tasks that should be straightforward, like changing radio stations or accessing the vehicle settings menu.

Voice recognition issues persisted, often citing a lack of data connection due to inactive Car-Net subscriptions.

The 2022 Tiguan provided a robust safety suite with standard Front Assist and Side Assist. Enhancements included Travel Assist combined with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance, plus Emergency Assist to slow the vehicle if the driver becomes unresponsive. The Tiguan earned "Top Safety Pick" by IIHS for 2021, with expectations for improved ratings.

The 2023 Tiguan safety features paralleled the previous year, with Front Assist and Side Assist standard. IQ.Drive bundled advanced assists like adaptive cruise, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Additional optional features included Light Assist, Park Assist, parking sensors, and an Area View camera. Travel Assist was praised for its subtle operation during testing. However, NHTSA ratings remained incomplete, revealing issues in side-impact performance. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating for 2022 but not for 2023.