INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
In the modern era, cars keep getting bigger and bigger between generations
Or at least, they're certainly not getting smaller
That's especially true in America, where bigger is always better and the vehicles in the current crop of "compact" crossovers are now nearly
as large as full-size SUVs from a decade ago
VW purposefully refined the third-gen Tiguan to cater better to American consumer needs, which meant dropping the third row to create more
interior volume for the front and rear seats
The wheelbase still measures the same length at 109.9 inches (2,791 mm), but shorter overhangs mean the overall length actually shrinks by
Yet more efficient packaging on the inside also results in a marginal passenger volume increase of about two percent.To help keep pricing
attractive at below $30,000 to start, VW also decided to skip out on a hybrid variant, but the new EA888evo5 2.0 L turbocharged-four
nonetheless delivers more power and improved fuel economy
And all of the above actually contributes to the Tiguan losing weight while evolving from the second to third generation, shaving about 160
lbs (72.5 kg), depending on trim.
There's some ID.4 in here, but also a big helping of generic.
Michael Teo Van Runkle
There's some ID.4 in here, but also a big helping of generic.
Michael Teo Van
Runkle
19-inch wheels and tallish sidewalls helped the ride and handling.
Michael Teo Van Runkle
19-inch wheels and tallish sidewalls helped the ride and handling.
Michael
Teo Van Runkle
The venerable EA888 engine.
Michael Teo Van Runkle
The venerable EA888 engine.
Michael Teo Van Runkle
19-inch wheels and tallish sidewalls helped
the ride and handling.
Michael Teo Van Runkle
The venerable EA888 engine.
trims in Bozeman, Montana
At first glance, the new exterior definitely hews more closely to current crossover trends, which the Tiguan arguably helped to inaugurate
There's also a healthy dose of Volkswagen ID.4 design language throughout, especially at the nose
The interior truly steps up to a new level, though
I started out in an almost-base Tiguan SE, which means front-wheel drive and minimal options, not even onboard navigation.Like most buyers,
though, I connected my iPhone via Wireless CarPlay, which effectively makes onboard nav obsolete
touchpoints to enhance the impression of quality.
