2022 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN | 3VV2B7AX9NM129948

Body Styles

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover SUV available in two formats: a long-wheelbase (LWB) version with optional third-row seating for North America and select global markets, and a short-wheelbase (SWB) 5-seater for most European countries. Both body styles feature a clean, understated design, defined by sharp shoulder lines, broad grilles, and LED lighting signatures that evolved with the 2022 refresh. The facelift brought slimmer LED headlights, revised bumpers, and new R-Line styling cues, enhancing its modern, upscale appeal.

With its high beltline, raised hood, and slightly sloped rear window, the Tiguan combines urban-friendly dimensions with SUV presence. The LWB version offers a more stretched profile and usable third row, while the SWB remains a balanced, efficient 5-seater with generous cargo space and easy maneuverability. Regardless of configuration, the Tiguan is designed for practical, modern family mobility with premium styling restraint.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

“Tiguan” is a blended name derived from the German words "Tiger" and "Leguan" (iguana) — chosen through a public naming contest by German magazine readers. The name reflects the vehicle’s intent to be nimble and strong like a tiger, while remaining versatile and adaptable like an iguana — a metaphor for its urban and outdoor dual-purpose nature.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

“Tiguan” has gained global recognition as Volkswagen’s compact SUV identity. Its unique phonetics make it memorable and distinguish it from traditional alphanumeric competitors. The name fits Volkswagen’s strategy of giving SUVs animal-inspired names that evoke movement, adaptability, and strength.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan, produced from 2018 through 2024, showcases a refined yet versatile aesthetic that balances German minimalism with urban practicality. Its body color palette evolves slightly over the years but consistently offers a mix of conservative and expressive options to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Classic hues such as Pure White, Platinum Gray Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, and Reflex Silver Metallic provide a clean, timeless look that emphasizes the Tiguan’s structured, horizontal design lines. For drivers seeking something bolder, Volkswagen introduced more colorful choices like Silk Blue Metallic, Cardinal Red Metallic, Stone Blue Metallic, and later, Kings Red Metallic and Pyrite Silver Metallic. The R-Line and SE trims occasionally feature body-colored cladding or blacked-out accents to elevate visual presence.

Interior color schemes across trims are practical and upscale in feel, with an emphasis on durability and visual clarity. Base trims like S and SE typically offer Titan Black cloth or Storm Gray, with straightforward dashboards and brushed metal-look trim. Higher trims such as SEL and SEL R-Line introduce V-Tex leatherette or genuine leather seating surfaces in shades like Titan Black, Storm Gray, or Saffrano Orange and Black in the R-Line. The cabin layout is unmistakably Volkswagen — symmetrical, ergonomic, and minimal, with soft-touch upper dash materials, ambient lighting in premium trims, and touchscreen interfaces that integrate seamlessly with the center stack.

Wheel offerings vary by trim and model year, but all emphasize proportion and European sensibility. Base models generally come with 17-inch alloy wheels in simple, multi-spoke or split-spoke designs with a silver finish. SE trims commonly feature 18-inch alloy wheels, while SEL and R-Line trims ride on 19- or 20-inch wheels, often in machined-face, two-tone, or dark gray metallic finishes that enhance the Tiguan’s confident stance. The R-Line in particular features unique wheel designs with sharper spokes, gloss black accents, and more aggressive styling cues, helping to define the sportier personality of the trim.

Throughout its 2018–2024 run, the Volkswagen Tiguan maintains a careful balance between understated elegance and everyday usability, with its body and interior colors — along with well-tailored wheel designs — contributing to a look that’s distinctly European, subtly upscale, and adaptable to a broad range of tastes.

Top Expensive Options

• Digital Cockpit Pro with Custom Views and Navigation Integration: $800
• Fender Premium Audio System (8 Speakers, Subwoofer): $600
• Panoramic Power Sunroof with Sunshade: $1,200
• IQ.DRIVE Suite with Adaptive Cruise, Lane Assist, Emergency Braking: Standard or $1,000
• Heated and Ventilated Front Seats with Memory Function: $700
• Area View 360° Camera System with Park Assist: $850
• Wireless App-Connect (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto): Standard (2022+)
• Third-Row Seating Package (LWB only): $595
• Power Liftgate with Kick-to-Open Function: $500
• R-Line Exterior & Interior Package with 20” Wheels: $1,600

vs Competitors

The Tiguan competes with the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, and Ford Escape. While others offer hybrid powertrains or more aggressive styling, the Tiguan emphasizes European refinement, composed ride quality, and understated elegance. Compared to the RAV4 or CR-V, the Tiguan offers better highway manners and a quieter cabin, though it falls behind in fuel economy. Against the CX-5, the Tiguan trades handling sharpness for space and comfort. Its optional third row gives it an edge in flexibility, and its minimalist interior design remains a strong draw for buyers who prefer premium-like simplicity over flashy tech.

Fun Fact

The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s best-selling model globally, surpassing even the Golf in total units sold. The long-wheelbase version sold in North America is built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and offers one of the only third-row options in the compact SUV class. In China, it's sold under two nameplates — Tiguan L and Tiguan X — with the latter featuring a coupe-style roof. With over 6 million units sold worldwide since 2007, the Tiguan has become a cornerstone of VW’s global strategy, balancing practicality with clean European aesthetics.