“IT IS ONE OF THE BEST VEHICLES I HAVE EVER OWNED. IT IS COMFORTABLE AND HAS ALL OF THE FEATURES YOU NEED. IT GIVES YOU A GREAT SENSE OF SECURITY AND I KNOW MY FAMILY IS SAFE IN IT.”
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is essentially a carryover. Its only notable update is a new black wheel design for the SE R-Line Black; the engine, trim structure, cabin tech, and seating layouts continue unchanged.
About the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
2nd generation U.S. Tiguan (2018-2024), second year after the 2022 refresh.
Volkswagen positions the Tiguan as its roomy, style-conscious compact family SUV. The draw is not outright speed; it is the mix of clean European-flavored design, a polished cabin, easy everyday comfort, and unusually flexible packaging for the class. In 2023 it still stands out because front-wheel-drive versions keep a small third row, while higher trims add a more upscale look and feel. For most buyers, the Tiguan is the Volkswagen choice for family space with a more premium look than many mainstream rivals.
The S covers the basics with heated front seats, digital gauges, and smartphone connectivity, while the SE adds a nicer cabin, more driver-assistance features, and wireless phone integration. The SE R-Line Black emphasizes sporty styling and a panoramic sunroof, while the SEL R-Line pairs standard all-wheel drive with leather seating, navigation, premium audio, and a surround-view camera. Front-wheel-drive Tiguans have three rows, while all-wheel-drive versions have two.
What changed, by category
Styling
The SE R-Line Black receives a new black wheel design. No other lineup-wide styling changes were made.
2023 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
What changed on the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The only notable change for the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is a new black wheel design for the SE R-Line Black. The rest of the lineup carries over from 2022 without major updates.
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan different from the 2022 model?
The 2023 Tiguan is almost identical to the refreshed 2022 model. Aside from the SE R-Line Black’s new wheel design, the powertrain, trim structure, technology, and seating layouts remain the same.
Does the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan have three rows?
Front-wheel-drive 2023 Tiguan models have a standard third row. Models with all-wheel drive use a two-row layout instead.
Did the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan get a new engine?
No, the 2023 Tiguan keeps the same 184-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission used for 2022.
Which 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan trim has the most features?
The SEL R-Line 4MOTION has the most features in the 2023 lineup. It includes standard all-wheel drive, leather seating, navigation, premium audio, a larger digital gauge display, a surround-view camera, and a hands-free power liftgate.
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan.
4.1
2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
(144 reviews)
“The Tiguan R Line that purchased is roomy, comfortable, and you feel safe when driving it. It has classy styling and great pick-up. It looks sporty and is fun to drive. It has all the bells and whistles, except garage door opening capability.”
“This car is compact and large at the same time. It is quiet and easy to maneuver. It gets good gas mileage. It has all the necessary frills you need without going overboard. The interior is stylish and classy.”