In one of the most competitive segments, the Volkswagen Tiguan looks to remain one of the more attractive options for buyers shopping for an affordable compact crossover. For 2023, things remain mostly unchanged, and at first glance, this VW looks more Audi than Volkswagen.
The same can also be said once inside, as drivers will be greeted with a bevy of technology features in every model and a stylish cabin giving the Tiguan a more upscale, European feel over the competition.
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Stylish European look
- USB-C ports upgraded for 45W charging
- Available third row seating
- Model: Tiguan
- Engine:: 2.0-Liter Turbocharged Four-cylinder
- Power Output: 184 HP
- Torque: 221 LB-FT
- Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
- MSRP: $28,245-$38,975
- Sharp Styling
- Nimble handling
- Available all-wheel drive
- 2.0-Liter feels underpowered
- Tight cabin space and cargo area
- Light bundle of standard safety options
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Performance And Capability
Like most automakers, VW did a huge refresh on the Tiguan last year which meant there were no huge changes for the 2023 model. The base price for the entry-level S model comes in at $28,245 while the top SEL R-Line can be had for a starting price of $38,975. The one trim level seeing the biggest changes is the SE R-Line Black which gets new 19-inch wheels. Other updates for 2023 are upgraded USB-C charging ports which now support 45-watt charging. The SE offers the most bang for the buck as stepping up to this trim gets drivers, 18-inch wheels, a power liftgate, lane-keeping assist, and the new semi-autonomous driving mode.
Not uncommon in these segments are the engine options or lack thereof. Every 2023 Tiguan will be powered by the same engine. The Tiguan shares the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with the Audi Q3, and it produces 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque and comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan is available in both front-wheel and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive configurations.
Now don’t expect to win very many red-light drag races as 60mph eventually shows up in an unimpressive 9.1 seconds. Surprisingly enough, the Tiguan doesn’t feel as slow as the numbers would suggest. But most drivers won’t care as it makes up for its initial sluggishness in superior handling and comfort. What it lacks in get up and go, it makes up for in overall fuel economy, as drivers should see 24mpg city and 31mpg on the highway. The All-wheel drive version sees those numbers drop by two miles per gallon.
Exterior Design
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but it may be safe to say that the Tiguan is perhaps the most attractive vehicle in the segment. Although it is more Audi Q3 than Q5, visually it looks like a slightly smaller version of its corporate cousins' second-tier SUV. The current exterior features new wheel designs along with a revised grille, and bumpers. The front is accentuated by LED headlights and daytime running lights that became standard in 2022.
R-Line models take those features and add them to a cooler package adding blacked-out 19-inch allow wheels, a front bumper, and black exterior accents. But all that comes at a price with the top-level R-line comes in at nearly $10,000 more, than the base trim.
If you’re someone who likes to express yourself through color, you’ll be out of luck if choosing the Tiguan as VW doesn’t offer very many color choices. Six to be exact with Kings Red Metallic ($395) being the only color option that comes at an additional cost. Buyers of the R-Line models get even fewer color options as the Kings Red nor the Pyrite Silver Metallic are available. In fact, R-Line buyers had better like Black, White, Gray, or Blue as those are your only choices when moving to the most expensive trim.
Color | Price | Trim |
Pure White | $0 | S, SE |
Deep Black Pearl | $0 | S, SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL R-Line |
Platinum Gray Metallic | $0 | S, SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL R-Line |
Pyrite Silver Metallic | $0 | S, SE R-Line Black |
Atlantic Blue Metallic | $0 | SE, SEL R-Line |
Opal White | $395 | SE R-Line Black, SEL R-Line |
Kings Red Metallic | $395 | SE |
Interior Quality And Technology
Volkswagen has always been known for its polarizing interiors. Either you’re a fan or you’re not. The Tiguan is no different as its interior can best be described as clean and functional. Where it falls short is in legroom as things can get a little tight for folks who are sitting up front. That being said, the Tiguan is one of the few vehicles in the segment offering seating for seven. But in such a small SUV, most would agree that the extra room needed to fit in a third row could be better suited to making the rest of the interior more spacious.
On the technology side, while attractive to the eye, all models come with either an 8.0-inch or 10.3-inch central display. However, Tiguan’s infotainment system isn’t very user-friendly. Drivers have reported that its integrated touch-sensitive controls can be difficult to use. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi Hotspot. If you’re into music, VW’s excellent 480-watt nine-speaker Fender audio system is available.
Standard seating is pure VW as cloth and partial adjustments for the front seats are offered. Buyers who step up to more expensive trims can get full power adjustments for the driver, faux leather seating, and a panoramic sunroof. Cargo room isn’t a strong suit for Tiguan as well as when the third row is in use, just 12 cubic feet of cargo space is available. But overall, even when the third row isn’t in use, it still falls behind other vehicles in the compact crossover/SUV class.
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Price And Availability
Volkswagen brings back all trim levels for the 2023 Tiguan. Drivers just looking to get into the model can opt for the entry-level S trim ($28,245). The most popular among shoppers is the SE which gives buyers more standard options such as larger wheels and more standard safety features.
Those looking to make a statement can jump up to the R-Line SE and SEL models that give even more standard equipment and more aggressive styling. However, the top-tiered SEL R-Line has one of the highest starting prices in the group ($38,975) which may have you wondering why you shouldn’t move up to the next segment.
Build your 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan here.
Trim | MSRP |
S | $28,245 |
SE | $31,875 |
SE R-Line Black | $34,605 |
SEL R-Line | $38,975 |
Safety
Expect a solid group of standard safety features. Forward-collision alert with automatic braking and blind spot warning system is included at no cost. However, expect to pay more for more popular driver’s assistance features such as lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. Drivers looking for even more safety can add a bird’s-eye 360-degree camera system, auto high beams, automatic parking assistant, and road sign recognition software. The 2022 Tiguan received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS scoring a “Good” rating in every crash test.
- Standard Automated Emergency Braking with Forward Collision
- Available Bird's-eye 360 Camera System
- Available Automatic High Beams
- Available Road Sign Recognition
Main Competition
To call this segment crowded would be an understatement as this seems more like a traffic jam. Offerings like the Toyota Rav4, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, and Mazda CX-5 give shoppers strong options while the Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, and Ford Escape make things downright tough for shoppers who are in a hurry to decide, difficult. But the least surprising thing of all is Tiguan’s main competition which comes from the popular Honda CR-V.
The CR-V arrives with a completely new look – all new for 2023. Going into its sixth generation, the CR-V gets a little bigger inside and out with, a larger exterior and a more spacious interior. Honda has carried over last year’s powertrain but says it’s been re-tuned to be more responsive and efficient. It's still mated to the CVT transmission and the all-wheel drive system that Honda says has been improved as well.
While Honda has a nearly $4,000 higher starting price ($32,355 for EX models) you may see it as more car for the money with EX and EX-L ($35,005) being the only gas-only models. Honda offers also offers a Sport Hybrid ($33,695) and a Sport Touring Hybrid ($39,845). This is what hurts Tiguan as it is one of the few models in the segment that does not offer a Hybrid model. Volkswagen is still making its push toward fully electric vehicles as although not confirmed, there are talks of a Hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric Tiguan for the next generation.
FAQ
Q: Is the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan available?
Yes, while inventory is still tight in some areas, 2023 Tiguans are available.
Q: Is the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan available in AWD?
Yes, the Tiguan is available in both FWD and AWD configurations.
Q: Does the R-Line package offer any additional performance over the lower trim levels?
No. Currently, only one engine is available across all Tiguan trim levels. The 2.0-Liter Turbo Four-cylinder.
Q: How many passengers does the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan seat?
Seven with the available third row seating.