2023 Volkswagen Tiguan: Brand best-seller offers bold design and advanced standard features
11/08/2022
Volkswagen
The Volkswagen Tiguan combines Volkswagen's hallmark fun-to-drive character with a spacious interior and flexible seating. The brand's best-selling vehicle slots above Taos in the compact SUV space and offers refinement and an advanced feature set at a value price point.
New for 2023
The Tiguan is available in four trims for 2023-S, SE, SE R-Line Black and SEL R-Line. After receiving a refresh for MY22, the Tiguan adds minor cosmetic changes including new 19-inch wheels for SE R-Line Black models.
MSRP for the 2023 Tiguan starts at $26,950 for the S with front-wheel drive and $28,450 for the S with 4Motion all-wheel drive. Destination is $1,295.
Exterior
After a refresh for model year 2022, an updated front end brings Tiguan in line with design cues first seen on Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport: the distinctive, low-slung bumper sits under a broad grille featuring Volkswagen's logo at its center. It is bookended with LED headlights, standard on every Tiguan, and an available illuminated grille light line. The distinctive side profile of the Tiguan boasts a strong character line running the length of the vehicle. Roof rails are black on S and SE R-Line Black models and silver on SE and SEL R-Line. Around back, standard LED taillights flank upscale lettering for the model name, which sits centrally below the logo. For 2023, seven colors are available: Atlantic Blue Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, Platinum Grey Metallic, Pyrite Silver Metallic, Pure White, Opal White Pearl and Kings Red
Both Tiguan R-Line trim levels carry R-Line badging, along with R-Line bumpers and body color-matched side sills.
S models come standard with 17-inch wheels, while SE models have 18-inch alloys. SE R-Line Black models sport 19-inch black alloy wheels, and SEL R-Line models offer 20-inch wheels. Tiguan S trims come with 215/65 all-season tires, with 235/55 on SE, 255/45 on SE R-Line Black and 255/40 on SEL R-Line.
Interior
Spacious and sophisticated, the Tiguan interior boasts upgraded comfort and convenience features, as well as a plethora of advanced technology. Getting on your way is easier than ever with standard KESSY(R) keyless access and push-button start, and remote start is standard from the SE trim. Heated front seats are now standard, with a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats as available options. A leatherette steering wheel is available on base models and standard on SE; SE R-Line Black comes equipped with a perforated leather-wrapped R-Line sport steering wheel, while SEL R-Line models feature a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel.
Interior colors include Titan Black, Storm Grey, Cinnamon, and Noisette. Tiguan S models come with cloth seats; SE and SE R-Line Black models feature leatherette seating surfaces and SEL R-Line trims have leather seating surfaces. The SE and SE R-Line Black front seats include an 8-way power driver's seat with lumbar adjustment and a 6-way adjustable passenger's seat. SEL R-Line models add 3-position driver-seat memory, and an 8-way power passenger's seat.
The seating versatility of Tiguan continues to set it apart from its competition. In front-wheel-drive Tiguan offerings, three rows of seating are standard, providing space for up to seven with a 50/50 split third row that folds down for extra cargo space. It has 12 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 33 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.3 cubic feet when all seats are folded. When configured with 4Motion all-wheel drive, 2023 Tiguan models come standard with two rows, including a 40/20/40 rear bench. There is 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Dual-zone Climatronic(R) automatic climate control is standard on Tiguan SE and above, and features touch-sensitive controls in the center stack. Wireless App-Connect and wireless charging for compatible devices are standard features on SE models and above.
R-Line models feature a standard 30-color LED ambient lighting system. Coordinated with the Driving Mode Selection feature, the system provides soothing indirect white light in the Normal profile, red light in the Sport profile and blue light in the Eco profile. The driver can set any of the colors using Manual or Custom mode.
To let the outside into the Tiguan cabin, there is an available panoramic glass tilt-and-slide sunroof. This aerodynamically and acoustically optimized panoramic roof is comprised of an opening glass panel at the front and a fixed glass panel at the rear. It features pinch protection and an electrically operated one-touch sunshade that covers the inside of the entire glass area. The expansive sunroof is available on the SE trim and is standard on top trims.
MIB Infotainment. All 2023 Tiguan models feature innovative Volkswagen MIB touchscreen infotainment systems. The displays utilize a capacitive-touch sensor (as in smartphone and tablet technology) rather than the more common resistive touchscreens, which require pressure, enabling controls like swiping and even pinch-zooming. App-Connect smartphone integration for compatible devices is standard and offers users the ability to run select smartphone apps directly on the vehicle's display through services such as Apple CarPlay(R), Android Auto(TM) and MirrorLink(R).
The Tiguan S trim is equipped with the MIB2 Composition Color unit, which features a 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display. The infotainment system includes two USB-C ports-upgraded to 45W charging (later availability) for 2023-and Bluetooth(R) technology for compatible devices.
All other Tiguan models are equipped with the third-generation modular infotainment matrix (MIB3). The MIB3 infotainment system features a glass-covered 8.0-inch display, wireless App-Connect with multi-phone pairing that can switch between compatible devices, enhanced voice recognition, and four USB-C ports, one of which is dedicated for charging. Tiguan SE and SE R-Line Black are equipped with the Composition Media unit, featuring HD radio and SiriusXM(R) with 360L (3-month Premium Plan trial). SEL R-Line models feature Discover Media, featuring a redesigned navigation system with simplified and enhanced map designs, intuitive route options, quick access to frequently visited locations, and advanced route management. With a paid Car-Net Hotspot subscription and Plus Nav package, maps can be automatically updated with the most up-to-date traffic and construction information.
Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. The advanced Volkswagen Digital Cockpit system, standard on all Tiguan models, presents drivers with a fully digital instrument cluster. S, SE, and SE R-Line Black models feature an 8-inch display with two views and customizable widgets to show a variety of vehicle information. SEL R-Line models upgrade to a 10.25-inch fully configurable Digital Cockpit Pro with three views-including full-screen navigation for equipped models-and 21 viewing options, including car status, navigation, driving data, phone information, driver assistance features, and more.
SiriusXM with 360L. Tiguan SE models and above offer the most advanced audio entertainment platform-SiriusXM with 360L. SiriusXM's next-generation platform combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience and provides more options than before, including access to more than 10,000 hours of SiriusXM's On Demand content, and more live entertainment, available by subscription (three-month Platinum Plan trial subscription included). SiriusXM with 360L's personalized "For You" recommendations help listeners to discover more of what they love. The enhanced sports play-by-play offering makes it easier to find the listener's favorite team when it is game time, and individual listener profiles allow multiple drivers and passengers to customize their own favorite channels. You can see the all the features and benefits of SiriusXM with 360L in action in this video.
Fender Premium Audio. There are two speaker configurations for Tiguan-most models include six speakers, while SEL R-Line trims feature the Fender Premium Audio System with nine speakers. The Fender Premium Audio System was meticulously engineered to create the emotion of a live performance for all passengers.
The system was developed through collaboration between Fender, the legendary music amplification experts, and Panasonic(R). A powerful, 480-watt, 12-channel amp delivers arena-sized sound to the Tiguan cabin. There are nine speakers in total, including Super TwinTM front-door speakers and a BassmanTM subwoofer. The Super Twin units are 200-mm dual voice-coil woofers that are specifically engineered for improved front-stage imaging and bass response, while the subwoofer, with a single voice-coil setup, ensures Fender's signature audio experience is enjoyable across all rows.
Volkswagen Car-Net(R). Since its debut for the 2014 model year, Volkswagen Car-Net has allowed Volkswagen owners to get connected to their vehicles. For model year 2023, Car-Net Services will be offered in three areas: Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot. For vehicles equipped with a MIB3 system and an active data plan, additional online features are available with a paid subscription that provides enhanced navigation and infotainment.
Car-Net Remote Access allows owners the ability to interact with their vehicle from miles away via the myVW mobile app. It is offered at no additional charge for five years from the date of vehicle purchase. Features include remote start and stop (if equipped), remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash of lights, last parked location, and remote vehicle status display, which provides information on estimated fuel level and mileage and door and window status.
VW Car-Net skills for Amazon AlexaTM are now available for most new Volkswagen vehicles. To set up, owners should open the skills page associated with their car model in their Alexa app and link the skill to their VW Car-Net account. This will allow them to use their voice on an Alexa-enabled device to ask Alexa to send remote commands from the comfort of their own home-for instance: "Alexa, ask Car-Net to honk my horn."
For vehicles equipped with factory-installed navigation systems, Car-Net can make customers' lives easier by locating off-street parking information and sending destinations or points of interest directly to their car from the app. Powered by ParkopediaTM, the Parking Information feature can help make owners' lives easier by locating off-street parking information. Through the Navigate tab on the app, users can click the "P" icon to show available parking locations, either in the immediate vicinity or near a Point of Interest. Clicking on a specific location will display the address, hours of operation and pricing. Users can also send the location to their car's navigation system, if so equipped, by clicking the "Send to Vehicle" button.
Vehicle Health Reports can provide owners easy access to diagnostic information. Reports generate automatically each month after enrollment and are sent directly to the email address in the owner's profile; owners can also request updated reports anytime through the mobile app. When it's time for scheduled service, Car-Net can not only notify the customer, but also provides a simple way to schedule a dealer visit.
Family Guardian services and Roadside Call Assist can provide added peace-of-mind no matter who is driving. Speed Alert notifies the owner when the pre-determined maximum speed limit is exceeded. Boundary Alert lets the owner know when the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary. Curfew Alert notifies the owner if the vehicle is driven while curfew alert is on. Valet Alert warns if the vehicle is driven more than 0.2 miles from the valet drop-off location. The myVW app allows users to control who receives notifications by designating primary and secondary users, with varying levels of control and functionality for each. Notifications can come in the form of text messages, emails, or push notifications from the mobile app itself. If the vehicle is disabled, Roadside Call Assist is available at the touch of the wrench button.
By enrolling in the DriveView(TM) program, Car-Net users may be eligible for discounted rates from some of the top automotive insurance companies in the country. This program can also help Car-Net users monitor their driving by tracking activities like night driving, hard braking, idle time, and excess speed. These factors all contribute to an overall driving score, which is visible within the mobile app.
Car-Net Safe & Secure is a paid subscription service that includes Information Assistance, Emergency Assistance, Automatic Crash Notification, Anti-Theft Alert, and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance. The current subscription price is $159 per year before taxes and fees, and automatically renews annually at the end of the subscription term, unless cancelled. Information Assistance-accessed through the i-call button within the vehicle-allows the driver to speak to a Car-Net agent for support needs, such as points of interest and account services. Emergency Assistance can be accessed through the SOS button in the vehicle, and, if a cellular connection can be established, puts the driver in contact with the Car-Net service center, who can direct emergency responders to the vehicle's location and notify the user's Emergency Contact. Provided a cellular connection can be established, Automatic Crash Notification can help automatically notify an operator who can quickly contact first responders in the event of a collision. Anti-Theft Alert sends a push notification to the user if the vehicle's anti-theft alarm is triggered, and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance uses Car-Net to assist law enforcement with locating the vehicle in the event that it is stolen.
Car-Net Hotspot allows passengers to access the internet with up to four connected devices simultaneously, including compatible tablets, smartphones, laptops, gaming devices, and more-at 4G LTE-enabled speed. Volkswagen recently introduced Carrier of Choice, giving our customers the option to select a data plan from either VerizonTM or T-Mobile (R). With just a few clicks in the myVW mobile app or at vw.com/carnet, owners can add their new Volkswagen vehicle to their existing mobile data plan or purchase a new one. Verizon Wireless or T-Mobile customers with an existing mobile data plan can simply add their Volkswagen vehicle as a new line item to their existing monthly bill; non-Verizon or T-Mobile customers can set up an unlimited plan for $20/month, taxes and fees may apply.
Car-Net Hotspot also offers additional annual paid subscription packages to enhance the navigation and infotainment experience for MY23 VW owners with a factory-installed MIB3 infotainment system. With an active data plan, the Plus Nav package ($69/year) allows drivers to access online map updates, traffic reports, fuel prices, and parking information. The Plus Speech package ($9/year) offers advance voice controls using natural language to enhance map destination entry for addresses and points of interest. The Plus Online Radio Package ($29/year) offers online internet radio with 30,000+ radio stations and podcasts. Media streaming apps can also be accessed at no additional charge, including iHeartRadioTM and TIDALTM (both require existing accounts).
Powertrain
The Volkswagen Tiguan is powered by an advanced 2.0-liter EA888 four-cylinder engine. This version of the benchmark EA888 four-cylinder, turbocharged and direct-injection engine uses an innovative modification to the conventional four-stroke cycle, offering an outstanding combination of power, efficiency, and responsiveness. It incorporates a modified version of the Miller cycle for improved combustion efficiency. The upshot is 184 horsepower that kicks in at 4,400 rpm, and maximum torque of 221 pound-feet is available from just 1,600 rpm. All Tiguan trims are equipped with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission.
A Start/Stop system is standard for all Tiguan trims, and is designed to help improve fuel efficiency. This technology stops the engine during idle when the brake pedal is held (such as when waiting at a red light). When the brake pedal is released, the engine quickly restarts.
Tiguan models configured with front-wheel drive have 15.3-gallon fuel tanks; models with 4Motion all-wheel drive feature 15.9-gallon tanks. EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers for front-wheel drive S models are 24 mpg in city driving, 31 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in combined driving; SE and R-Line front-wheel drive models are rated at 23 city, 30 highway and 26 combined. EPA-estimated fuel economy for S and SE models with 4Motion all-wheel drive are rated at 22 mpg in city driving, 29 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg in combined driving; R-Line 4Motion models are rated at 21 city, 28 highway and 24 combined.
Tiguan models have a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs when equipped with a dealer- or port-installed trailer hitch.
Driving Mode Selection. All Tiguan models offer the Driving Mode Selection feature as standard equipment. This system includes four modes to choose from: "Normal," "Sport," "Eco," and "Individual." Normal mode gives a balanced drive experience, while Sport is tuned for a more dynamic throttle response, more steering weight and more spirited ACC settings. Eco mode optimizes shift points, throttle response and climate control settings for improved fuel economy compared to other drive modes. Individual allows a driver to tailor the steering and throttle, ACC, and climate control settings.
4Motion All-wheel-drive System
Tiguan can be equipped with the 4Motion with Active Control all-wheel-drive system. The latest generation 4Motion system is designed to activate before wheelspin occurs, helping eliminate traction losses. The system achieves this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions. When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, the front wheels are driven and the rear wheels are decoupled, helping to save fuel. However, the rear wheels can be engaged automatically in fractions of a second whenever necessary via the center differential, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump.
A control unit continually calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear wheels and controls how much the multi-plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle. So, the amount of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to continuously vary the amount of torque going between the front and rear wheels, up to a maximum of 50 percent at the rear axle.
In addition to the center differential that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks that are a function of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system act laterally. The system can briefly brake a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side.
Active Control. All Tiguan models with 4Motion all-wheel drive feature Active Control, which allows the driver to select specific vehicle profiles based on driving conditions. It has four settings: Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad. Within the "Onroad" setting, additional options are offered: Normal, Sport, Comfort, and Individual. These alter operating parameters for drive systems like the engine, transmission, steering, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), as well as traction-assistance systems like Hill Descent Assist and Hill Start Assist. The singular user interface is highly intuitive, comprising both a rotary knob and a push-button. Turning the knob engages the various drive modes, while pushing the button triggers a pop-up menu on the screen of the infotainment system, allowing the driver to fine tune the Onroad mode.
Onroad mode is the default setting. Here, Tiguan automatically varies the drive distribution between the two axles, accounting for road conditions. A press of the button triggers the driving profile selection screen to pop up on the infotainment screen, offering the driver a choice of "Normal", "Sport", "Eco", and "Individual" drive modes. Within each, the tuning parameters for the engine control, gearbox, steering, and optional ACC are varied.
In Snow mode, the response curve of the accelerator pedal is flattened to help negate unintentional and excessive wheelspin, and the transmission upshifts earlier to help optimize traction. Communicating with the accelerator pedal and individual wheel speed sensors, the Traction Control System (TCS) helps reduce engine power the moment it detects slippage. The sensitivity of the system is more relaxed in straight-line situations to allow adequate power transfer, while the limits are tightened in cornering, where traction is of paramount importance. Last but not least, ACC is switched to the more defensive "Eco" driving profile when in Snow mode.
Offroad mode offers similar throttle and transmission characteristics to Snow mode, adding manual control of transmission shifting via Tiptronic(R) (only the throttle kickdown switch will force a downshift). The Start/Stop system is switched off in this mode, and ACC operates normally. The ESC system is relaxed to help avoid false positives often encountered off-road, and Hill Descent Control is automatically activated on gradients of more than 10 percent. It functions up at speeds between 1 mph and 19 mph and is adjustable via brake or throttle.
With unique Offroad ABS programming, the wheels can lock up briefly before the system reduces the brake pressure. This allows time for a small wedge of material from the ground (such as gravel or sand) to build up in front of the wheel, thus helping increase the braking effect. This means that the car remains steerable while its stopping distance is reduced. Custom Offroad mode allows the driver to alter the steering, engine and transmission behavior, as well as Hill Descent Assist and Hill Start Assist.
Chassis
Mounted in a lightweight, one piece, strengthened steel subframe, the strut-type front suspension on Tiguan has lower control arms and long-travel coil springs. At the rear, the robust four-link system has been designed to cope with the rigors of driving off paved surfaces and to accommodate the available 4Motion all-wheel drive.
Electro-mechanical power steering with variable assistance contributes to the fun-to-drive character of the Tiguan. At highway speeds, the steering becomes firm and direct, while at parking speeds, assistance is increased.
An impressive braking system matches the athletic performance of Tiguan. At the front are 13.4-inch -diameter vented discs, with 11.8-inch-diameter solid discs at the rear. The system features a brake disc drying feature to help remove water from the rotors to optimize wet-weather braking, as well as Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA). All Tiguan models also feature an electronic parking brake.
Safety and Driver Assistance
To help protect occupants, Tiguan provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It features six airbags as standard (front and side airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions), along with a number of electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). All Tiguan models feature a standard rearview camera.
Another standard feature on the Tiguan is Volkswagen's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact-the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps address this, in certain crash scenarios, by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus potentially reducing residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.
Tiguan also includes Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.
Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE(R) advanced driver assistance technology features hands-on semi-automated capability. On the highway, IQ.DRIVE features lane centering and a capacitive steering wheel to make driving easier. Around town, IQ.DRIVE alerts the driver of possible obstacles ahead, and keeps an eye around the vehicle to help make driving safer.
The IQ.DRIVE system is available on S trim as a package, and is standard on SE models and up. The system utilizes front and rear radar, a front camera and several ultrasound sensors to collect data from the surrounding area, enabling Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance), Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring), Active Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop & Go, Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System), and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency).
Travel Assist, available on S trim in the IQ.DRIVE package and standard on SE models and up, enables partially-automated hands-on driving from 0 to 95 mph. Travel Assist can be activated by a button on the steering wheel and uses the ACC and Lane Assist features to help to steer as well as accelerate and brake the vehicle in response to traffic while keeping it centered within lane markings. This allows the driver to observe driving tasks while using minimal force on the wheel. It is the driver's responsibility to continuously monitor the system, remain alert, and maintain control of the vehicle at all times. To ensure this, Travel Assist monitors the capacitive steering wheel to make sure the driver has their hands on it. Vehicles equipped with Side Assist offer a driver-initiated lane change, adding another level of automation.
Front Assist, standard on every Tiguan, is intended to warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles and pedestrians, and in some cases provide automatic braking assistance (Automatic Emergency Braking).
Within physical system limits, Forward Collision Warning warns the driver of potential critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a warning symbol in the instrument cluster if the car is traveling above 18 mph. Furthermore, an automatic jolt of the brakes can warn the driver of potential danger. If the driver fails to brake, Automatic Emergency Braking is activated to help slow the vehicle. If the car is traveling below 18 mph and the system detects a potential front-end collision, Automatic Emergency Braking activates without a prior acoustic and visual warning. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure is increased by the system (Braking Support).
Side Assist (Blind Spot Monitor) is standard on every Tiguan. Side Assist uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and is intended to warn drivers of the presence of other vehicles in adjacent lanes. An LED symbol in the mirror housing illuminates if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, and flashes if the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change while a vehicle is detected. The system is designed to help alert drivers in specific situations; stationary objects or passed vehicles do not trigger warnings, nor do vehicles more than one lane across away from the vehicle.
Active Side Assist, available on S trim in the IQ.DRIVE package and standard on SE models and up, not only warns the driver, but within system limits, it can also countersteer to help keep the car in the lane even if the turn signal is on. If the driver still tries to steer out of the lane, the system will alert with an additional vibration of the steering wheel.
The Rear Traffic Alert system, standard on all Tiguan models, is intended to detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing. The system offers a 180-degree view from the back of the car with a range of 65 feet and will present a visual and an acoustic warning if a potential collision with a crossing vehicle is detected. If the driver does not react, the system can apply the brakes to help mitigate and, in the best case, help prevent a collision. The system is activated by putting the car in reverse.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop & Go, available on S trim in the IQ.DRIVE package and standard on SE and up, uses a forward facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. Buttons on the multifunction steering wheel turn ACC on and off and set the speed and spacing, while the accelerator can be used to override the ACC function. Pressing the brakes always cancels the ACC function. All ACC-related system messages appear in the central multifunction display.
When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is clear, the system maintains the set speed. Tiguan models fitted with ACC can match a vehicle in front and come to a stop if the vehicle in front does. If the car in front moves within three seconds, ACC will resume automatically to the set speed. If the car stands longer than three seconds, the driver can resume ACC control by pressing the accelerator pedal or the "resume" button on the steering wheel.
Lane Assist is available on S trim in the IQ.DRIVE package and standard on SE and up. When driving above 40 mph, if the system's camera recognizes visible lane markings and, using a special algorithm, calculates that the vehicle is unintentionally straying from its lane without using a turn signal, Lane Assist actively countersteers to help keep the vehicle in the lane. Lane centering can be enabled in the HMI settings as well. If the driver takes their hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, the system provides an audible warning and a visual signal in the instrument cluster, alerting the driver to take over.
The system will not engage if it cannot properly detect lane markings. If the turn signal has been set before crossing a lane marking, the Lane Assist system will not engage or give a warning. The driver can override the system at any time by applying minimal force to the steering wheel.
Emergency Assist, available on S trims in the IQ.DRIVE package and standard on SE and above, can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver is incapacitated. Emergency Assist constantly monitors the driver's attentiveness by checking the input of their hands on the steering wheel. If the system does not detect driver input, a series of warnings (visual, audible, and brake jolts) will occur. If still no input is detected, Emergency Assist will slow the vehicle to a gradual stop in its own lane. Emergency Assist constantly monitors driver input and hand placement regardless of the status of other driver-assistance systems.
In addition to IQ.DRIVE, Tiguan has available Park Distance Control, Park Assist (Parking Steering Assistant), Dynamic Road Sign Display, Light Assist (High Beam Control for headlights), and Area View (Overhead View Camera).
Park Distance Control, standard on SE R-Line Black and SEL R-Line models, uses ultrasonic sensors located in the front and rear bumpers to monitor a range of up to approximately five feet behind the vehicle. The system may activate below 9 mph and helps provide guidance when parking or in tight spaces. The system has audible and visual warnings when the car starts to approach parked cars or static objects of sufficient size from the rear.
Maneuver Braking, a part of the Park Distance Control system, is intended to mitigate or help prevent collisions with detected static obstacles to the rear while the vehicle is maneuvered. The system is active between 1-6 mph. If the system detects a stationary object, it can apply the brakes automatically to help prevent or mitigate a collision. The system can be deactivated at any time using the touch display or permanently in the setup menu.
Park Assist is standard on SEL R-Line trims. This system can automatically steer the car into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces (the latter both forward and in reverse). While driving below 25 mph, pressing the Park Assist button in the center console will activate the system to scan the left and right sides of the vehicle for parking spots. By using the turn signal indicator, the driver can indicate which side of the road they would like to park. When the system detects a space, "Parking Space Found" will appear in the multifunction display. The driver only needs to activate the accelerator pedal and brake once a gear is selected, as Park Assist can automatically help steer the vehicle into the parking space. The driver can override or deactivate the steering assistance at any time by turning the steering wheel, or pressing the button.
Dynamic Road Sign Display, standard on SEL R-Line models, uses a forward-facing camera to detect and read road signs. After verifying the information with signage data stored in the onboard navigation, the system alerts the driver on the Discover Media screen in the center console, and on the Digital Cockpit instrument display.
Two final driver assistance features, standard on SEL R-Line models, help provide drivers with better visibility. Light Assist automatically switches on the headlamp high beams above 37 mph on dark or poorly lit roads, if there is no oncoming traffic detected. Below 18 mph, the high beams automatically switch off. Area View uses the car's four cameras to supplement the driver's view of what is around the vehicle.
Warranty & Maintenance
Every 2023 Tiguan comes with a bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty and Carefree Maintenance Program. The warranty provides coverage for four years or 50,000-miles (whichever occurs first) and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration. The Carefree Maintenance Program provides scheduled maintenance services for 2 years or 20,000 miles (whichever occurs first) at no additional charge and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration.
Competitive Set
Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4,