2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
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The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan blends European styling with everyday practicality. It's one of the few compact SUVs to offer third-row seating, making it ideal for families. A refined ride, modern tech, and a spacious cabin round out its appeal. With responsive handling and great features across trims, the Tiguan is built for comfort, style, and versatility.
What's New for 2023?
Volkswagen made only a few tweaks to the Tiguan for the 2023 model year following its significant refresh in 2022. The SE R-Line Black trim now features an updated 19-inch wheel design that adds a sportier edge. The Tiguan's USB-C ports have also been upgraded to support faster 45-watt charging speeds. These minor changes reflect Volkswagen's focus on keeping the Tiguan fresh, functional, and up-to-date without compromising the solid base that makes this SUV so popular.
Stylish Exterior
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan blends clean European styling with sporty, modern design elements. It features sculpted body lines, a wide stance, and Volkswagen's signature grille. LED headlights and taillights are standard, enhancing both visibility and aesthetics. R-Line trims bring a bolder look, with gloss-black accents, a unique bumper design, and exclusive badging. Chrome window trim and roof rails add upscale flair. Wheel arch cladding and aerodynamic detailing contribute to a refined yet rugged silhouette. Whether parked or in motion, the Tiguan's exterior stands out in the compact SUV class for its combination of elegance, utility, and subtly assertive styling cues.
Color Options
Volkswagen offers a thoughtfully curated selection of paint finishes for the 2023 Tiguan. Neutral tones include Pure White, Platinum Gray Metallic, and Deep Black Pearl, while bolder choices like Kings Red Metallic and Atlantic Blue Metallic add personality. Each color is designed to complement the Tiguan's sleek lines and premium detailing, giving buyers stylish options that suit any lifestyle or taste.
Wheel Choices
The Volkswagen Tiguan's wheel options vary by trim, offering a distinct look and ride experience. The base S trim features 17-inch alloy wheels, while the SE upgrades to 18-inch alloys. For 2023, the SE R-Line Black introduces a new 19-inch design. Topping the range, the SEL R-Line includes 20-inch wheels that complete the SUV's commanding, performance-inspired stance.
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Luxurious Interior
Inside the 2023 Tiguan, Volkswagen delivers a spacious, functional, and comfortably refined cabin. The layout is clean and intuitive, with quality materials used throughout. Standard features include cloth seats with partial power adjustment, but upper trims introduce faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The optional third row increases seating capacity to seven-rare for this segment-though cargo space behind it is limited. Digital displays are standard, offering drivers real-time customization. Ambient lighting, configurable storage, and dual-zone climate control enhance convenience. The Tiguan's interior may lean toward businesslike minimalism, but it's exceptionally well-suited for long drives, busy families, or anyone who values understated sophistication combined with practical everyday comfort.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is available in four trims, each offering a unique balance of value, comfort, and features. Pricing ranges from $28,245 for the base S trim to $38,975 for the top-tier SEL R-Line. With options like all-wheel drive, advanced safety tech, and premium interior upgrades, there's a Tiguan to suit every driver's lifestyle and budget.
S
The entry-level Tiguan S starts at $28,245 and includes solid standard features for the price. It comes equipped with LED headlights, a digital gauge display, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cloth upholstery and partial power front seat adjustment are also standard. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking provide baseline driver assistance. While modest in design, the S delivers essential comfort, connectivity, and Volkswagen's hallmark handling, making it an ideal choice for value-conscious buyers entering the compact SUV segment.
SE
Priced at $31,875, the SE trim adds meaningful upgrades that enhance comfort and safety. You'll get an 8-inch touchscreen, keyless entry with push-button start, and wireless charging. The SE also features faux-leather seating, heated front seats, and full power adjustment for the driver. It introduces lane-keeping assist and adds a power liftgate for extra convenience. A panoramic sunroof is available as an option. This trim strikes a perfect balance for drivers seeking more features without stepping into luxury-level pricing.
SE R-Line Black
With a starting price of $34,605, the SE R-Line Black adds bold styling to the SE's feature set. It stands out with unique blacked-out exterior accents, R-Line badging, and a new-for-2023 19-inch wheel design. Inside, it features the same comfort and tech amenities as the SE, with a sportier flair. The R-Line steering wheel and stainless steel pedal caps enhance the cabin's dynamic look. This trim is ideal for drivers who want sporty design cues without sacrificing practicality or everyday drivability.
SEL R-Line
The range-topping SEL R-Line begins at $38,975 and delivers a near-luxury experience. It features 20-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, and standard all-wheel drive. Inside, you'll find genuine leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and the larger 10.3-inch digital cockpit display. Navigation, ambient lighting, and a premium Fender sound system are also included. The SEL R-Line combines performance, comfort, and technology in one polished package, perfect for drivers who want the most refined version of the Tiguan available.
Engine, Power, and Performance
All 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan models come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it delivers smooth acceleration and agile handling. Front-wheel drive is standard, while Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available. Though not the fastest in its class, the Tiguan offers a sporty, responsive ride.
Engine Options
Every 2023 Tiguan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth shifts and consistent performance. Front-wheel drive is standard, but Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available for added traction and control. The engine uses a Miller-cycle design for better efficiency. While not built for speed, this powertrain provides enough punch for daily driving, offering a balance of economy, reliability, and refined handling.
0-60 MPH Time
The 2023 Tiguan accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 9.1 seconds. While that's slower than some competitors, the Tiguan compensates with low-end torque, responsive steering, and smooth handling, delivering an engaging drive that feels quicker than the numbers suggest.
Towing Capacity
When properly equipped, the Tiguan can tow up to 1,500 pounds. That's sufficient for small trailers, bikes, or lightweight watercraft. While not a heavy-duty hauler, the Tiguan offers just enough towing capability for weekend getaways or light utility needs.
Fuel Efficiency
According to EPA estimates, the front-wheel-drive Volkswagen Tiguan delivers up to 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Opting for all-wheel drive slightly reduces efficiency to 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The SEL R-Line trim posts marginally lower figures. Overall, the Tiguan provides competitive fuel economy for its class, especially given its size and available third-row seating.
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Advanced Safety Features
The 2023 Tiguan comes with a solid array of standard and optional driver-assistance features. Standard equipment includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offer adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-keeping assist, and a semi-autonomous driving mode. A rearview camera and rear traffic alert are also included. The system is intuitive, with alerts that aren't overly intrusive.
While some features like adaptive cruise control are optional, the available safety tech provides excellent protection and peace of mind. Volkswagen's IQ. The DRIVE safety suite, offered on most trims, includes travel, emergency, and lane-centering assistance. With strong safety scores and solid technology integration, the Tiguan is well-equipped to help prevent accidents and protect passengers.
Warranty and Maintenance
Volkswagen's warranty coverage for the 2023 Tiguan includes a four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty, covering both basic and powertrain components. While this is shorter than some competitors' coverage, VW helps offset the reduction with two years or 20,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance. This maintenance plan includes oil changes, inspections, and more. Overall, the Tiguan's warranty and support structure reflect Volkswagen's commitment to long-term reliability and low ownership costs, giving buyers confidence and convenience in the first few years of ownership.
Reliability and Driving Experience
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offers a balanced driving experience with confident handling, accurate steering, and a composed ride. Though its acceleration isn't the quickest, the SUV feels agile and light on its feet, especially in urban settings. The suspension smooths out most road imperfections, making it suitable for daily commutes and family road trips. Build quality is solid, with a quiet cabin and minimal wind or road noise. Volkswagen's reputation for engineering excellence gives buyers added peace of mind. While long-term reliability is average for the class, the Tiguan stands out for its driving dynamics and overall comfort across all trims.
Why Choose the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The Tiguan is a standout in the compact SUV market thanks to its European styling, thoughtful tech, and optional third-row seating. It's one of the few in its class to offer such flexibility, making it perfect for growing families or those who value extra capacity. With its sporty handling, comfortable ride, and refined interior, the Tiguan feels more premium than its price suggests. Add in modern infotainment, solid safety ratings, and flexible configurations, and you've got a well-rounded SUV that delivers. Whether commuting or adventuring, the 2023 Tiguan adapts with confidence, style, and performance that's easy to love.
Get Your Volkswagen Tiguan at Central Volkswagen
Ready to upgrade your drive? Visit Central Volkswagen in Plainfield, CT, to explore the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan in person. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you compare trims, schedule a test drive, and find the perfect model for your lifestyle. Your next SUV awaits.