FIRST DRIVE: 2022 VW Tiguan

This article appears on wheels.ca November 22, 2021. Written by: Lee BailieTo see original article please click here

2022 volkswagen tiguan highline r line in port hope

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. - While the Volkswagen Tiguan doesn't have the sales volume of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, it remains the bestselling Volkswagen in North America, and whenever a vehicle sells 100,000 units or more, as the Tiguan did in the U.S. in 2020, it is a vehicle of consequence.

For a marque that was, by its own admission, late to the SUV party, Volkswagen certainly has made up for lost time. In North America alone, the German automaker now sells five SUVs after offering only two as recently as 2016.

The Tiguan was the second Volkswagen SUV to make it to our shores in 2008, following the debut of the larger mid-size Touareg in 2002. While the Touareg was axed in North America in 2017 to make way for the U.S.-built Atlas, the Tiguan has reliably chopped wood for Volkswagen for 13 years.

The current second gen model, built at Volkswagen's Puebla, Mexico plant and based on its Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, went on sale in 2017. Of note, North America receives the long wheelbase version only, but a short wheelbase Tiguan is sold in other markets.

For 2022, the Tiguan receives a mid-cycle freshening, which includes some styling and packaging updates, but the powertrain carries over. All Tiguans come equipped with a 2.0-litre TSI (turbocharged) four-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive is no longer offered.

As for the styling changes, the '22 Tiguan receives a new front fascia, new 17, 18, and 19-inch wheels, along with available 20-inch wheels, a first for the Tiguan in Canada. Other additions include an available illuminated front grille, and two revised R-Line packages, including on the Comfortline Black Edition.

On the inside, the Tiguan has new trim materials and décor, along with a new R-Line steering wheel, new interior colours, adjustable ambient lighting, and capacitive touch climate controls.

More standard equipment is also in store and includes the following: LED headlights, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, heated steering wheel and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. Volkswagen engineers have also recalibrated the powertrain for the 2.0-litre TSI. Other new features include Car-Net, a smartphone app-driven suite of user convenience features, ventilated front/heated rear seats, power passenger seat, travel assist and a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (Comfortline and above).

As for models, four are available: Trendline ($32,995), Comfortline ($36,795), Comfortline R-Line Black Edition ($39,495) and Highline R-Line ($42,995). Third row seating is an $800 option for all grades and a panoramic sunroof is a $1,500 add-on for the Comfortline.

Volkswagen Canada recently invited a small group of journalists to sample the new Tiguan in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, along with the all-new 2022 Golf GTI and Golf R hot hatches. I'll have lots to say on those in a separate story coming soon.

At any rate, the three early production units on hand in Niagara were all top-level Highline R-Line copies, finished in Atlantic Blue Metallic with a Storm Grey-Titan Black interior. As one might expect, this trim comes fully loaded. Among its many standard features are 20-inch aluminum wheels, illuminated front grille, adaptive LED headlights, leather seating, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, eight-inch infotainment display, Fender premium audio and more.

To these eyes, the Tiguan has become more attractive with age. It started out as a rounded, jellybean-ish oddity in the late aughts and has evolved into an angular and more sophisticated SUV a decade later. The updating that it's received here, while not extensive, makes an already attractive package even more appealing. The new front fascia, LED headlights and illuminated front grille give the Tiguan a more premium feel, which I think will resonate with consumers. Upper-level trims tend to account for a larger share of sales for Volkswagen than for other marques, so the R-Line bits included with the Highline should help its curb appeal.

As for cabin changes, I like most of them as well, with one notable exception. First, the good stuff. The multifunction steering wheel looks and feels much more premium than the unit it replaces and provides deep levels of control to the driver's thumbs, especially for the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, which now offers a greater degree of configurability. Good to see wireless Apple CarPlay here, too. It's 2021 - tech like this really should be standard for vehicles in this price range.

In terms of style, comfort and fit and finish, the Tiguan impresses. The leather seats offer good comfort, outward visibility is excellent and the look and feel of the trim finishes are impressive. For a $42,000+ vehicle, the Highline R-Line holds its own. Volkswagen interiors generally don't rank highly on the excitement index, but considering its intended competition, I think the Tiguan's cabin offers plenty of appeal. The addition of ambient lighting helps in this regard.

As for the one thing I really didn't love, it's the capacitive touch panel that governs climate control functions. Look, I get it - mechanical buttons don't look as good in marketing materials as a flat touch panel with cool graphics. I understand why many manufacturers are moving in this direction, but touch panels can be fussy to use and can create unnecessary distraction.

Mechanical controls operate on feel, but these screens don't. Just try adjusting a touch panel while driving on a bumpy road - not fun. Drivers often must divert their attention to adjust fan speed or temperature, and it can be more dangerous than you think. I speak from experience. I will give Volkswagen credit, however, for keeping volume and tune knobs so all is not lost. Yet.

Overall, the 2022 Tiguan is a compelling offering in the intensely competitive compact SUV segment. It won't be fighting it out for class sales leader, but its styling and packaging changes should keep it entrenched as the number one Volkswagen for some time to come.

¹ If the vehicle is identified as new: Figure shown reflects an estimate of the amount that you can expect to pay in Canadian dollars and is: (i) based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP); and (ii) includes freight, PDI, levies, duties and dealer charges. Taxes are excluded (unless you select otherwise). Licence, insurance, and registration fees are also excluded. Environmental or related levies and taxes vary by jurisdiction. Actual selling price and other terms are set by the dealer. Dealer may sell for less. See below for further details.

If the vehicle is identified as a ""certified pre-owned"", ""CPO"", or used: Figure shown reflects an estimate of the amount that you can expect to pay in Canadian dollars and includes all options and/or equipment built with the vehicle, as well as dealer charges. Taxes, licence, insurance, and registration fees are excluded. Actual selling price and other terms are set by the dealer. Dealer may sell for less. See below for further details.

Photos for illustration purposes only, and may not reflect exact vehicle (including vehicle colour, trim, options, or other specifications). Some vehicles may be shown with optional equipment or equipment not available in Canada. Specifications, equipment, options and prices are subject to change without notice. Although we endeavour to ensure that the information contained on this website is accurate, Volkswagen Canada, its dealers, and Volkswagen Financial Services are not responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur from time to time. Please contact your Volkswagen dealer for verification or if you would like more information on this vehicle. "Volkswagen," the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license.

² This payment estimator is a tool to assist you to estimate your scheduled payments. We do not make any representation or warranties as to your actual amounts. Figures shown reflect an estimate of the amount that you can expect to pay in Canadian dollars based on: (i) entering into a lease agreement or a credit agreement (as applicable) with Volkswagen Financial Services; and (ii) the stated APR, term, number of periodic payments, and kilometre allowance (as applicable). Payment estimates do not include: (i) taxes (unless you select otherwise); or (ii) to the extent applicable, any excess wear and tear, late fees, or other similar fees or charges that may apply. Actual selling price, leasing / financing rates and other terms are set by the dealer and Volkswagen Financial Services, as applicable. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Leasing and financing is subject to credit approval by Volkswagen Financial Services. Leasing / financing rates, payments, prices, figures, options, offers, terms and other information may, subject to applicable law, be changed or cancelled at any time without notice. Lease example: Lease a 2021 Tiguan 2.0T Trendline FWD with 8-speed automatic transmission, at an MSRP of $29,795 plus $1,950 freight and PDI, $10 fee for applicable provincial Motor Vehicle Industry Council, $499 dealer fees, $20 Tire Tax and $100 a/c levy at 0.99% APR for 24 months with 104 weekly payments of $132.83. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, security deposit of $540 and first monthly payment are due at lease inception. Dealer charges are included. PPSA, licence, insurance, and registration charges, and applicable taxes are extra. Kilometre allowance of 16,000/year; charge of $0.15/km for excess kilometres. The total lease obligation in this example is $14,405.65 (excluding taxes and any excess wear and tear, late fees, or other similar fees or charges that may apply). Finance example: Finance a 2021 Tiguan 2.0T Trendline FWD with 8-speed automatic transmission, at an MSRPof $29,795 plus $1,950 freight and PDI, $10 fee for applicable provincial Motor Vehicle Industry Council, $499 dealer fees, $20 Tire Tax, and $100 a/c levy at 0.99% APR for 24 months with 104 weekly payments of $314.97. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, security deposit of $510 and first monthly payment are due at finance inception. Dealer charges are included. PPSA, licence, insurance, and registration charges, and applicable taxes are extra. The total financing obligation in this example is $32,756.88 (excluding taxes). Please contact your Volkswagen dealer for details (including actual payment information). Although we endeavour to ensure that the information contained on this website is accurate, Volkswagen Canada, its dealers, and Volkswagen Financial Services are not responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur from time to time. ?Volkswagen,? the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license.

³ Financing offers available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, on select: (i) new and unregistered Volkswagen models; (ii) "certified pre-owned" used Volkswagen vehicles; and (iii) other used vehicles. Financing example: Finance a 2021 Tiguan 2.0T Trendline FWD with 8-speed automatic transmission, at an MSRP of $29,795 plus $1,950 freight and PDI, $10 fee for applicable provincial Motor Vehicle Industry Council, $499 dealer fees, $20 Tire Tax and $100 a/c levy at 0.99% APR for 24 months with 104 weekly payments of $314.97. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, security deposit of $510 and first monthly payment are due at finance inception. Dealer charges are included. PPSA, licence, insurance, and registration charges, and applicable taxes are extra.The total financing obligation in this example is $32,756.88 (excluding taxes). Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Financing rates, payments, prices, figures, options, offers, terms and other information may, subject to applicable law, be changed or cancelled at any time without notice. Conditions apply. Please contact your Volkswagen dealer for details.

Lease offers available through Volkswagen Financial Service, on approved credit, on select: (i) new and unregistered Volkswagen models; and (ii) ""certified pre-owned"" Volkswagen vehicles. Lease example: Lease a 2021 Tiguan 2.0T Trendline FWD with 8-speed automatic transmission, at an MSRP of $29,795 plus $1,950 freight and PDI, $10 fee for applicable provincial Motor Vehicle Industry Council, $499 dealer fees, $20 Tire Tax and $100 a/c levy at 0.99% APR for 24 months with 104 weekly payments of $132.83. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, security deposit of $540 and first monthly payment are due at lease inception. Dealer charges are included. PPSA, licence, insurance, and registration charges, and applicable taxes are extra. Kilometre allowance of 16,000/year; charge of $0.15/km for excess kilometres. The total lease obligation in this example is $14,405.65 (excluding taxes and any excess wear and tear, late fees, or other similar fees or charges that may apply). Dealer may sell or lease for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Leasing rates, payments, prices, figures, options, offers, terms and other information may, subject to applicable law, be changed or cancelled at any time without notice. Conditions apply. Please contact your Volkswagen dealer for details. Although we endeavour to ensure that the information contained on this website is accurate, Volkswagen Canada, its dealers, and Volkswagen Financial Services are not responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur from time to time. "Volkswagen," the Volkswagen logo, all model names and trimline names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Volkswagen AG, used under license.

⁵ Financing offers available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, on select prepaid maintenance plans in connection with the financing of select: (i) new and unregistered Volkswagen models; (ii) "certified pre-owned" used Volkswagen vehicles; and (iii) other used vehicles. Additional terms and conditions apply. Refer to actual contract or contact a Volkswagen dealer for complete details of coverage and exclusions. Financing example: Finance a prepaid plan at an MSRP of $1,675 at 0.99% APR for 24 months with 104 weekly payments of $16.27. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in, security deposit of $510 and first monthly payment are due at finance inception. Dealer charges are included. PPSA, licence, insurance, and registration charges, and applicable taxes are extra. The total financing obligation in this example is $1,692.08 (excluding taxes). Dealer may sell for less. Financing rates, payments, prices, figures, options, offers, terms and other information may, subject to applicable law, be changed or cancelled at any time without notice. Conditions apply. Please contact your Volkswagen dealer for details. Although we endeavour to ensure that the information contained on this website is accurate, Volkswagen Canada, its dealers, and Volkswagen Financial Services are not responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur from time to time.

²¹ Depending on the province in which you live, you may be eligible to receive incentives. These include, but are not limited, to up to $4,000* from British Columbia's Go Electric BC Program (available on the ID.4 base trim only) or as much as $4,000 from Quebec's Roulez Vert program. The QC government has recently announced that the program will be suspended as of Feb. 1, 2025. See About the Roulez vert Program for details. The Roulez Vert program also offers an additional rebate of $600 with the purchase of the Volkswagen 2-in-1 Charging Cable. If you live in BC in a single-family home, row home, or duplex, you could receive a rebate* of up to 50% of the purchase and installation costs of an eligible Level 2 EV charger, to a maximum of $350.◊◊

◊◊ Volkswagen Canada does not administer the incentives and is not responsible for any cancellations or changes to the incentive programs. Incentive information is provided for informational purposes only and Volkswagen Canada makes no representations or warranties about the actual amounts or eligibility. Information about the incentives is based on the most current information provided by the applicable government agencies, but could change in the future. The amount of the incentive, terms and conditions of the incentive, and any eligibility or application requirements vary by province. As of January 13, 2025, the federal government has paused the Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program. See Question and answers for details. *BC's EV incentive amount is prorated based on annual income and only available to those earning <$100,000 with the full amount available to those earning <$80,000. BC's EV charger rebate has different eligibility criteria. Conditions apply. See your dealer for more details or contact the provincial or federal administrator.

Limited time finance offer available through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit, based on a new and unregistered 2024 ID.4 Electric ID.4 PRO S AWD base with single-speed transmission having a starting price of $58,299.00, including $68 PPSA registration fee (including third-party registering agent fee), $2,100 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning levy, $23 tire recycling levy, $13 OMVIC fee, and $500 representative dealer admin fee (actual fee is set by dealers and varies, up to $500), and included in weekly payment. Dealer Administration Fee includes documentation and administration costs related to the delivery of the vehicle, such as the dealer cost involved in licensing, lien search, and contract administration. Finance example: 60-month term at 0.00% APR equals a weekly payment of $225, after application of $10,000 credit. $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in due at signing. In Ontario, Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is responsible for the tire recycling fee used to cover the cost of collecting and recycling end of life tires when returned by consumers. License, insurance, registration, options and applicable taxes are extra. Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $58,299. Dealer may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary (but may not be available in all cases). Conditions apply. Offers end January 31, 2025 and are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

$10,000 cash bonus available to be applied as a discount off MSRP, before taxes, on cash purchase, finance or lease (through Volkswagen Financial Services, on approved credit) of new and unregistered 2024 ID.4 models

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FIRST DRIVE: 2022 VW Tiguan