The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R is a smile-inducing machine, offering a rare combination of performance and practicality in its price range. While the interior may lack the premium feel expected at this price point, the driving experience more than compensates. Enthusiasts looking for a spirited family SUV that mirrors the Golf R’s excitement will find the Tiguan R a compelling choice. In this comprehensive review, we dive deep into the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R, a unique SUV that inherits the spirited DNA of the Golf R. Let’s explore its exterior design, interior features, safety tech, practicality, and, of course, how it performs on the road.
Volkswagen Tiguan Exterior
The Tiguan R boasts a distinctive exterior with five free-of-charge colour options. The design, reminiscent of its Golf R cousin, features a pronounced body kit, chrome highlights, and a prominent R badge. The 21-inch alloy wheels, coupled with substantial brakes, add to its athletic appeal. Matrix LED headlights provide excellent visibility, and the overall design sets the Tiguan R apart from its competitors.
Volkswagen Tiguan Interior
Moving inside, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R offers a well-equipped cabin, although some may find it slightly dated. The materials, including scratchy plastics, could use a more premium touch for a $70,000 vehicle. However, comfort features shine with dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system (optional). The infotainment system, though modern, lacks a physical volume knob, a minor inconvenience.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Although VW’s infotainment system has a clean appearance, we have found it challenging to operate the touch-sensitive controls that are incorporated within a huge glass panel. Fortunately, a Wi-Fi hotspot is included, so drivers who prefer the recognizable interface of their smartphone to Volkswagen’s system can continue to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For audiophiles, there’s a nine-speaker Fender system with 480 watts of power, but it’s limited to higher trim levels. The digital gauge display that comes with all versions is either 8.0- or 10.3-inch and may be adjusted to show a range of data.
Safety Tech
Volkswagen prioritizes safety with features like autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera. The Volkswagen Tiguan R also includes a semi-autonomous parking feature, adding an extra layer of convenience.
Practicality
Practicality is a strong suit for the Tiguan R. The cabin offers ample storage, including cup holders with flexible arms, generous door pockets, and a glove box. The second row provides excellent space and flexibility, with 12-way power-adjustable seats. The cargo space, initially over 600 litres, expands to 1600 litres when the rear seats are folded.
On the Road
Under the hood, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R packs a punch with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 235 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission delivers smooth shifts. The Tiguan R surprises with its handling, showcasing real mechanical torque vectoring on the rear axle and an electronic diff lock. It handles corners with precision, providing an exhilarating driving experience.
0-100km/h
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R lives up to its performance-oriented nature, achieving a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 5.1 seconds. In real-world testing, it showcased impressive acceleration and traction.
Volkswagen Tiguan Price
How much does the Tiguan cost? The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan Price starts at $26,950, which is somewhat costly for the class. The SE trim costs $30,580 and includes features such as wireless device charging. The SE R-Line Black level includes options like a panoramic sunroof and park assist, and it costs $33,310.
