After the styling update, the German carmaker will revisit the engine room of the 2023 VW Tiguan. The small crossover is not under the spotlight at the moment, thanks to the premiere of the new subcompact Taos. This vehicle is new and the third member of the lineup at US dealerships. Still, we expect the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan to achieve the most sales.
Speaking of changes, the current edition introduced a new exterior. The front fascia is fresh and it draws the most attention. The interior is also updated and now offers a distinctive layout and extra features. Now, it is time for engineers to spice things up. The crossover is available only with a single drivetrain. The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is about to add two more, according to sources. A hybrid configuration is something every compact SUV needs to have in its lineup. But, more attention is on the 2023 VW Tiguan R. The performance-oriented setup will crack 300 horsepower and provide significant styling updates.
There are more rumors, including those about the electric drivetrain based on the ID concept. While those speculations are unconfirmed, we can count on one drivetrain and five trim levels.
Performance and Specs
Under the bonnet of the 2023 VW Tiguan will be a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine. The drivetrain can deliver 185 hp and 220 lb-ft. The outputs make the Tiguan more than competitive in the compact crossover class. The gas mileage should be better. The vehicle returns 23/30 mpg. Leaders in this segment do 40+ miles per gallon with hybrid units. However, some rivals, such as Nissan Rogue, can provide 35 mpg combined with the conventional configuration. All-wheel drive is optional and Volkswagen is using the 8-speed automatic transmission. We can hear that their DSG gearbox is about to be updated. That is going to boost the interest in VW vehicles. Standard drive modes available for the Tiguan are Sport, Eco, Normal, and Custom. Additional packages will offer Off-Road and Snow modes.
2023 VW Tiguan R Is Coming With 300 Horsepower
Well, a 300-hp model will always draw a lot of attention. There are no plenty of those crossovers available in the market today. Toyota Rav4 Prime needs a plug-in hybrid system to achieve so much power. Volkswagen does it with a special turbocharged configuration of the 2.0-liter petrol engine. Like the famous Golf hatchback, the 2023 VW Tiguan R is going to enhance its performance. Besides the power boost, there are plenty of other upgrades. The new transmission will handle the energy and send it probably to all wheels. Of course, other drivetrain parts need to revisit, including brakes and suspensions. Furthermore, the Tiguan R comes with special equipment, including lane-keep assistance, departure warning, signs recognition, unique Ambiental lighting, and many other state-of-art options.
2023 VW Tiguan Hybrid and Electric Drivetrain
The compact crossover needs a hybrid configuration to keep up with the competition. It is a reality. But, the German carmaker is yet to deliver it. A 2.0-liter engine is a perfect base for further upgrades. However, the final version is far away from production. Instead, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan could become a fully electric vehicle, based on the ID concept. The company already started producing EVs for some markets. But, the release date for the US is not set yet. We need to find sources confirming details about the Tiguan hybrid and EV before speculating about the future.
2023 VW Tiguan 3-Row Crossover
This is something that is not going to happen in the US. Although the 2023 VW Tiguan will be 185 inches long, it would be too tight in the third row. Nevertheless, such a layout is available in some countries. For example, Tiguan Allspace offers seven seating spots to buyers in Australia. Also, there are more European crossovers available with the third row, such as Ford Kuga (Escape), Nissan Qashqai (Rogue), and Honda CR-V. Americans prefer comfort, so the Touareg remains the only VW model for larger families in the United States.
Trim Levels and Prices
There are three base trims available for the vehicle, and you can upgrade the two higher models with the R-Line features. The base configuration is the Tiguan S, and it will cost $26,000. Highlights of this bundle are 17-inch wheels, 6.5-inch touchscreen display, halogen headlights and LED DRLs. The infotainment supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the sound system features six speakers.
The SE adds $2,000 in options. Enhanced multimedia brings more USB ports, wireless smartphone integration, and a larger display. Adaptive cruise control is also added. The R-Line upgrade becomes available. The package boosts the aggressive look with 20-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, roof rails, and a lot of blacked-out details.
The SEL is going to cost you at least $32,000 and raises up to $37,000 with the R-Line and AWD. Standard features for the 2023 VW Tiguan SEL are 19-inch wheels, remote start, navigation, heated steering wheel, while the R-Line adds leather seats with heating and ventilating, more speakers, and a 360-degree camera. The only model that can beat this offer is the 2023 VW Tiguan R.
