2020 VW Tiguan SE R Line Black AWD: The Brand’s Three-Row Compact Crossover

 

Highlight: The compact crossover is available with an optional third row.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $34,410 (S Model: $25,965)

Seating Capacity: 5 -7

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; a blind spot monitor and rear traffic alert system; front assist, side assist, and rear traffic alert; heatable exterior mirrors and a tire pressure monitoring system

Options: third row seats 

Standard Equipment (S): 17-inch wheels; front wheel drive; an 8-speed automatic transmission; 5 passenger; black roof rails; foldable side mirrors; a leather wrapped steering wheel; manually adjusted front seats; cloth seats reclining second row seats and slide feature, when equipped with third row seat;  manual controlled seats; fold flat third row seats; illuminated vanity mirrors; 6.5-inch infotainment screen; electric parking brakes; and automatic headlights

Standard Equipment (SE R Line Black): 20-inch wheels, fog lights with cornering functionality, and a panoramic sunroof, black roof rails, black-accented R-Line bumpers, black headliner, and interior, exterior R-Line badging; a keyless entry system; a dual zone climate control system; leather-like seating surfaces; a power driver's seat with memory; an 8-inch infotainment touch screen; SiriusXM

Other Trim Levels:

SE

S

SEL Premium R-Line 

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 6-speaker with AM/FM/

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbo/xxx-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 22-city/29-hwy

What’s New: The SE R Line black trim is an all-new addition to the 2020 model year portfolio.

Why: Everything that the first generation Tiguan was lacking has been addressed in the German brand’s compact crossover. The second generation Tiguan is larger, spacious, competitively priced and contains many of the driver safety aids that escaped the previous model.

The roomy vehicle has been designed with American car buyers in mind. The seats are comfortable, the second row seats partially recline and there is extra cargo space in the rear, when the third row seat isn’t in use. On highway trips the Tiguan feels and drives like its larger sibling, the American manufactured Atlas, the brand’s large three row crossover/SUV.

The Tiguan, which is powered by an 8-speed automatic transmission, has a start- stop feature that can be deactivated and a new engine, which allows for VW to ink out additional miles per gallon, as a result of these changes.

The brand's compact crossover available in a front wheel drive or an all wheel drive configuration. The Tiguan is also available in a variety of trim levels. We got our hands on the SE R-Line Black trim, which features 20-inch black alloy wheels, fog lights, an oversized roof and a black headliner. Our vehicle was also optioned out with a third-row seat too. 

Moreover, each Tiguan is equipped with the latest safety driving aids, too.

Lastly, the interior layout is well thought out. And the infotainment is easy to use and navigate.

But: VW adjusted their new car and powertrain warranty this year. The warranty has been downgraded from 6 years and 72,000 miles to 4 years and 50,000 miles for the 2020 model year.

Beyond bragging rights, as far as boasting seating the capacity, we’re not sure if you really want to stuff anyone in the third-row. In our opinion, let’s replace that row with extra cargo space. Also with the third-row, where do you place the cargo?

Verdict: With the Tiguan, VW has a competitive vehicle in this segment that can now rival the competition. Added to that, the vehicle now offers one of the best warranties in the industry.

And for the 2020 model year, VW join in the competition by adding-on a special Black trim.

Competition: 2020 Rogue (with 3 rows of seating)