The SUV segment has so much choice for car buyers out there, but the 2021 Volkswagen (VW) Tiguan has got to be one of the best models in this category out there. Its fuel economy is competitive with rivals such as the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4.
The majority of VW vehicles offer plenty of the same sharp driving dynamics that endears so many people to the German automaker's models. However, it has got to be the Tiguan's practicality that makes it worth buying, hence why it won Car and Driver's Editor's Choice Award.
If anyone thinks that the 2021 model is amazing, then there is more good news around the corner - Volkswagen intends to update the Tiguan for the 2022 model year. So watch this space!
When it comes to trim levels, choosing one depends on its features and convenience equipment. The jump from SE to SEL is a major one, adding approximately $5,000, but all the extra features it adds, like a panoramic sunroof, may be worth it. Including all-wheel drive, which is available on any trim, adds roughly $1,300 on the SEL.
The Tiguan is a rather promising vehicle, and it is clear that it has numerous amazing features. But for the purposes of this piece, only one can be selected as the VW model's best feature. So which one is it? Let's find out.
The VW Tiguan's Interior Is Its Best Feature
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
If there is one obvious reason to love the interior of the latest VW Tiguan, then it's surely how quickly both drivers and passengers can get comfortable inside this vehicle. This is because there is plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment, along with well-positioned pedals and a useful rest for the driver's clutch foot. As What Car? suggests, it makes the driver feel like they're driving a proper SUV rather than a 'jacked-up family hatchback.'
All trims get automatic LED headlights, although if people want to get front and rear parking sensors as standard, then they need to jump to the Life trim. The Elegance trim adds a reversing camera, while a 360-degree bird's eye view camera system is available on all but entry-level Tiguan models. Elegance models also include adaptive lights that enable drivers to preserve the main beam without annoying other drivers by blinding them.
An 8-inch touchscreen is standard on all Tiguans with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. It is sharp and fast to respond to commands.
Like with all Volkswagen interiors, there are plenty of soft-touch plastics and controls that operate with reassuring precision.
The Tiguan has a seriously massive trunk compared to the likes of a BMW X1 or a Nissan Qashqai. It has a nice square shape, too. The options list includes dog guards, trunk trays, and a variety of other practical accessories.
The 2021 VW Tiguan Has Some Neat Powertrains
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
Though the interior may be the Tiguan's comfiest feature, there is so much else to love about this Volkswagen SUV. As Car Wow suggests, there is a great range of engines, from a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with either 130 hp or 150 hp right up to the Tiguan R performance SUV with its 320 hp 2.0-liter motor.
Even though diesel is becoming increasingly unpopular, those who still love this fuel and aren't bothered about its supposed contributions toward climate change will be relieved to hear that there is a 2.0-liter engine, plus an automatic gearbox and 4x4 powertrain options.
The four-wheel-drive cars are useful if people live somewhere that has a lot of dirt tracks and where it snows regularly during winter.
The Tiguan is easy to drive, which makes its handling excellent. It does a fairly good job ironing out potholes around town, but only if readers do not purchase the sportier R-Line models with their bigger 20-inch alloy wheels and lower suspension. It may be a good idea to acquire adaptive dampers that enable drivers to swap between sporty and more comfortable suspension setups at the flick of a button. With this fitted and in comfort mode, it does an amazing job of smoothing over bumps.
But even without this option, the Tiguan tackles those country roads well. Its body does not lean much in tight corners, which is brilliant for kids sitting in the back seats. There isn't much annoying wind and tire noise in the Tiguan, so long journeys will be less tiring.
The 2021 Tiguan is a loveable model. If this article doesn't persuade anyone reading it to purchase one, nothing will.