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2015 Volkswagen Tiguan: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan is that a rearview camera becomes standard on every trim. This is a light equipment update, not a redesign.
About the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan
1st generation (U.S. 2009-2017), late-cycle year after the 2012 refresh.
Volkswagen sells the 2015 Tiguan as a compact SUV for people who want a smaller crossover with a stronger road feel and a more upscale cabin than many mainstream rivals. The brochure leans on its standard turbocharged engine, solid build feel, flexible sliding rear seat, and higher-quality interior touchpoints. The Tiguan’s main draw is not maximum cargo space; it is its punchier acceleration, more buttoned-down driving manners, and a cabin that feels a step above the usual economy-focused small SUV.
The 2015 Tiguan ranges from the straightforward S to the comfort-focused SE, with the SEL serving as the premium trim and the R-Line taking a sportier approach. Every trim has a 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic, while AWD versions add extra traction. Notable upper-trim features include the SEL's panoramic sunroof and navigation and the R-Line's firmer suspension, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, and distinctive body trim.
What changed, by category
Safety
A rearview camera becomes standard on every 2015 Tiguan trim.
Tech
Volkswagen Car-Net and SiriusXM become standard across the lineup. The S and SE also move to the Premium VIII touchscreen audio system as standard equipment.
Styling
Roof rails become standard on every trim.
2015 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 | ||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||
| 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 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The biggest change is a standard rearview camera on every 2015 Tiguan. Volkswagen also expands the standard connectivity, audio, and exterior equipment.
Is the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan a redesigned model?
No, the 2015 Tiguan is not redesigned. It is a late-cycle first-generation model with added standard equipment following the earlier 2012 refresh.
What does the 2015 Tiguan add over the 2014 model?
The 2015 Tiguan adds a standard rearview camera, Volkswagen Car-Net, SiriusXM, and roof rails across the lineup. The S and SE also gain the Premium VIII touchscreen audio system as standard equipment.
Did the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2015 Tiguan keeps its 200-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. The chassis and body structure also carry over.
Which 2015 Tiguan trim has the most comfort and technology features?
The 2015 Tiguan SEL is the comfort-and-technology-focused trim, with a panoramic sunroof, keyless start, navigation, Fender audio, and dual-zone climate control. The R-Line instead emphasizes sportier styling and road feel.
2015 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan.
4.2
2015 Volkswagen Tiguan
(77 reviews)
“Recently crashed vehicle head-on and the air bag did not go off, with the hard impact it should have”
“This vehicle provides a great drive, wish it had more trunk space and also automatic headlights.”