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Volkswagen's 2023 Tiguan unveils standout styling, plush in-cabin comfort and a vast selection of winter-friendly tech features.
The midsize SUV gets a new steering wheel, touch-sensitive controls and a digital instrument panel. It comes in four trim levels: S, SE, SE R-Line Black and SEL R-Line.
Both R-Line trim levels carry unique badging, along with R-Line bumpers and color-matched side sills.
Under the Hood
The 2023 Tiguan offers an advanced 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine churns out 184 hp and maximum 222 Ib-ft of torque.
Equipped on all trims is an eight-speed automatic transmission and a direct-injection powertrain which uses an innovative technology to increase combustion efficiency in cold temperatures.
Available 4Motion with Active Control allows drivers to pick customized vehicle profiles for different weather conditions. In Snow mode, the transmission shifts to a higher gear to maintain stability on snowy roads and prevent excessive wheelspins.
A complimentary Traction Control System reduces engine power when the SUV encounters icy surfaces and prevents the Tiguan from skidding off the road, particularly when approaching curves or tight corners.
Models configured with front-wheel drive are fitted with 15.3-gallon fuel tanks, while 4Motion all-wheel drive variants carry 15.9-gallon tanks.
EPA-estimated fuel numbers for the S model are 24 mpg in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway. SE and R-Line variants come with ratings of 23 city and 30 highway.
Comfort and Convenience
Entry-level amenities include a 6.5-inch touchscreen, six-speaker stereo system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Mirror Link, a Wi-Fi Hotspot and two USB ports.
Heated front seating is fitted with 8-way lumbar adjustment and dual-zone automatic climate control is available for customized warm temperatures. Optional infotainment features include an 8-inch touchscreen, nine-speaker audio system, satellite radio, HD radio and wireless device charging.
Front drive versions have seating for up to seven people across three rows, While AWD models offer a two-row interior with room for five.
Cargo space behind the third row is 12 cubic feet. When all seats are folded flat, the maximum storage capacity is 65.3 cubic feet, which is enough space for family luggage and fitness equipment for winter travels.
Safety
Featured are six airbags (front/side for front passengers and side curtain bags for outboard seating positions).
An Intelligent Crash Response System shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the SUV is involved in an accident.
VW's IQ DRIVE combines passive and active safety systems to keep Tiguan occupants safe.
Basic driver-assistance technology features:
- Front Collision Warning (warns of impending collisions in winter fogs)
- Automated Emergency Braking
- Pedestrian Recognition (recognizes human movement in hazy conditions)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Blind-Spot Monitoring (detects vehicles in blind zone)
Voluntary upgrades:
- Lane Departure Warning (warns when vehicle veers off traveling lane)
- Lane-Keeping Assistance
- Surround-View Parking Cameras
- Traffic-Sign Recognition
- Adaptive Cruise Control (helps vehicle maintain safe distance from cars in-front in the same lane by adjusting speed)
- Emergency Braking in Reverse (helps avoid colliding with obstacles when moving in reverse)
- Drive Drowsiness Monitor (monitors head movements and facial expressions)
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