The 2022 Tiguan May Be The Best Compact SUV Around

March 11th, 2022 by

A white 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line is shown from the front on a sunny road after visiting a Burien Volkswagen dealer.

Who says that luxury has to cost an arm and a leg? We here at Bud Clary Auburn Volkswagen, your go-to Burien Volkswagen dealer, think otherwise. With available models such as the 2022 Tiguan, you’ll find that luxury is more accessible than you may have been led to believe. You see, SUVs of all shapes and sizes gained significant popularity over the last few decades, and some of the best examples are products of German engineering. More specifically, the Tiguan entered the scene in 2009, bringing a luxurious interior, ample performance, and a value-friendly price to the lineup. Since then, the Tiguan has gone on to become a top model in the Volkswagen lineup.

A couple of years ago, the Tiguan received a massive overhaul to its design, efficiency, and more. This brings us directly to the 2022 Tiguan, which carries over all of the changes associated with the model refresh a couple of years ago. The 2022 Tiguan starts at an MSRP of $26,295 for the base trim, the S. [a] Three additional trim levels are available: the SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line. This is a simplified lineup compared to last year, making your shopping experience perhaps a tad less cluttered. With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the performance and luxury that you can expect from the 2022 Tiguan.

It’s Turbo Time

It’s alright if you read “It’s Turbo Time” in an Arnold Schwarzenegger voice, but we’re not discussing cheesy Christmas movies from the 1990s. We’re alluding to the turbocharged engine that you’ll find standard inside of your 2022 Tiguan. It’s a familiar tale for Tiguan fans of the past––a turbocharged 2.0L I-4 engine paired with 8-speed automatic transmission. Performance metrics remain at a respectable 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, which gives the Tiguan a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs. Overall, the performance should satisfy a wide range of compact SUV drivers, particularly when it comes to fuel efficiency.

Using a turbocharger doesn’t just mean that the Tiguan has plenty of power; it also makes the Tiguan more efficient in daily driving than models with larger, non-turbocharged engines. The 2022 Tiguan garners EPA-estimated ratings of up to 23 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. [b] This means that the Volkswagen Tiguan not only has enough grunt to get to and from your destination safely, but it won’t be a costly venture either. The Tiguan will be the perfect companion for daily commuting around Burien or family vacations outside the Seattle area because of the money you’ll save on gas.

A close up shows the rear badging on a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan.

Limousine-Like Interior

One of the most recognizable facets of a Volkswagen is its interior. Within your Tiguan, the difference against the competition becomes the most apparent. In many ways, the interior of the Tiguan is reminiscent of a limousine. Aside from being made from premium materials, the interior lends itself to a sense of luxury you won’t find in many compact SUVs at this price range. Trim levels such as the SEL R-Line blend symmetry and a unified design philosophy that includes brown leather trim on each door to match the two-tone Noisette Brown Vienna leather seats. And of course, these seats can be heated, ventilated, and fitted with 8-way power-adjustable capabilities. Additionally, dual-zone automatic climate controls are included, along with second-row vents, to keep everyone happy along the ride.

Depending on the trim you opt for, the Tiguan will come with one of two infotainment screen sizes; either a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen or a larger 8-inch display. A variety of features are built directly into the infotainment system, including available onboard navigation, smartphone connectivity, and media controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both come standard, which is an entirely different set of features and capabilities for smoothly integrating your connected smartphone. This will be accomplished through a USB port, and if you haven’t had these handy features on an infotainment center before, then all you’ll have to know is that you’ll finally be able to reach your music, navigation, and contacts with ease. Perhaps even more impressive is the 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that provides passengers in your Tiguan a private internet connection wherever you go.

As we said, the experience is reminiscent of a limousine, and there are a few reasons why this is. Firstly, you can opt for an available panoramic sunroof, which adds dual window panes above the occupants. This helps with making the interior feel more lively and spacious and allows for plenty of airflow when opened. Just don’t stand up inside the vehicle with your torso sticking out of the sunroof like you’re a movie star in Hollywood or a groom-to-be at their Vegas Bachelor Party. The other reason why the Tiguan reminds us of a compact SUV limousine is because of the sheer amount of space inside the cabin.

In the front row, you and the passenger will have 39.6 inches of headroom, along with 40.2 inches of legroom. The second row also boasts a highly impressive amount of space for the passengers, thanks to its 39.1 inches of headroom and 36.6 inches of legroom. Unlike many other SUVs out there, the Tiguan even gives you the option of a third row of seats so that you can carry up to seven passengers. If you stick with the five-passenger version, then the Tiguan will give you an impressive 37.6 cu.ft. of trunk space for your belongings. However, if it’s just you and a large piece of cargo, then folding down the rear row of seats will increase this to 73.5 cu.ft. of space, which is a 95% increase.

Children are shown in the back seat of a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan using tablets.

A Best-Seller Through-and-Through

Volkswagen knows luxury, but best of all, it’s a brand that proves luxury doesn’t have to be out of reach for the average Burien driver. The Tiguan takes all of the necessary steps to position itself as one of the top compact SUVs of all time, and it’s a model that Volkswagen knows is destined for greatness. With vehicles such as the Tiguan, the Volkswagen lineup continues to impress discerning drivers, and critics have been more than pleased with the recent updates made to keep the Tiguan fresh and exciting. The only real question on peoples’ minds is how far will the Tiguan name go? Volkswagen is one of those brands that consumers generally enjoy watching, and it’s because not many manufacturers can push the limit of what we expect from luxury vehicles without the associated costs.

From what we’ve seen here at Bud Clary Auburn Volkswagen over the years, the Tiguan fully deserves its popularity. This compact SUV offers more luxury and versatility than many of its competitors, making it the perfect choice for a wide variety of Burien drivers. If you’re in the market for an SUV, but you haven’t fully decided which model would suit you best, why not purchase a vehicle that has proven to be a prominent choice for countless drivers worldwide? If you are looking to get some hands-on time with a Tiguan, then come visit us at Bud Clary Auburn Volkswagen. Our friendly staff is waiting to make your car-buying journey a success!


[a] Starting MSRP of $26,295 for a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan S with 8-speed automatic transmission. Price excludes destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
[b] 23 city/30 highway mpg (2022 Tiguan 2.0L, 8-speed automatic transmission). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.