2012 Volkswagen Tiguan: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is its refreshed front and rear styling. This is a meaningful mid-cycle update rather than a carryover year.

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About the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan

1st generation Tiguan (US 2009-2017), mid-cycle refresh year.

Volkswagen positioned the Tiguan as a sporty, city-friendly compact SUV with the feel of a GTI and a more upscale cabin than many rivals. OEM materials emphasized its turbocharged engine, tidy size, flexible sliding/reclining rear seat, and a premium look inside. Reviewers backed that up, regularly calling out its strong driving manners and higher-quality interior as the reasons to pick it over roomier but less engaging competitors.

Every 2012 Tiguan has a 200-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while 4Motion versions add all-wheel drive. The new LE combines heated front seats and synthetic leather upholstery, the SE adds a touchscreen audio system, and the SEL tops the range with leather, navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights.

What changed, by category

Styling

The full lineup gets Volkswagen's newer horizontal grille, redesigned headlights and lower front bumper, plus slimmer rear taillights. SEL models also gain LED daytime running lights.

Powertrain

The 200-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and basic drivetrain choices carry over, but automatic models receive engine and transmission calibration changes plus a lower idle speed to improve highway fuel economy.

Tech

A new LE trim joins between S and SE with heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, Bluetooth, and media-device integration. SE models gain an upgraded touchscreen audio system with HD Radio, while SEL models add power-folding heated mirrors.

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Volkswagen Tiguan2.0T S1 in stock	2012 Volkswagen Tiguan2.0T LE0 in stock	2012 Volkswagen Tiguan2.0T SE1 in stock	2012 Volkswagen Tiguan2.0T SEL0 in stock	2012 Volkswagen Tiguan2.0T S 4Motion1 in stock	2012 Volkswagen Tiguan2.0T SE 4Motion1 in stock	2012 Volkswagen Tiguan2.0T SEL 4Motion0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	22 mpg	22 mpg	22 mpg	22 mpg	21 mpg	21 mpg	21 mpg
MPG Highway	27 mpg	27 mpg	27 mpg	27 mpg	27 mpg	27 mpg	27 mpg
Horsepower	200 hp	200 hp	200 hp	200 hp	200 hp	200 hp	200 hp
Torque	207 lb-ft	207 lb-ft	207 lb-ft	207 lb-ft	207 lb-ft	207 lb-ft	207 lb-ft
Max Towing	2200 lb	2200 lb	2200 lb	2200 lb	2200 lb	2200 lb	2200 lb
Trunk/Cargo	56.1 cu-ft	56.1 cu-ft	56.1 cu-ft	56.1 cu-ft	56.1 cu-ft	56.1 cu-ft	56.1 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	35.8 in	35.8 in	35.8 in	35.8 in	35.8 in	35.8 in	35.8 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Headlights
Alarm System
Automatic Emergency Braking
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
LED Daytime Running Lights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Privacy Glass
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Built-In Hard Drive
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Premium Audio
SD Card Slot
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Touch Screen Monitor
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Interior Ambient Lighting
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Driver Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start

How the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan compares

The biggest change for the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan is a light equipment update led by a standard electronic parking brake on every trim. The engine, body design, and core S, SE, and SEL range otherwise carry over, while the LE trim leaves the lineup.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan different from the 2011 model?

Yes. The 2012 Tiguan has redesigned front and rear styling, efficiency-focused tuning for automatic models, a new LE trim, and several trim-specific equipment updates.

What is the new 2012 Tiguan LE trim?

The LE is a new comfort-focused trim positioned between the S and SE. It has an automatic transmission, heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, Bluetooth, and media-device integration.

Did the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan get a new engine?

No. The 2012 Tiguan keeps the same 200-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Automatic models receive calibration changes and a lower idle speed to improve highway fuel economy.

Which 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan trims have all-wheel drive?

The 2.0T S 4Motion, 2.0T SE 4Motion, and 2.0T SEL 4Motion have all-wheel drive. Their cabin equipment generally follows the corresponding front-wheel-drive S, SE, and SEL trims.

What technology changed on the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan?

The main technology updates are trim-specific. SE models gain an upgraded touchscreen audio system with HD Radio, and SEL models add LED daytime running lights and power-folding heated mirrors.