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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

Rating7.2

Ranked #11 in

SUV

Write Review

$26,950 - $37,680

Starting Price

Year

Nathan Dyer

Senior Editor,

Updated on July 18, 2024

Pros	Cons	What's New
Three-row seating.	Cramped third row.	No new changes from the previous year.
Modern and fresh design.	Higher trims get way too expensive.
Cabin quality.	Uncomfortable seats.

Specs & Features

$26,950

price

184 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

221 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

torque

8-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.0L 4cyl FWD 8A

engine

basic warranty

Overview

Volkswagen had given a complete makeover for 2022 with the compact SUV receiving a new steering wheel, touch capacitive controls and a digital instrument cluster. Volkswagen also added a bunch of advanced safety tech to overcome the complaints that the car used to carry. The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan still happens to be one of the very few SUVs in its segment to offer a three-row seating layout. With the major redesign that the Volkswagen Tiguan received, the design is much more modern and updated when compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, and the Mazda CX-5, which have been under the same generation for quite some time now. Volkswagen intends to add no new features whatsoever and even though it’s slightly disappointing for the new buyers, the car is absolutely packed and equipped with all the necessary.

Buying Advice

Most of the premium features are offered to the trims above SE and while they make the whole experience more fancy and upscale, they carry a massive hike up in price. However, if practicality and a decent list of features that are adequate for daily driving are what you seek, the Tiguan SE will suit your needs without any trouble.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The Tiguan will be powered by the 2.0-liter inline-4 engine which manages to push out a total of 184 horsepower and is connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission that is known to channel the power with great refinement. The Tiguan can be configured with either a front-wheel or an all-wheel-drive system and the pricing for the 2023 model is expected to go slightly high and start at 28,000 for the base S trim. The Tiguan still holds the advantage of having three-row seating which isn’t found in its primary rivals. However, the Tiguan still is the least powerful vehicle in the competition and that disappoints the audience looking to squeeze out performance from the vehicle.

Features
8.0/10

Volkswagen has decided to retain the 4 trim levels that the Tiguan was offered previously, consisting of the S, SE, SE R-line Black, and SEL R-line. The expected price for the base S trim with FWD is $28,000 and goes all the way up to $39,000 for the SEL R-line which adds a whole list of features and equipment over the other trims. The AWD drivetrain is accessible for all trims at an additional cost of $1,500 except for the top variant as it comes only in an all-wheel drive configuration. Another thing that is up for grabs as an option is the third row of seating which even though cramped for adults can accommodate kids without any problem. Volkswagen decided to hold on to just one engine offering throughout all the variants and most of the premium features are only limited to the highest trim of the Tiguan.

Trim	S	SE	SE R-line Black	SEL R-line
MSRP (FWD)	$28,000	$31,715	$34,545	-
MSRP (AWD)	$29,500	$33,215	$36,000	$39,000
Key Features	Fabric upholstery	8-inch touchscreen	Leather-wrapped steering wheel	Premium 9-speaker audio system by Fender
	Heated front seats	Wireless charging	Black interior and exterior accents.	360-degree camera
	Blind-spot monitor	Remote engine start	Ambient lighting	Heated steering wheel
	Rearview camera	Perforated leatherette upholstery	Panoramic sunroof	10-inch digital instrument cluster
	Automatic climate control	Power-adjustable driver’s seat	Front and rear parking sensor.	Leather upholstery
	6-speaker audio system	Powered tailgate	Adaptive fog lights	Ventilated front seats with power adjustability
	6.5-inch touchscreen	Dual-zone automatic climate control	19-inch black alloy wheels	Automated parking system
	Volkswagen Car-Net	Adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist		Adaptive headlights
	8-inch digital gauge cluster	18-inch alloy wheels		20-inch alloy wheels
	17-inch alloy wheels
	Keyless entry

We Recommend

Release Date

Even though the exact dates haven’t been unveiled, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is expected to hit the dealerships in the fall of 2022. Interested buyers can however enroll their names with the dealers into the notification list for clear updates regarding the launch and availability.

Fuel Economy
6.9/10

The fuel economy was something that the Volkswagen Tiguan was not known for in the past and that remains unchanged as the SUV sees no improvement there for 2023. Volkswagen claims the Tiguan to offer 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Even though the numbers are average for its class, there are rivals that offer better in terms of overall fuel efficiency.

Model	2023 Volkswagen Tiguan	2023 Honda CR-V	2023 Toyota RAV4	2023 Mazda CX-5
MPG (city)	23	28	27	22
MPG (highway)	30	34	35	27
MPG (combined)	26	30	30	24
Fuel capacity (gallons)	15.3	14.0	14.5	15.3
Range (City, highway, combined, in miles)	352/459/398	392/476/420	392/508/435	336/413/367

Honda and Toyota in this segment manage to offer the highest gas mileage with a very similar number, but due to a larger tank on the Toyota, the overall range is higher in the latter. The Tiguan falls behind and even though the SUV has the capacity to carry more fuel than any other vehicle here, the low gas mileage doesn’t let the overall range catch up to that found in the Toyota. The Mazda offers the least range and even though the car is equipped with a similar engine configuration as found in the RAV4, the poor tuning restricts the car from putting out high numbers.

Interior
7.0/10

The Tiguan has always been on the larger side for a compact SUV and this gives the vehicle a clear advantage in terms of the rear space and cargo area. There I so much space available that Volkswagen offers an optional third-row of seats, which is exclusive for the FWD variants. Volkswagen is the only manufacturer to offer 3-row of seating in this segment and that attracts the larger families looking for a vehicle under a budget. The first two rows can accommodate adults without any issues but the third row is strictly meant for children on short trips. The total cargo space offered on the FWD Tiguan is 65.3 cu-ft but picking the AWD variant pushes that further to 73.4 cu-ft.

Model	2023 Volkswagen Tiguan	2023 Honda CR-V	2023 Toyota RAV4	2023 Mazda CX-5
Passenger Capacity	7	5	5	5
First Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)	39.6/57.0/40.2	40.1/57.9/41.3	39.5/57.8/41.0	39.7/57.1/41.0
Second Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)	39.1/55.9/36.6	39.2/55.6/40.4	39.5/56.4/37.8	39.0/54.8/39.6
Third Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)	33.8/47.8/27.9	-	-	-
Cargo Capacity to the third row(cu.-ft)	12.0	-	-	-
Cargo Capacity to the Second row(cu.-ft)	33.0	39.2	37.6	29.1
Cargo Capacity to the first row(cu.-ft)	65.3	75.8	69.8	58.1

Considering the fact that the Tiguan holds itself amongst the other SUVs in terms of cargo space despite having an extra row of seats is great but the Volkswagen manages to beat only the Mazda here as both the Honda and Toyota offer larger space, making them ideal if you intend to haul a lot of cargo.

Some standout interior features on the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan include

Leather upholstery.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Heated and ventilated front seats.
Ambient lighting.
SiriusXM with 3 months trial subscription.
Driver seat memory function.

How intuitive is the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan infotainment system?

The base trim of the Volkswagen Tiguan houses a 6.5-inch infotainment screen that can be upgraded to an 8.0-inch module by opting for the higher trims. Similar is the case with the digital instrument cluster as Volkswagen offers an 8.0-inch unit as standard, which is replaced by a 10.3-inch display in the higher trims. The climate control panel is touch operated on all the trims except S, which carries the traditional physical unit. The Tiguan comes default with an audio system that comprises 6 speakers but the SEL R-line offers its users a 9-speaker module by Fender, elevating the music experience by a clearly noticeable margin.

Some of the standout infotainment features on the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan are

6.5-inch or an 8-inch infotainment screen.
SiriusXM satellite radio.
Wireless charging pad.
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
8.0-inch or 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
9-speaker 400W audio system by Fender.

Exterior
6.0/10

There are absolutely no changes whatsoever and it would be hard to differentiate a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan from the outgoing model. However, the design is modern and appealing when compared to a few rivals who have been using the same design for a few years now. The sharp LED headlights give the Tiguan a sporty look and the front bumper with the side still and lines complement the overall design very well. The shoulder of the Tiguan has strong lines flowing that cut through the taillights seamlessly. The Tiguan weighs 3,856 lbs and rides on a set of 17-inch alloys on the S trim while a 20-inch option is available in the highest trim.

Model	2023 Volkswagen Tiguan	2023 Honda CR-V	2023 Toyota RAV4	2023 Mazda CX-5
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,856	3,337	3,655	3,717
Length (in.)	186.1	182.1	180.9	180.1
Width (in.)	72.4	73.0	73.0	72.6
Height (in.)	66.4	66.1	67.0	65.3
Ground Clearance (in.)	7.4	7.8	8.4	7.5
Wheelbase (in.)	109.9	104.8	105.9	106.2

The fact that Volkswagen was able to squeeze in an extra row of seats makes it obvious that the Tiguan is longer than its rivals and this also makes the SUV heavier when compared. However, the ground clearance the Tiguan offers is low and is a while inch lesser than the segment topper Toyota RAV4.

Some of the standout exterior features include

17-inch, 19-inch, or 20-inch alloy wheels.
Panoramic sunroof.
Adaptive headlights.
Power folding side-view mirrors.
Black/Chrome exterior accents on higher trims.
Light bar integrated into the grille.

Safety
8.0/10

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan hasn’t been crash tested yet by NHTSA or IIHS but the previous 2022 model that it’s based on received an overall rating of Good on IIHS, which is the highest rating a car can receive. The base model comes standard with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitors. The drive package will further extend the safety tech list by adding adaptive cruise control and active lane keep assist. All these features come as standard on the SE and above. The highest trim will house automatic high beams, a surround-view camera, an automatic parking system, and road sign recognition.

Some of the standout safety features available with the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan are

Forward collision warning and automated emergency braking.
Adaptive cruise control.
Active lane keep assist.
Surround-view camera.
Blind-spot monitor.
Automatic emergency braking.

Competition

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Honda CR-V

While the numbers suggest both the Tiguan and the CR-V to be quick cars, the drive comfort and feel that Honda offers are unmatched, making it the better driver’s car. The cabin spaces in both these cars are large and ample enough but if an additional seating row would make a huge difference in your case, go for the Volkswagen Tiguan. The Tiguan also happens to be slightly more affordable than the CR-V and it offers a better list of tech and features in comparison.

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The only clear reason why the RAV4 should be avoided is if you are looking to seat more than 5 people in the car as Toyota manages to put out better performance and fuel economy than the Tiguan. The RAV4 is also a well-rounded package as the vehicle is capable of treading through rough patches without worrying about its belly getting scrapped to the ground.

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

Since the Mazda CX-5 comes with a larger engine, the car is much quicker off the line than the Tiguan is a completely fun-to-drive car, making it perfect for those looking to enjoy their drive. The Mazda falls behind in terms of fuel efficiency and the list of tech on the Volkswagen is much more extensive making the Tiguan a practical choice over the CX-5.

Final Verdict

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a beautiful-looking compact SUV with a not-so-compact interior that can even be ideal for a large family. The Tiguan offers decent performance but the handling isn’t all that great, especially with rivals that offer fun drive character. The competition doesn’t really let the Tiguan outshine in any aspect even though the car delivers decent figures and results but a key differentiation factor of the Tiguan over any other car from this segment is its third row of seating. If cabin space and seating are your major priority, the Volkswagen Tiguan is the ideal choice to go for and the amount of safety tech and features this car offers is unmatched by its rivals who haven’t received a refresh or update since a few tears.

Trims

S
$26,950 onwards

Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD 8A
Horsepower: 184 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
Torque: 221 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
0-60 mph: 8.1 sec
Top Speed: TBD mph
Fuel Economy Combined: 27 mpg

SE
$26,950 onwards

Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 8A
Horsepower: 184 hp @ 4400 rpm hp
Torque: 221 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
0-60 mph: 7.9 sec
Top Speed: TBD mph
Fuel Economy Combined: 25 mpg

SE R-Line Black
$33,310 onwards

Engine: 2.0L 4cyl FWD 8A
Horsepower: 184 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
Torque: 221 lb.-ft. @ 1900 rpm
0-60 mph: 7.9 sec
Top Speed: TBD mph
Fuel Economy Combined: 26 mpg

SEL R-Line
$37,680 onwards

Engine: 2.0L 4cyl AWD 8A
Horsepower: 184 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
Torque: 221 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
0-60 mph: 7.9 sec
Top Speed: TBD mph
Fuel Economy Combined: 24 mpg

Compare to similar cars

7.2

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Rating

7.2

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184 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

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Read Review

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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs competitor's 0-60

Car Name	0-60 MPH	Quarter Mile	Top Speed
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Ranked #5	8.1 sec	-	-
2023 Buick Envision Ranked #1	6.8 sec	15.2 sec	-
2023 Volkswagen Taos Ranked #2	7.4 sec	15.8 sec	-
2023 Jeep Compass Ranked #3	7.5 sec	15.7 sec	130 mph
2023 Ford Escape Ranked #4	7.7 sec	15.9 sec	120 mph
2023 Honda CR-V Ranked #5	8.1 sec	16.4 sec	130 mph

Car Name	MPG City	MPG Highway	MPG Combined	Fuel Tank Capacity	Range (C/H)	Source
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Ranked #5	24 mpg	31 mpg	27 mpg	15.3 gal.	367.2/474.3 mi.
2023 Volkswagen Taos Ranked #1	28 mpg	36 mpg	31 mpg	13.2 gal.	369.6/475.2 mi.
2023 Toyota RAV4 Ranked #2	27 mpg	35 mpg	30 mpg	14.5 gal.	391.5/507.5 mi.
2023 Ford Escape Ranked #2	27 mpg	34 mpg	30 mpg	14.8 gal.	399.6/503.2 mi.
2023 Honda CR-V Ranked #2	28 mpg	34 mpg	30 mpg	14 gal.	392/476 mi.
2023 Subaru Forester Ranked #3	26 mpg	33 mpg	29 mpg	16.6 gal.	-	-

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs competitor's dimensions

Car Name	Length	Width	Height	Ground Clearance	Wheelbase	Source
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Ranked #2	186.1 in.	72.4 in.	66.4 in.	7.4 in.	109.9 in.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #1	188.4 in.	74.8 in.	66.3 in.	8.2 in.	108.9 in.	-
2023 Honda CR-V Ranked #3	184.8 in.	73.5 in.	66.2 in.	7.8 in.	106.3 in.	-
2023 Kia Sportage Ranked #4	183.5 in.	73.4 in.	65.4 in.	7.1 in.	108.5 in.	-
2023 Chevrolet Equinox Ranked #5	183.1 in.	72.6 in.	65.4 in.	7.6 in.	107.3 in.
2023 Jeep Cherokee Ranked #5	183.1 in.	73.2 in.	66.2 in.	-	106.6 in.	-

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs competitor's trunk space

Car Name	Trunk Capacity	Passenger Volume	Max Trunk Volume	Source
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Ranked #9	12 cu.ft.	124 cu.ft.	65.3 cu.ft.
2023 Hyundai Tucson Ranked #1	38.7 cu.ft.	108.2 cu.ft.	80.3 cu.ft.
2023 Honda CR-V Ranked #2	39.3 cu.ft.	106 cu.ft.	76.5 cu.ft.
2023 Subaru Forester Ranked #3	-	111.6 cu.ft.	74.2 cu.ft.	-
2023 Kia Sportage Ranked #4	39.6 cu.ft.	-	74.1 cu.ft.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #5	36.4 cu.ft.	111.5 cu.ft.	72.1 cu.ft.

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs competitor's cargo space

Car Name	Cargo Volume	Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area	Max Cargo Volume	Source
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Ranked #1	65.3 cu.ft.	12 cu.ft.	65.3 cu.ft.
2023 Jeep Compass Ranked #2	59.8 cu.ft.	-	59.8 cu.ft.	Jeep USA
2023 Ford Bronco Sport Ranked #3	65.2 cu.ft.	32.5 cu.ft.	65.2 cu.ft.
2023 Hyundai Tucson Ranked #4	80.3 cu.ft.	38.7 cu.ft.	80.3 cu.ft.
2023 Buick Envision Ranked #5	52.7 cu.ft.	25.2 cu.ft.	52.7 cu.ft.
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Ranked #6	55.3 cu.ft.	20.8 cu.ft.	55.3 cu.ft.

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs competitor's towing capacity

Car Name	Towing Capacity	Payload Capacity	Weight
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Ranked #4	1500 lbs.	1157 lbs.	3737 lbs.
2023 Honda CR-V Ranked #1	19980 lbs.	-	3472 lbs.
2023 Kia Sportage Ranked #2	2500 lbs.	1301 lbs.	3373 lbs.
2023 Ford Bronco Sport Ranked #3	2000 lbs.	1171 lbs.	3467 lbs.
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Ranked #3	2000 lbs.	1488 lbs.	3649 lbs.
2023 Hyundai Tucson Ranked #3	2000 lbs.	1301 lbs.	3329 lbs.

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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

Horsepower : 184 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG Combined : 27 mpg

0-60 : 8.1 sec

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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan User Reviews

0.0

[1 Reviews]

[0.0%] [0 Reviews]

POPULAR TAGS

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Richard Filepas

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 8A)

Not Rated

User Overall Rating

Posted On: August 25, 2024

2023 VW Tiguan SE R Line Black Edition

Pros - [""Well built"", ""Comfortable"", ""A lot of room""]

Cons - [""Bad aerodynamics with all windows down"", ""Auto shut off is annoying"", ""Acceleration is not consistent""]

Decent vehicle with good gas mileage. Has hesitations on acceleration within 15 min of starting it. The acceleration after that is very jumpy. The warranty isn't as good as most with only 3 years 30 thousand miles. The front windshield is very weak and mine has cracked twice in 2 years. I lowered it and added wheel spacers for a better look. The fake exhaust covers are annoying and they should ha...