History / Overview
Volkswagen introduced its second-generation Tiguan compact crossover in 2018, making it larger and adding optional three-row seating.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
The 2020 Tiguan's big news is the addition of its IQ.Drive suite of active safety driver assists, which are available in a single, top-end trim of the same name.
Blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert are now standard across the line, and the Highline trim gains a front wiper de-icer.
Available Trims
The 2020 Volkswagen comes in Trendline, Comfortline, IQ.Drive and Highline trims. All use a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Trendline is front-wheel drive and optional with the 4Motion AWD system, which is standard in all other trims.
Standard Features
Tiguan's standard kit includes an electric parking brake, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, a 6.5-inch infotainment screen, one Type-C USB input, a six-speaker stereo, auto on/off headlights, LED taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated/power-adjustable side mirrors, heated front washer nozzles, heated front seats, air conditioning, and three 12-volt power outlets.
Comfortline adds forward collision alert with pedestrian detection and automatic braking, an alarm system, passive keyless entry, an upgraded trip computer display, a power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, an 8-way power driver's seat with lumbar, a leatherette-trimmed steering wheel and door panels, dual-zone climate control, chrome interior accents, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a cargo cover, and leatherette upholstery.
IQ.Drive trim brings navigation, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, three USB inputs, a panoramic sunroof, silver roof rails, and footwell lighting. The IQ.Drive suite comprises adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane keeping assist, and an upgraded backup camera with dynamic guide lines.
Finally, Highline gains front and rear parking sensors, an 8-speaker Fender stereo, a digital gauge cluster, remote engine start, easy-open/delayed-close tailgate, adaptive LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, power-folding side mirrors, front wiper de-icer, driver's seat memory, sport front seats, a heated steering wheel, dark grid interior trim, lighted aluminum door sills, and leather upholstery.
Key Options
Comfortline can be optioned with a panoramic sunroof.
Curiously, the IQ.Drive's safety assists don't carry over to the pricier Highline. Adaptive cruise and lane keeping assist are part of an optional advanced driver assist pack that also adds 360-degree exterior camera views (which is not available in the IQ.Drive model).
All trims can also be optioned with third-row seating.
Fuel Economy
Volkswagen's fuel consumption estimates for the Tiguan are 10.5/8.1 L/100 km (city/highway) for the front-wheel drivetrain, and 11.5/8.7 with AWD.
Competition
The Tiguan is the only German model in the compact crossover class.
Japan's entries are the Nissan Rogue, Mazda's CX-5, the Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi's Outlander, Honda's CR-V, and the Subaru Forester.
From Korea come the Hyundai Tucson, and Kia's Sportage.
America contributes the Ford Escape, GM's Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain models, and the Dodge Journey.
