2022 Volkswagen Tiguan - Refreshed CUV to Arrive… Eventually

Volkswagen just revealed the new Tiguan. For next year.

Why did the brand take the virtual wraps off the refreshed version of the Tiguan a year and a half before it goes on sale here, as a 2022 model? Because Europe gets it first. It goes on sale there “shortly.”

Might as well just gather media via Skype and tell us all about it now, apparently.

The refresh makes a digital gauge cluster standard and adds a couple of new pieces of driver-aid tech, and like with the Arteon, Europe will get a high-performance R trim and a plug-in hybrid.

Outside, the grille is larger, and it sort of blends into the LED headlamps (standard), while the bumpers also get a makeover. Rear lettering sees a changed font and the Tiguan lettering moves to below the VW badge, the available hands-free liftgate gets an update that’s unspecified in the press materials, and there are new wheels. New paint colors are available, too: Oryx White and Kings Red.

Inside, the steering wheel now adds capacitive-touch controls, and touch-screen controls for the available automatic-climate-control system are also new. Heated front seats are now standard. Wireless connection is now available for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and multiple phones can be paired. An 8-inch display is standard and a 10.25-inch display is available, and users will be able to personalize all kinds of settings from seat position on. Ambient lighting is available, and a Fender audio system remains standard on upper trims.

TravelAssist, which can take over steering, braking, and acceleration at speeds up to 130 mph, is now available. VW makes clear the driver remains in control at all times, but the system nevertheless uses existing adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist to work. The driver must keep his/her hands on the wheel while it’s in use. VW claims a touch-based system like this is more reliable, even on flat/straight roads, than similar systems that work off of steering angle.

The same powertrain combo that greeted buyers in 2018 carries over: A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, mating to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s front- or all-wheel drive.

Us Yanks and our Canuck neighbors will continue stocking dealers with the long-wheelbase Tiguan, which arrives here in the fall of 2021 as a 2022 model. All pics here are of the shorter-wheelbase European model.

Euros also get the R trim, which makes about 314 horsepower, and a plug-in hybrid that will make about 241 horsepower.

The changes are minor, but if they tickle your Tiguan fancy, circle your calendar for fall 2021. Until then, you can make do with the current model.

[Images: Volkswagen]