“It has great power and brakes. I love that it feels reliable and sturdy. I would have appreciated cup storage and pockets in the second row. I would also have appreciated automatic lift gate to be standard.”
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is that automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on every trim. It is a meaningful equipment update rather than a redesign, with revised R-Line trim names and a few added comfort features.
About the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
2nd-generation North American long-wheelbase Tiguan (2018-2021), pre-facelift third model year.
Volkswagen positions the Tiguan as a compact SUV that blends clean styling, family usefulness, and easy-to-use technology. Its biggest difference versus many rivals is packaging: front-wheel-drive versions include a standard third row, while the cabin stays roomy and flexible with a sliding second row. VW also leans on a more polished, European-flavored look and a simple, tidy interior, aiming the Tiguan at buyers who want everyday practicality without giving up comfort or a more upscale feel.
The 2020 Tiguan range runs from practical S models to the comfort-focused SE, the blacked-out SE R-Line Black, and the upscale SEL Premium R-Line with leather, premium audio, and a 360-degree camera. Front-wheel-drive S and SE models have a standard third row, while AWD versions trade that seating emphasis for added traction. The SEL stands out with navigation, a digital instrument display, adaptive cruise control, and a panoramic sunroof.
What changed, by category
Safety
Front collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert become standard across the lineup.
Styling
The R-Line range is reorganized. The SE R-Line Black carries forward the prior blacked-out R-Line idea under a new name and combines dark exterior accents with a panoramic sunroof and front and rear parking sensors.
Tech
SE models gain standard wireless phone charging. SEL models add rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, along with a heated steering wheel, while the SEL Premium R-Line gains a heated windshield wiper parking area.
2020 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 | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 29 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 27.9 in | 27.9 in | 27.9 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 27.9 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | |||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||
| Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| 360 Camera | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||
| Third Row Seat | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The biggest change is that three safety aids become standard on every 2020 Tiguan: automatic emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Is the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan redesigned?
No, the 2020 Tiguan is not redesigned. It remains part of the second-generation North American model introduced for 2018 and receives a safety and equipment update instead.
Did the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan get a new engine?
No, the 2020 Tiguan keeps its 184-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission across the lineup.
How does the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan compare with the 2019 model?
The 2020 Tiguan is the stronger fit if standard safety equipment matters. Its key advantage over the 2019 model is that automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are standard throughout the range; the engine and basic vehicle design carry over.
What changed with the 2020 Tiguan R-Line trims?
The R-Line lineup was renamed and reorganized for 2020. The SE R-Line Black carries the blacked-out styling theme with a panoramic sunroof and parking sensors, while the SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION serves as the upscale AWD R-Line model.
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan.
4.0
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
(283 reviews)
“My VW Tiguan is exactly what I was looking for. Exterior styling, interior room, cargo space is excellent. The driving experience is exceptional almost as fun as driving a BMW X5 (I said Almost). Exceptional handling and turning radius.”
“There is a price to pay for having a small SUV with a 3rd Row. The performance and features of this vehicle is what you sacrifice. You sacrifice Gas Mileage.”