Volkswagen delivers what Americans want
2021 Tiguan is bigger than overseas version
EVER since it established the market for imported cars in the United States with the Volkswagen Beetle nearly 60 years ago, Volkswagen has struggled to understand the American market. That impression was reinforced by a longtime VW dealer who told me that it seemed that Volkswagen didn’t understand Americans — or want to.
But that was a decade ago, and in the time since, VW has finally accepted the American motto “Go big or go home.”
It can be seen in the second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan, introduced for 2018 and a far cry from its Lilliputian predecessor, one that was too small and too European to garner much appreciation stateside. While that smaller version is still sold elsewhere, in the States we get a longer version with a diminutive third-row sold in Europe as the Tiguan Allspace and in China as the Tiguan L.
But maybe America is onto something. Worldwide, 55 percent of all Tiguans are the larger model. And it’s not only Europe’s bestselling SUV but also the most popular model in the Volkswagen Group.
Returning for 2021 in five ascending trims — S, SE, SE R-line Black, SEL and SEL Premium R-line — the Tiguan is about 10 inches shorter and 6 inches narrower than the Atlas Crosssport, but 9 inches longer than the short-wheelbase Tiguan sold overseas.
The Tiguan’s popularity is easy to
understand. It remains one of the best-looking models in the segment, with a crisp, conservative demeanor that thankfully lacks the juvenile
styling flourishes common in the segment, which means it will still look great years from now.
The 2021 Tiguan receives minor trim updates, with S and SE models wearing new 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. SE models get new driver-assistance features including standard Adaptive Cruise Control and an upgraded infotainment system. The SEL Premium R-line model now has a standard power passenger seat.
Still, the different trim levels differ mainly in standard equipment.
Unless you prefer living a life of austerity or are budget-constrained, skip the Tiguan S and opt for the SE. For an additional $2,150, you get
dual-zone automatic climate control, a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, heated front leatherette seats, an 8-inch capacitive infotainment touch screen, four USB ports, keyless access w/push-button start, and wireless charging.
A panoramic sunroof is optional on the SE, standard on the SE R-line Black, SEL, and SEL Premium R-line. If you prefer to pimp out your Tiguan, opt for the SEL model. It commands an extra $5,150 over the SE but adds such indulgent features as a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, remote starting, a power
liftgate, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Designers looking for an easyto-use user interface should look closely at Volkswagen’s Car-net infotainment system. Again, VW ignored the urge to festoon the system with juvenile graphics, opting instead for clarity and ease of use. It easily links up to your smartphone, whatever its creed, and the large screen and buttons make it a cinch to use.
Interior ambiance is classically Volkswagen, with a simple, stark functionality that works well but doesn’t belie its price in the way some of its competitors do. But its unadventurous sobriety is a welcome relief from designs that make your instrument panel look like a Nintendo refugee. It’s ridiculously easy to use.
Seats are comfortably high and supportive, with good legroom up front and a reasonable supply in the second row, where the seats recline, slide 7 inches fore and aft, fold down, and are split 40/20/40. Volkswagen offers a third row as standard equipment in front-wheeldrive models and as an option with 4Motion. It’s best suited for rug rats and people you sincerely despise as legroom is in severely short supply. When in use, there’s a miserly 12 cubic feet of cargo space.
Front-wheel drive is standard on all but the SEL Premium R-line, which gets standard 4Motion allwheel drive, a $1,300 option on other models. The Tiguan’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system works in front-wheel drive until slip is detected, when 50 percent of the available power can be sent to the rear wheels.
A standard driving mode selection offers “Normal,” “Sport,” “Eco,” and “Individual” driving modes that tailor throttle response, steering and shift points to suit your mood. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian
detection, blind spot and rear cross traffic warning are standard.
Regardless of what you choose, you get the same power plant, a 184-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eightspeed automatic transmission, and this proves to be the Tiguan’s weak link. The turbocharged four provides adequate power, but throttle response can be sluggish at times, as turbo lag rears its ugly head just as you need that quick burst of power and engine vibration resonates throughout the vehicle’s structure.
Like many American-market Volkswagens, the Tiguan puts a priority on comfort, not sporty handling, although the Tiguan is fairly agile. The electro-mechanical power steering feels light and numb, and there’s noticeable body lean in corners. Brake feel is equally light and numb.
Those expecting a taught, sporty driving feel may be disappointed, but most consumers won’t care. Volkswagen has finally delivered what Americans want.
Nonetheless, the Tiguan proves to be a rare bird, offering an SUV with a sophisticated European demeanor at a mass-market price.