“The infotainment system has everything you will need but is a little clunky. The car is very sporty in appearance but is not super fast. The interior leather trim is not as nice as other cars I've had. Overall I like the car and am happy with it. I would recommend VW as a brand and am looking forward to more EV options in the future.”
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan’s biggest change is a mid-cycle refresh with a redesigned front end and a broad expansion of standard equipment. It is not a full redesign, and its 184-hp turbo four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic carry over.
About the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan
2nd generation U.S. Tiguan (2018-2024), mid-cycle refresh year
Volkswagen positions the Tiguan as a family-friendly compact SUV with a more polished feel than many mainstream rivals. Its main appeal is the mix of tidy, upscale styling, a roomy cabin, strong cargo space, and the unusual option of a third row on front-wheel-drive versions. Reviewers also consistently point out its comfortable ride and clean design, so the Tiguan’s identity is less about rugged off-road ability and more about everyday family use with a premium-leaning look and feel.
The S is the value-focused entry model, and front-wheel-drive versions have a small third row with seating for up to seven; all-wheel-drive Tiguans have two rows. The SE adds conveniences such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and a power liftgate, while the SE R-Line Black emphasizes appearance with black trim, 19-inch black wheels, and a panoramic sunroof. At the top, the SEL R-Line combines all-wheel drive with leather seats, navigation, premium audio, and automated parking assistance.
What changed, by category
2022 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 |
| 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 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 23 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 30 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 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 |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 27.9 in | 27.9 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 27.9 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 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 | |||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||
| 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 | |||||||
| 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 | |||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan a full redesign?
No. The 2022 Tiguan is a mid-cycle update of the second-generation model, with a redesigned front end and expanded standard equipment rather than an all-new body and platform.
What features became standard on every 2022 Tiguan?
Every 2022 Tiguan has LED headlights and taillights, an 8-inch digital instrument display, heated front seats, keyless entry, push-button start, forward-collision braking, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Did the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan get a new engine?
No. The 2022 Tiguan keeps its 184-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.
Which 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan models have a third row?
Front-wheel-drive S, SE, and SE R-Line Black models have a third row and seat up to seven. The all-wheel-drive versions use a two-row layout, and the SEL R-Line is an all-wheel-drive two-row model.
How did the Tiguan trim lineup change for 2022?
The 2022 lineup is simplified to S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line. The SEL continues as the SEL R-Line 4MOTION, while the SEL 4MOTION and SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION are discontinued.
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan.
“The Ti one is a very nice vehicle, with a lot of good features for the money and a good price point. Performance leave some would be desired, depending on what you're coming from, but is adequate for the type of vehicle. The higher in trim levels definitely give you bang for the buck.”
“I love my new Tiguan! After a few recent driving scares I wanted something a little bigger than my Passat that had all the driving safety features and was good in the snow. I've never felt safer or more comfortable. I'm thrilled!”