“My vehicle is outstanding! Drives amazing and gets me to A and B. I wouldn't pick my vehicle over another any day.”
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is a light-update year, led by Volkswagen’s newer MIB3 touchscreen system with wireless smartphone integration on most trims. It keeps the same body, turbocharged engine, and seating layouts as before.
About the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
2nd generation U.S.-market Tiguan (2018-2024), final pre-refresh year before the 2022 facelift.
Volkswagen positions the Tiguan as a compact SUV that blends family practicality with a more polished, more upscale feel than many mainstream rivals. Its standout trait in 2021 is packaging: front-wheel-drive models include a standard third row, while 4Motion models trade that seat for a roomier two-row cargo setup. VW leans on flexible seating, clean design, smartphone-friendly tech, and everyday comfort rather than sporty performance or heavy-duty off-road ability.
The S is the straightforward entry model, while the SE adds a more polished cabin with heated front seats, wireless phone charging, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The SE R-Line Black emphasizes sporty-looking trim and a panoramic sunroof, while the SEL and SEL Premium R-Line add features such as a digital instrument display, navigation, leather upholstery, premium audio, and a 360-degree camera. Front-wheel-drive models have three rows, while AWD versions use a roomier two-row layout.
What changed, by category
Tech
Most trims above the S upgrade to the newer MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch glass touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SEL Premium R-Line also gains a standard power-adjustable front passenger seat.
Safety
The SE, SE 4MOTION, and SE R-Line Black versions gain standard Adaptive Cruise Control, which automatically adjusts speed to maintain a set following distance.
2021 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 | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 23 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 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 Power Front Seats | |||||||||
| 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 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The biggest change is the newer MIB3 infotainment system on most trims above the S. It uses an 8-inch glass touchscreen and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Does every 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
No. Most non-S trims have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through the newer MIB3 system, but the S retains a 6.5-inch touchscreen with wired smartphone integration.
Did the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan add any driver-assistance features?
Yes. The SE, SE 4MOTION, and SE R-Line Black versions gain standard Adaptive Cruise Control for 2021. This system adjusts vehicle speed to help maintain a selected following distance.
Was the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan redesigned?
No. The 2021 Tiguan keeps the same second-generation body, turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and basic seating layouts. The exterior refresh arrived for 2022.
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
The differences are useful but modest. The 2021 model mainly brings newer touchscreen technology to most trims, standard Adaptive Cruise Control to SE-based versions, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat to the SEL Premium R-Line.
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan.
4.0
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
(176 reviews)
“It's so nice! Three rows and a compact suv but doesn't feel small at all. So spacious and luxurious! I have never loved a car more”
“I love my Tiguan but I am disappointed that the model I bought (I really wanted a 3rd row) does not have AWD! I live in north central Wisconsin where there is a lot of snow. I wish I didn't have to decide between AWD and the 3rd row. Also, I wish automatic cargo door (button on key fob and on door) was standard! Lastly, I love my automatic car starter but wish it was not a separate fob.”