2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

With so many choices now available, it’s a bit difficult for car shoppers to decide which small SUV to choose. A lot of drivers will appreciate what the new 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan has to offer. Not only is the Tiguan satisfying to drive, but it’s also roomy enough to accommodate the average American family. Although this SUV is not built for extreme terrain, an optional AWD system enables it to handle a camping trip. Let’s take a deeper look into why you should consider buying a new VW Tiguan.

What’s New for 2022?

For 2022, updated exterior styling gives the Tiguan a more modern appearance. Meanwhile, the arrival of more standard features makes the SUV a better value. Another update is the Tiguan’s new steering wheel with touch controls. Oryx White and Kings Red are the new paint color options.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan – The Pros

1. Standard Powertrain Feels Perky Around Town

The new 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is not built to offer neck-snapping speed. However, it packs just the right amount of performance for daily commuting. VW rates its turbo four-cylinder engine to push out more than 220 lb-ft of torque. This extra low-end torque helps the Tiguan to accelerate with ease. An eight-speed automatic transmission helps ensure a smooth power delivery. When climbing hills, this transmission quickly shifts down to give the Tiguan more pulling power.

2. Handles and Rides Better Than a Truck-Based SUV

Sporty handling makes the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan more engaging to drive. It maneuvers far better than a traditional truck-based SUV. When taking the new Tiguan for a test drive, potential buyers will immediately notice its confident feel on the road. This fact can be contributed to the crossover’s European-tuned suspension. Light and easy steering also helps the Tiguan to offer easier parking. Another great quality is the vehicle’s comfortable highway ride.

3. Good Vehicle for Light Off-Roading

As mentioned earlier, the Tiguan is not engineered to face extremely daunting terrain. Nevertheless, this crossover SUV does prove to be a decent off-road performer. VW’s optional 4Motion AWD system helps to ensure good traction on slippery trails. Activating the SUV’s off-road mode gives drivers greater confidence when taking weekend adventures. Hill descent control is included, which automatically adjusts braking pressure as you venture down steep grades. Folks who encounter wintry conditions can take advantage of the Tiguan’s snow mode.

4. Provides Enough Space for People and Cargo

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is a good fit for most families. It can accommodate up to four adults with no trouble. There’s enough legroom in the second row to satisfy most people. Parents will be able to easily get their toddlers in and out of child seats. Tall drivers can also be look forward to experiencing good comfort on the road. With more than 37 cubic feet of storage space, the Tiguan’s versatile cargo area enables families to pack the things they need.

5. Updated Exterior Styling Stands Out

Refreshed exterior styling makes the new Tiguan look more like the larger Volkswagen Atlas. Volkswagen certainly did a good job bolstering the SUV’s curb appeal. A more prominent radiator grille and new LED headlights with eye-catching running lights give the front fascia a more upscale appearance. There are also new LED tail lamps found on the rear. Of the available trims, the Tiguan R-Line Black is the sportiest. A cool set of 19-inch alloy wheels and blacked-out treatments help create a head-turning look.

6. Newly Standard Features

Volkswagen has elevated the 2022 model’s appeal by adding more standard equipment. VW’s modern Digital Cockpit is now a standard convenience on all trims. It replaces the SUV’s traditional gauge cluster with a customizable 8.0-inch display screen. When traveling, drivers can program the Digital Cockpit to display colorful road maps. Another new feature is the Tiguan’s updated steering wheel, which features touch-sensitive controls. Furthermore, no longer do buyers have to pay extra for heated front seats.

7. Fender Premium Audio System

Most Tiguan models receive a six-speaker stereo, which sounds okay for a standard audio system. Drivers who desire enhanced audio quality can upgrade to a Fender premium stereo system. Upon turning up the volume, passengers will quickly notice a big difference in music clarity. A 400-watt amplifier powers a total of nine high-quality speakers. To promote hard-hitting bass, engineers equip the unit with a rear subwoofer. Whether you prefer rap or classical music, the sound will be more powerful.

8. Very Good Buy for the Money

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is a very good buy. Its starting MSRP of less than $26,000 is more than reasonable. Because so many desirable features now come standard, some people won’t feel compelled to step up to a higher trim level. Just a few of the standard niceties include an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, front-seat heating, digital gauges, and blind-spot monitoring. Volkswagen also tosses in a 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 20,000 miles of scheduled maintenance.

9. App-Connect and Car-Net Technologies

App-Connect is yet another one of the Tiguan’s rewarding standard features. It makes smartphone integration a smooth process. All the driver’s favorite apps will quickly appear on the SUV’s dash-mounted touchscreen. Volkswagen Car-Net is included as well. This feature enables owners to remotely lock the doors and start the engine using a smartphone.

10. Useful Parking Features

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan can make parking less stressful. An optional 360-degree camera system helps drivers to obtain a clear view of any obstructions. Park Assist comes standard on the SEL R-Line trim, which can automatically steer the SUV into selected parking spaces. Front/rear parking sensors instill drivers with greater confidence when maneuvering around in tight places.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan – The Cons

1. Not Quick Enough for Some Drivers

While the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offers a rewarding driving experience, it’s not a quick vehicle. A tested 0-60 mph time of 9.5 seconds puts it among today’s slowest small SUVs. An optional V6 engine would really boost performance. Drivers who prioritize speedy acceleration should check out what the competition has to offer.

2. Not Great for Towing

This is not the best vehicle for pulling a load. VW lists the Tiguan with a low tow rating of 1,500 pounds. Owners will not be able to transport most fishing boats and travel trailers. Drives who need a more capable towing machine should consider the stronger VW Atlas, which is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds.

3. Available Third Row Sacrifices Legroom

The VW Tiguan’s optional third-row seat benefits drivers who need to accommodate a couple more youngsters. While smaller children will fit comfortably, most teens will need more legroom. The third-row seat also cuts into the available cargo space.

4. No Optional Hybrid Powertrain

Most drivers will be satisfied with the Tiguan’s fuel economy. Nonetheless, some of today’s other small crossover SUV offer a hybrid powertrain. This feature would allow Tiguan owners to further reduce fuel costs.

5. Has Not Been Crash-Tested by the Federal Government

Unfortunately, no crash scores are available for the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan. This information would give potential buyers extra peace of mind. The good news is that last year’s model was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is among the Tiguan’s chief competitors. It continues to receive great reviews from the automotive community, However, many people agree that the CR-V doesn’t look as stylish as the recently updated Tiguan. A greater number of premium features are also on the Tiguan’s list of standard equipment. Furthermore, Honda does not offer the CR-V with an automated parking system or a fully digital gauge cluster.

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is always one of the market’s best-selling models. Many people appreciate the RAV4’s strong fuel economy and useful off-road features. However, drivers can expect the VW Tiguan’s powertrain to deliver a smoother performance. More standard conveniences give the Tiguan another key advantage.

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

There’s a lot to like about the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, including its long warranty and sporty styling. However, the Tucson’s base engine is not as powerful. An optional third-row seat also enables the Tiguan to accommodate more passengers. To get the Tucson with dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, buyers move up to a higher trim level.

Conclusion

The new 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is a great pick for anyone who wants a fun, feature-packed SUV. Because of the Tiguan’s excellent build quality and impressive list of upscale features, it feels genuinely luxurious. This vehicle’s versatility makes it an especially great family hauler. While the Tiguan can be used for running errands throughout the week, don't overlook this SUV's adventurous side. VW's optional all-wheel-drive system and an off-road mode enable this SUV to venture off the beaten path.

There are just a few shortcomings for the new Tiguan. Acceleration isn’t quick, which may turn away drivers who seek more performance. The optional third-row seat also does not provide enough space for the majority of adults.