“Its the right size for the city and gives me a sense of security. I like that I am sitting a little higher then in a standard passenger car.”
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan is its newer MIB II touchscreen system. This is an equipment-update year rather than a redesign, with more comfort and convenience features added across the lineup.
About the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
1st-generation Tiguan in the U.S. (2009-2017), late-cycle year in the 2012-refreshed version.
Volkswagen positioned the Tiguan as a compact SUV for buyers who wanted a smaller footprint, strong turbo power, and a cabin that felt more polished than many mainstream rivals. The brochure leans on versatility and driving enjoyment: flexible 40/20/40 rear seating, a punchy turbo engine, available 4Motion all-wheel drive, and tidy German-style interior design. For most shoppers, the Tiguan’s appeal was not maximum cargo room, but a more upscale feel and more engaging road manners in a city-friendly package.
The 2016 Tiguan lineup ranges from a better-equipped S with heated V-Tex seats to the sport-focused R-Line with 19-inch wheels and firmer suspension. The SE emphasizes everyday extras such as navigation, brighter Bi-Xenon headlights, and a panoramic sunroof, while the SEL adds leather, memory seating, dual-zone climate control, and Fender audio.
What changed, by category
Tech
New MIB II touchscreen systems replace the older infotainment setup across the lineup. The S gets a 5-inch touchscreen with USB, while R-Line, SE, and SEL versions use a 6.3-inch system; App-Connect smartphone integration and navigation are fitted to applicable upper trims. Keyless access with push-button start also becomes standard across the range.
Styling and equipment
Heated front seats become standard on every trim, and the S gains V-Tex leatherette seating. The SE adds standard Bi-Xenon headlights and a panoramic sunroof, while the SEL gains leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels, sport suspension, driver-seat memory, and other cabin upgrades. The R-Line shifts from a range-topping role to a sport-and-style-focused trim below the SE and SEL.
2016 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 | ||||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||
| 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 changed on the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan compared with the 2015 model?
The 2016 Tiguan receives newer MIB II touchscreens as its main update. Volkswagen also makes heated front seats and keyless access with push-button start standard across the lineup, while the SE and SEL gain substantial trim-specific equipment.
Was the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan redesigned?
No, the 2016 Tiguan was not redesigned. It remains part of the first generation and receives a late-cycle equipment update centered on infotainment, comfort, and trim packaging.
Does every 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan have heated front seats and push-button start?
Yes, every 2016 Tiguan trim has heated front seats plus keyless access with push-button start as standard equipment.
Which 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan trims have navigation and a panoramic sunroof?
The 2016 Tiguan SE and SEL have navigation and a panoramic sunroof as standard equipment. Both are also offered with all-wheel drive, while the SEL adds a richer cabin with leather, memory seating, and Fender audio.
Is the 2016 Tiguan R-Line the most luxurious trim?
No, the 2016 R-Line is the sport-focused trim, not the most luxurious one. It emphasizes a body kit, 19-inch wheels, paddle shifters, and firmer suspension, while the SEL has the most comfort-focused equipment.
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan.
4.0
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
(173 reviews)
“wait for the new Tiguan 2018 model which is suppose to be longer. Cargo room behind the rear seat is lacking in this model”
“good value for the money, comfortable, reliable, fun to drive, love the heated seats but wish they were power seats instead of manual”