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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: The Adjustments Pay Off

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line | Photo: Auto123
  • EPA Category: Compact SUV
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    Khatir Soltani
    Powertrain tweaks make the SUV more competitive this year
    The all-new 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line
    The all-new 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line | Photo: Auto123

    •    Auto123 reviews the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line. Here's what you need to know.

    The Volkswagen Tiguan needs no introduction. It's a popular compact SUV in Canada and has been since it first appeared on the market in 2009, even as it has grown considerable in size over the years. 

    In case you’re wondering, the Tiguan takes its name from a combination of ‘tiger’ and ‘iguana’. For us, since the model got its first big refont in 2018, it became more Iguana than Tiger. Its engine lacked punch and its wasn’t much of a pleasure to drive. Positioned in a highly competitive market, it did find success in part by offering a slightly firmer ride and, above all, an optional third row. 

    What's new for the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?

    After the overhaul given the Tiguan for 2022, there are no major changes for the 2023 model-year. New are 19-inch wheels for the Comfortline R-Line version and 20-inch wheels for the Highline in R-Line trim. 

    White 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
    White 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan | Photo: Auto123

    Exterior of the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan: 7.5/10

    The 2023 Tiguan features a modernized, dynamic exterior design, with a reworked grille, new, slimmer LED headlamps and a more sculpted hood since the 2022 makeover. The alloy wheels were also redesigned, and the overall silhouette of the vehicle slightly modified. We like the look of the front end, but especially in Highline trim, which gets a nicer front light signature.

    Interior of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
    Interior of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan | Photo: Auto123

    Interior of the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan: 7/10

    The Tiguan offers a spacious, comfortable interior. Although the aesthetics are classically Volkswagen, the cabin is functional. The front seats are heated and offer excellent lumbar support, while the rear bench can comfortably accommodate three adults. However, legroom in the second row, which is configurable 40-20-40, may be limited if you opt for the third-row option. The third row is really appropriate only for emergency lifts or to accommodate small children. 

    The digital instrument panel is available in two sizes: 8 inches in the base model, and 10.25 inches in the higher versions. The screens are clear and easy to use, but the larger one is superfluous in our opinion, not worth the extra cost to get a bunch of non-essential info. 

    Touchscreen of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line
    Touchscreen of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line | Photo: Auto123

    The multimedia system is available in 8-inch format on all versions except the Trendline, the base version, which settles for a 6.5-inch screen. The system is easy to use, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect wirelessly except on the base version. 

    While the base version has fabric seats, all other versions have imitation leather for their seating. The most expensive trim, Highline R-Line, has the front and rear seat centre strips in perforated “Vienna” leather.

    The 7-seat Tiguan offers a measly 340 litres behind the third row, but that grows to 934 litres with those kiddie seats tucked away, and to 1,860 litres with the second row folded down. The 5-seat SUV gives you 1,065 litres with all seats in place, and 2,081 litres behind the front row.

    Digital cluster of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line
    Digital cluster of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line | Photo: Auto123

    Safety and technology in the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan: 7.5/10

    The 2023 Tiguan is equipped with an array of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and a blind spot monitor. For Canadian winters, its 4-wheel-drive system - 4Motions - is really effective, and it even has hill descent control. 

    Standard safety features are plentiful, but some of the more advanced functions are only available on higher versions.

    What's more, like many other manufacturers, VW offers the Car-Net application for all versions. Features include navigation, vehicle status information, remote climate control, vehicle location and safety monitoring. Car-Net can also be used to set up speed alerts, geographical no-go zones or driving zones, and to share the vehicle's location with others.

    Front of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
    Front of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan | Photo: Auto123

    Driving the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan: 6/10

    It has to be said, the 2023 Tiguan comes from some way back. During our tests of the 2022 model, we found the Tiguan very limited in terms of its powertrain. When overtaking or entering the freeway, acceleration was not always reassuring. 

    Fortunately, VW has made adjustments for 2023, and although engine power has not been increased (still 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque), the 8-speed transnmission and engine are now better tuned. As a result, low-speed acceleration is a little livelier and, above all, much more reassuring. At highway speeds, nothing has changed, but the vehicle is still slow to pick up speed. In that respect, we're still in Iguana territory...

    Fuel consumption of the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan: 7/10

    During our week, we consistently were able to dip below 8.0L/100 km. After 550 km, we finished with a fuel consumption reading of 9.4L/100 km, mainly in mixed driving conditions. Smack dab on Volkswagen's official figure. 

    That's still a bit high compared with the competition, but with many distances completed at low speed and very often under 20 km, it's understandable. We forgive you Iguana.

    The rear of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
    The rear of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan | Photo: Auto123

    The final word
    Those improvements to the powertrain make the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan an option to be considered in its class. Although it's in a highly competitive segment, it has the merit of offering German driving and technology at a competitive price.

    The base Trendline model starts at $36,632, and the Comfortline at $40,632. Our test model, the Comfortline R-Line, retails at $43,632 and in return it delivers a sportier, more adventurous feel. The top of the range, the Highline R-Line costs $47,132; it offers a lot, but that’s starting to get very expensive for a Tiguan.

    Here are a few of your questions about the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

    Which Tiguan offers the best value for money?
    We'd go for the Comfortline R-Line version we tested. The price versus equipment ratio seems fair to us, and not only does this variant give the model a different style. 

    Strong points

    • R-Line package
    • Space and comfort
    • Third row of seats (option)
    • Fuel economy

    Weak points

    • Digital cluster (larger screen)
    • Lack of power under the hood
    • Rear design is timid
    Design of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line
    Design of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line | Photo: Auto123

    Competitors of the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

    These vehicles offer similar features in terms of interior space, technology, safety and performance, and can be popular alternatives for consumers looking for a compact SUV. If you're looking for a third row, only the Mitsubishi offers this configuration as standard. The Tiguan also offers it, but for an extra $800. 

    Test conditions

    Weather conditions: Winter temperatures
    Road type: Suburban, generally
    Speed: 50 to 70 km/h, generally
    Test duration: One week for 550 km

    Specifications sheet of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Trendline

    Specifications sheet of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline

    Specifications sheet of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line Black Edition

    Specifications sheet of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan 2023 Highline R-Line

     

    The rear of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line
    The rear of 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Comfortline R-Line | Photo: Auto123
    Khatir Soltani
    Khatir Soltani
    Automotive expert
    • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
    • Over 50 test drives in the last year
    • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada