2013 Volkswagen Tiguan: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
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.
About the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
1st generation Tiguan, second model year after the 2012 U.S. refresh.
Volkswagen positioned the Tiguan as a compact SUV with more driving character and a more upscale cabin than many mainstream rivals. The brochure leans heavily on the GTI connection by highlighting the same 200-hp turbo engine, while also stressing everyday usefulness with sliding, reclining split rear seats and flexible cargo space. In simple terms, this is the small SUV for shoppers who want practical size and ride height without giving up a solid, car-like feel on the road.
The S is the straightforward Tiguan, pairing a 200-hp turbo four-cylinder engine with a flexible sliding and reclining rear seat. The SE adds heated synthetic-leather seats and upgraded touchscreen audio, while the SEL brings leather, navigation, a panoramic sunroof, stronger headlights, and a rearview camera. All-wheel-drive versions of each trim add extra traction for mixed weather.
What changed, by category
2013 Volkswagen Tiguan specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd DSG w/Tptrnc | Auto, 6-Spd DSG w/Tptrnc | Auto, 6-Spd DSG w/Tptrnc | Auto, 6-Spd DSG w/Tptrnc | Auto, 6-Spd DSG w/Tptrnc | Auto, 6-Spd DSG w/Tptrnc |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 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 |
| Max Towing | 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 |
| Rear Legroom | 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 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan a redesign?
No. The 2013 Tiguan is a light equipment update to the first-generation model following its 2012 refresh. Its basic body, engine, and chassis carry over.
What changed between the 2012 and 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The 2013 Tiguan adds a standard electronic parking brake, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and leather shift knob across the lineup. The SE gains a partial-power passenger seat, the SEL gains a power passenger seat and standard rearview camera, and the LE trim is dropped.
Does the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan have a rearview camera?
The 2013 Tiguan SEL has a standard rearview camera. It is not identified as a lineup-wide feature on the S or SE.
Did the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan’s engine or all-wheel-drive system change?
No. The 2013 Tiguan keeps its 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, transmission lineup, and 4Motion all-wheel-drive setup from 2012.
Which 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan trims were offered after the LE was dropped?
The 2013 Tiguan lineup centers on the S, SE, and SEL trims. Each also has a 4Motion all-wheel-drive version.