2020 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan S Sport Utility 4D stands as a highly practical, German-engineered benchmark in the compact crossover segment, marking a standout year for the model’s flexible second-generation platform. Built on Volkswagen’s ultra-rigid MQB high-strength steel unibody architecture engineered for acoustic insulation and structural safety, this versatile crossover shuns the fragile ride parameters of typical compact utility vehicles in favor of a quiet, vibration-isolated ride quality and solid highway composure.

Under the sculpted hood sits a responsive 2.0-liter Turbocharged DOHC 16-valve TSI 4-cylinder engine featuring direct injection and variable valve timing, delivering 184 horsepower at 4,400 RPM and a muscular 221 lb-ft of torque available across a low powerband from 1,600 to 4,300 RPM. This efficient mechanical core is managed by a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® manual shift control, routing power to the front wheels via an agile front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration or Volkswagen’s available 4MOTION® All-Wheel Drive system featuring Active Control drive modes. The driving experience is characterized by precise European steering feedback and stable tracking control, courtesy of a performance-tuned four-wheel independent suspension matrix featuring front MacPherson struts and an independent multi-link rear setup with stabilizer bars.

On the exterior, the 2020 Tiguan S executes a clean, sophisticated styling triumph defined by sharp character lines, a prominent chrome radiator grille, automatic halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights, and distinct LED taillamps. Functional body contours feature black wheel arch cladding, body-colored power-folding heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, black roof rails, deep-tinted rear privacy glass, and a commanding stance rolling proudly on 17-inch 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tires.

Inside, the driver-centric cabin welcomes up to seven occupants into a spacious, ultra-durable sanctuary lined with heavy-duty finishes and deeply cushioned seating draped in premium, wear-resistant quilted cloth upholstery. In standard front-wheel-drive models, the S trim features a standard three-row layout with 40/20/40 split 2nd-row seats and 50/50 split-folding 3rd-row seats (available on 4MOTION models). Front passengers enjoy 6-way manually adjustable front seats, a multi-function steering wheel, manual climate control with rear ventilation ducts, keyless entry, and a central 6.5-inch color display screen driven by the MIB2 infotainment operating system. Modern digital connectivity includes standard App-Connect with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming, a fast-charging USB port, and a crisp 6-speaker audio network.

Practicality and space utilization are where the Tiguan S completely excels, matching the demands of an active lifestyle or professional transport operation. Bypassing the restricted cargo limits of shorter compact SUVs, the long-wheelbase design provides exceptional rear legroom. The rear liftgate opens wide to reveal 12.0 cubic feet of cargo trunk spacebehind the third row in 7-passenger models, expanding to 33.0 cubic feet with the third row folded flat. Collapsing both the second and third rows completely flat yields a massive 65.7 cubic feet of total flat cargo volume (or up to 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models), providing an expansive area for camera gear, luggage sets, or daily commercial inventory.

Backed by a 15.3-gallon fuel tank to maximize interstate grand touring ranges, this highly optimized 2.0L Turbo powertrain achieves an efficient, budget-friendly EPA-estimated 22 MPG city and 29 MPG highway (20 MPG city / 27 MPG highway for 4MOTION models), while supporting a conventional maximum towing capacity of up to 1,500 lbs when properly equipped. Safety is world-class, utilizing an ultra-high-strength steel safety cage with front and rear energy-absorbing crumple zones, securing an esteemed IIHS Top Safety Pick rating. The vehicle comes factory-equipped with a robust active driver protective safety net, bundling standard driver assistance safety technologies including Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring), Blind Spot Monitor (Side Assist), Rear Traffic Alert, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), a high-resolution Rearview Backup Camera, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and an advanced multi-stage 6-airbag protection canopy network featuring dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and Side Curtain Protection® head airbags spanning all seating rows to guarantee absolute driving peace of mind.