Does anyone want to guess Volkswagen's best-selling model? It's not the Golf, not the Jetta, and not even the Atlas. It's the Tiguan crossover. Yep, the Tiguan has been incredibly successful, and the German automaker has built more than six million units. It's actually the most successful SUV in Europe and the VW Group's best-seller. During its mid-cycle refresh, the Tiguan has taken on some important changes that make it more refined, and more desirable.
While the 2022 Tiguan doesn't get completely overhauled, there are some noticeable changes. The front and rear bumpers are all-new, the lower front fascia has similar styling to the Arteon sedan with its larger intakes and bracketed outboard vents. It also gets new LED lighting in front and back, including a full light bar in front that provides a new aesthetic. Even the badges and VW logo have been updated. The result is an overall sportier and more upscale look that's distinctive.
From the profile view, the Tiguan's new headlights are more noticeable as they creep further back into the front fender. The faux vent just aft of the front wheel is now longer and connects to the long body crease. We think it looks better than last year's model, and the overall silhouette of the Tiguan is nicely retained.
Most of the difference occurs inside the refreshed Tiguan, which is probably where it needed it the most. The 2022 Tiguan replaces the analog gauges and provides two different Digital Cockpit layouts. The base version is an 8-inch cluster, while the upgraded one is a customizable 10-inch screen. The tech also gets upgraded in terms of infotainment software that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a wireless phone charging deck. They're nice touches that will make a difference, especially since in-car tech has not been the brand's strong suit.
Steering wheel and climate controls migrate away from actual buttons to haptic feedback touch, which might look better but aren't our favorites in terms of ease of use. We'll have to experience them ourselves when the 2022 Tiguan comes our way for review. Another fancy feature is the optional 15-color interior ambient lighting, which is in line with more premium brands these days, a la BMW, Mercedes, and VW sibling, Audi.
The Tiguan will get the third row option with FWD models, as usual, while AWD only gets two rows. In terms of power, the same powertrain continues: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic transmission. Power is the same at 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.
For all Tiguans besides the base model, safety tech now includes VW’s IQ.DRIVE suite of driver assistance equipment with features like automatic emergency braking w/pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control (full speed), lane-keeping assist, and VW’s Emergency Assist. You can get optional auto high beams, an automatic parking assistant, and road sign recognition if you'd like.
No pricing has been announced yet, but expect it to be close to the current Tiguan's $25,245 base MSRP. Sales should start in the third quarter of 2021 as a 2022 model.