7 Reasons Why the Used 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is Your Next Car Crush
The used 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is one of those SUVs that makes you do a double-take. It’s like that friend who’s always stylish but not in an over-the-top way. Subtle elegance with a dash of practicality makes this car an irresistible choice for anyone in the market for a pre-owned SUV. Whether you're looking for a family hauler or something that blends city driving with weekend getaways, the 2022 Tiguan might be the perfect match.
However—and here’s the kicker—buying any car isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. With the Tiguan’s numerous strengths, there are still some quirks that might have you raising an eyebrow or two. But hey, even our best friends aren’t perfect, right?
So, buckle up as we dive deep into everything you need to know about the used 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan—from the inside out. We’ll cover performance comfort tech safety features and yes those little annoyances that come with any car purchase.
Performance: Steady As She Goes But Could Use a Little Oomph
When it comes to the driving experience in the used 2022 Tiguan it’s all about balance. Volkswagen equipped the Tiguan with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It pumps out a modest 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque which is adequate for most drivers.
Acceleration is... well, let’s call it “leisurely.” Don’t expect the Tiguan to win any drag races. It’s not built for that. It’s more of a cruiser that can handle highway speeds and city streets with ease but if you floor it from a standstill you might get a little “Are we there yet?” vibe before it really kicks in.
The 8-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly for the most part but can occasionally feel a bit sluggish especially when you’re trying to merge onto the freeway. A little more pep would make it stand out more. But then again if you’re not a lead foot it’s fine.
AWD or FWD: Your Choice
The 2022 Tiguan comes with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD version is a bit more confidence-inspiring if you live somewhere with bad weather or like to go off the beaten path once in a while. FWD is fine for most people and it will save you a bit on gas mileage too.
Pro Tip: If you're buying this car in the snow belt go AWD. Trust me you’ll thank me in January.
Fuel Economy: Not Too Shabby
Now we’re talking numbers you care about—fuel efficiency. The FWD Tiguan offers around 23 MPG city and 30 MPG highway. If you opt for the AWD version expect that to drop a little to around 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. In the world of compact SUVs these numbers aren’t too bad. It’s not a hybrid but it won’t break the bank either.
Potential Drawback:
Let’s be honest—if you’re expecting Prius-like mileage out of a used Tiguan you’ll be disappointed. But for its size and class the Tiguan holds its own in the gas-guzzling department. Plus you’re getting a turbo engine so you know it’s all about compromise. “You don’t buy a Tiguan to win gas-saving awards you buy it because it’s solid and versatile” says Alex Collantes an avid Tiguan driver and enthusiast.
Interior: A Roomy Cabin with German Precision
Step inside the 2022 Tiguan and you’re greeted by an interior that feels like it was designed by someone who knows the value of both style and practicality. There’s nothing overly flashy but everything feels well-built and sturdy.
Spacious Seating for Seven... Well Sorta
One thing the Tiguan boasts over some of its competitors is the availability of a third-row seat. Now don’t get too excited—it’s not exactly roomy back there. The third row is better suited for kids or maybe your adult friends who drew the short straw on road trip seating. The good news is that with the third row folded down you get an impressive amount of cargo space.
For those who don't need seven seats the two-row version offers ample space for passengers and cargo alike. Even the second-row seats slide and recline so long trips will be a breeze for your passengers.
Tech and Infotainment: Buttons Galore
Volkswagen’s MIB3 infotainment system is standard in the 2022 Tiguan. You get an 8-inch touchscreen in the base model or a 10.25-inch digital cockpit on higher trims. The system is intuitive but there’s one small hiccup: touch-sensitive controls. Some love them some hate them. It can be a little tricky to adjust the climate or audio volume when your finger doesn’t land on the right spot. But hey maybe your aim will improve with practice?
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard and thank goodness because nobody buys a car without those anymore. “The tech in my Tiguan is solid but the touch buttons can be a little finicky especially with my fat fingers” Alex Collantes quips.
Safety: Feature Packed but Don’t Nap While Driving
Volkswagen is known for its safety and the 2022 Tiguan is no exception. It comes equipped with Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE suite which includes features like forward collision warning automated emergency braking blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. In other words this car practically drives itself—except it doesn’t so keep your eyes on the road please.
Potential Drawback:
Adaptive cruise control works well but don’t expect it to handle every driving scenario perfectly. If you’re on a curvy road or someone cuts you off the system can get a little spooked. It’s like having a cautious grandma in the passenger seat saying “Are you sure you’re going to stop in time?”
Trims and Options: What’s Your Flavor?
The 2022 Tiguan comes in several trim levels each with their own goodies. The most common ones you'll come across when buying used are:
- S: The base model but don’t scoff. It comes with plenty of tech and safety features.
- SE: Adds more comfort features like faux leather upholstery and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
- SE R-Line Black: Adds blacked-out styling elements because who doesn’t love a car that looks like it belongs in a spy movie?
- SEL R-Line: The top dog with all the bells and whistles including a panoramic sunroof and premium audio system.
Potential Drawback:
While the SE R-Line Black looks awesome the black wheels and trim can get dirty pretty quickly especially if you’re driving through snow or dirt. But hey they look great when clean right?
Pricing and Value: What Should You Pay for a Used Tiguan?
Now let’s get to the money talk. A used 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan typically ranges from $25,000 to $35,000 depending on the trim condition and mileage. This places the Tiguan on par with other compact SUVs in its class but you’re getting that German engineering which gives it a slight edge over some competitors.
If you’re lucky you might find a certified pre-owned (CPO) Tiguan with some of the factory warranty still intact. Volkswagen’s CPO program is quite solid offering a 2-year warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance.
Potential Drawback:
The Tiguan holds its value relatively well but beware of higher trims like the SEL R-Line. They’re tempting but that premium price tag doesn’t always offer enough return on investment unless you really love the extra features.
Reliability: So How Long Will This Thing Last?
Volkswagen has worked hard to improve its reliability in recent years and the 2022 Tiguan benefits from that effort. It’s not Toyota-level bulletproof but with proper maintenance you can expect this SUV to hold up well for a good 100,000 miles or more.
That being said like any turbocharged engine the Tiguan’s turbo-4 will appreciate regular oil changes and some TLC. You might also experience some software glitches with the infotainment system but nothing a quick reboot can’t fix.
Potential Drawback:
If you’re one of those people who ignore warning lights on your dashboard well let’s just say the Tiguan might not appreciate it. Regular maintenance is key to keeping this SUV running smoothly.
Conclusion: The Tiguan is a Keeper (Mostly)
All in all the used 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is a solid choice for anyone in the market for a compact SUV. It’s stylish spacious tech-savvy and has enough safety features to make even the most cautious drivers feel comfortable. Sure it’s not the quickest SUV on the block and those touch-sensitive buttons can be a pain but let’s be real—you’re buying this thing for its overall package not just a couple of quirks.
As Alex Collantes sums it up “The Tiguan’s one of those cars that doesn’t scream for attention but it’s reliable and fun in its own way. Plus the tech is good enough to keep the kids entertained on long drives.”
So if you’re looking for a reliable used SUV with some flair the 2022 Tiguan might just be your next road trip companion. And hey no one’s perfect—not even cars. But the Tiguan comes pretty close.
Key Takeaways
- Strong points: Spacious interior solid tech features and good safety options
- Weaknesses: Acceleration can be slow touch controls can be frustrating
- Best Trim: SE or SE R-Line for the best balance of value and features