The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line 4Motion Compact SUV
You Are What You Drive — A Bottom Line Review
The Bottom Line: What is a Tiguan? The Tiguan is a compact crossover SUV produced by the German automaker Volkswagen. Introduced in 2007, it’s Volkswagen’s second crossover SUV model, after the Touareg.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a very typical SUV. It’s got a high driving position, a big back end, chunky looking styling, and a premium badge on its hood. All of which are hallmarks of these incredibly popular family cars, known as compact crossover SUV’s.
The compact SUV class is huge, with 15 nameplates competing for your hard earned cash. The list, in no particular order, starts with the: Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain, Jeep Cherokee, Ford Bronco, Ford Bronco Sport and finally, the Volkswagen Tiguan.
You have to be better than good to be in this class, so the updated 2022 Tiguan has a restyled front bumper and grille, revised wheel choices, all new LED headlights and taillights, and a couple of new paint colors called Kings Red and Oryx White.
Price for the new 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan starts at only $25,995. That’s for a FWD front wheel drive S model. The range topping SEL R-Line, with AWD all wheel drive, starts at a reasonable $36,595. All trims of the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan enjoy a standard 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine, with ample seating, and lots of cargo space.
The highest trim level for the 2021 Tiguan is the SEL R-Line. It has adaptive LED headlights, a motion activated power liftgate, a Fender premium audio system, leather seating, and a leather wrapped steering wheel. Choosing the best Tiguan model will depend on how important high tech features are for your driving needs.
This week Volkswagen sent me a 2022 Tiguan 2.0T SEL R-Line SUV with a base window sticker starting price of $36,595 to test drive and review. The options on the test car are: none. The total MSRP manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including the $1,195 destination charge, is: $37,790. After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the total purchase price came to: $42,514.
The average transaction selling price of all new vehicles in 2021 settled in at around $45,000, an increase of 10% over 2020. With a buy me now price under $43 Grand, this is a great buy for a compact crossover SUV. This SUV has AWD, a large and comfortable interior, and it’s packed with all kinds of technology and convenience items that make this 2022 Tiguan 2.0T SEL R-Line SUV a best buy in its class.
The Tiguan has no shortage of power thanks to its 2.0L liter inline 16 valve DOHC dual overhead cam turbocharged 4 cylinder engine, with 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, bolted to an 8 speed automatic transmission, and then routed to a Tiptronic 4Motion all wheel drive system, with active stability control and driving mode selection. This
driveline comes with an instant start and stop system, electric power steering, and 4 wheel independent suspension.
Outside you will find a nice set of 20” alloy wheels with all season tires, automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lamps, LED taillights and adaptive front lighting with dynamic cornering lights. Power folding, heated, and adjustable side view mirrors, rain sensing windshield wipers and washers, a power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, an R-Line front grill, and an exterior trim package with contrasting silver roof rails.
Interior comfort starts with a dual zone automatic climate control system, a leather wrapped and heated steering wheel, leather covered power, heated and ventilated front seats, R-Line interior upgrades with a black headliner, a full center console with cup holders, armrest and storage bins, front and rear USB charging ports, and a rear view camera system with front and rear distance parking assist.
Tech and safety include an advanced airbag protection system, electronic stability control with electronic locking differentials, dynamic ride with adaptive cruise control, lane assist, emergency stopping assist, emergency call assist, forward collision assist, pedestrian alert assist, blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, and over another dozen driving safety systems that make this Tiguan one of the safest SUVs on the road today.
When you’re ready to buy a new compact SUV, the Volkswagen Tiguan should be on your ride and drive list, as it’s one of the best priced SUVs for sale today. Call, click or visit your local Volkswagen dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the 2022 Tiguan. And remember that the base price for a new Tiguan starts at only $25,995. Volkswagen - Das Auto.
A word to the wise is sufficient: Be Smart, Stay Safe, and Just Breathe. Remember, “You Are What You Drive ©” And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today ©”.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense © editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. “Tony the Car Guy” is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire. Net at www.autowire.net