“For a 4 cylinder engine, this vehicle certainly has some acceleration behind it. Just be careful of being too sporty with it, it's not meant to do that all the time.”
2014 Volkswagen Tiguan: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan is the addition of the R-Line, a new top trim with sportier styling, firmer suspension, and upgraded headlights. The rest of the lineup keeps the same 200-hp turbo engine and first-generation body, with equipment changes for the SE and SEL trims.
About the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
First-generation Tiguan (U.S. 2009-2016), in the post-2012 refresh phase; 2014 is a later-cycle update year before the full redesign that arrived for 2016.
Volkswagen marketed the 2014 Tiguan as a compact SUV for shoppers who wanted more punch and a more upscale feel than many mainstream rivals. Its standard 200-hp turbo engine gave it stronger acceleration than many compact SUVs of the time, while its tidy size and available 4Motion kept it easy to live with year-round. The sliding and reclining 40/20/40 rear seat also made it unusually flexible for cargo and passengers. In plain terms, this was the small SUV for buyers who wanted practicality without giving up driving character or cabin quality.
The 2014 Tiguan ranges from the straightforward S, with a turbo engine and a sliding, reclining rear seat, to the comfort-focused SE with heated front seats. The SEL adds navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and Fender premium audio, while the new R-Line tops the range with leather seats, sport-tuned suspension, upgraded headlights, and unique body trim. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions remain part of the lineup.
What changed, by category
Styling
Volkswagen added the R-Line and R-Line 4Motion trims with unique body styling, side skirts, a rear spoiler, a black headliner, and sport-themed interior details.
Tech
SEL and SEL 4Motion gained Fender premium audio. On SE and SE 4Motion models, the touchscreen, premium audio, and satellite radio changed from standard to optional; fog lights and roof rails also became optional.
Structural
The new R-Line trims received a firmer, sport-tuned suspension for sharper on-road responses.
2014 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 | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 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 | 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 | 207 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2200 lb | 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 | 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 | 35.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 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 | ||||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The biggest change is the new R-Line trim. It sits at the top of the 2014 lineup and adds sportier exterior details, firmer suspension, upgraded headlights, leather seating, and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
Is the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan a redesign?
No, the 2014 Tiguan is not a redesign. It keeps the first-generation body and the basic design introduced by the 2012 refresh, with the new R-Line and several equipment changes providing the main updates.
Did the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan get a new engine?
No, the engine carries over for 2014. Every trim uses a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and automatic models continue with either front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive.
What does the 2014 Tiguan R-Line add?
The 2014 Tiguan R-Line adds unique body trim, a sport-tuned suspension, bi-xenon headlights that turn with the steering, LED daytime running lights, leather seating, Fender audio, and a flat-bottom steering wheel with shift paddles. The R-Line 4Motion also has all-wheel drive.
How did the 2014 Tiguan SE and SEL equipment change?
The SEL gained Fender premium audio for 2014. On the SE, several formerly standard items became optional, including the touchscreen, premium audio, satellite radio, fog lights, and roof rails.
2014 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan.
3.4
2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
(20 reviews)
“I am very satisfied with my vehicle. It is very comfortable and it makes me feel good.”