With seating for up to seven passengers, a spacious cabin, and crisp European lines, the Volkswagen Tiguan is a deservedly popular compact SUV.
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan S (Original starting price when new: $26,440)
See today’s prices on 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan S models for sale near you
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan S starts at $26,440.
The base version of the Tiguan is hardly a basic SUV, though that’s not to say this lineup isn’t without its quirks. Like all versions of the 2021 Tiguan, the base S trim level comes with a 184-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Somewhat confusingly, front-wheel-drive versions come standard with three rows of seats. The base Tiguan S does not offer all-wheel drive with the third row.
Otherwise, exterior equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights, and roof rails.
The Tiguan comes with manually-adjustable front seats, a sliding rear bench seat, cloth upholstery, a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, a six-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, power windows and locks, and a single-zone climate control system.
Safety features include six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, blind-spot monitors, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
Who is this trim level for? While hardly lavish, the base Tiguan ticks most boxes. Shoppers looking for dressier trim or more tech should keep reading, however.
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan S includes:
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection — A system that can automatically apply the brakes without driver intervention if it detects potential impact with a vehicle or pedestrian.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — Advanced smartphone mirroring for the two most popular devices.
Third-row seating — Increases seating capacity from five to seven passengers, though the rearmost seats are best for children.
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SE (Original starting price when new: $28,590)
See today’s prices on 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SE models for sale near you
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SE starts at $28,590.
Building on the S, the Tiguan SE adds a few niceties, including different 17-inch alloy wheel designs, leatherette upholstery that extends to the steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and heated front seats.
On the tech front, the SE also includes keyless entry and push-button start, adaptive cruise control, an upsized 8.0-inch touchscreen, a USB-C port, and a wireless charging pad.
Additionally, the Tiguan SE could be upgraded when new with an optional power moonroof and third-row seating, as well as an R-Line styling package with unique interior and exterior trim plus black-finish 20-inch alloy wheels.
VW also offered the SE in two additional exterior colors — Cardinal Red and Stone Blue.
Who is this trim level for? The SE can appeal on several fronts, including the comparatively luxurious (not to mention easy-to-clean) feel of its leatherette to its impressive tech story.
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SE includes:
Adaptive cruise control — A system that keeps the car a set distance from other vehicles ahead to reduce fatigue on road trips.
USB-C port — A faster-charging port for today’s smartphones and other devices.
Leatherette upholstery — Hard-wearing vinyl that feels almost like genuine hides but requires little care over time.
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL (Original starting price when new: $33,740)
See today’s prices on 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL models for sale near you
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL starts at $33,740.
The Tiguan SEL includes several minor features, adding up to a reasonably fancy SUV.
In addition to the optional moonroof on the Tiguan SE, the SEL version boasts 19-inch alloy wheels, a heated leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, active blind-spot monitors, lane-keeping assist, a digital instrument cluster, a built-in navigation system, remote engine start, automatic windshield wipers, and a power tailgate.
Who is this trim level for? Shoppers who initially considered a fully-loaded SE might have been tempted by the SEL’s digital instrument cluster and its additional driver-assistance tech.
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL includes:
Heated steering wheel — The heating element is a nice feature in winter.
Active blind-spot monitors — In addition to alerting drivers about a vehicle lurking in their blind spot, the system can gently steer the SUV back into its lane.
Digital instrument cluster — Instead of conventional analog gauges, this wide display relays more information to the driver.
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL Premium (Original starting price when new: $40,290)
See today’s prices on 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL Premium models for sale near you
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL Premium starts at $40,290.
Topping $40,000 when new, the SEL Premium layers on even more tech and luxury items. It was offered only with all-wheel drive for the 2021 model year.
Standard features include 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive LED lighting with automatic high beams, power-folding exterior mirrors, driver’s seat memory, a power-adjustable passenger’s seat, bolstered front seats, leather upholstery, a Fender audio system, and ambient cabin lighting.
Third-row seating was optional when the Tiguan SEL Premium was new.
Who is this trim level for? The most expensive Tiguan may not have been a great value when new, but depreciation means it can offer luxury-grade features for not much more than the SEL.
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL Premium includes:
Adaptive LED lights with automatic high beams — Adaptive assistance means that the light “bends” with steering wheel inputs, and automatic high beams will cycle between low and high beams as light conditions require.
Fender audio system — A branded audio system pumps higher-quality sound into the cabin.
Bolstered leather seats — The front seats offer more side bolstering to keep occupants in place in harder cornering, while leather trim has a supple, luxurious feel.
