Looking for a Used Compact SUV? Check Out the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

December 8th, 2025 by

White 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan rounding a bend

Having won many awards and accolades, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is a solid highlight of the vehicle’s long-standing history. It has been around since 2007, and continues to be a standout model in the compact SUV segment. With improvements that make it better and better every year, the 2022 model looks sharp yet inviting, and it’s still one of the few SUVs that offers a third-row seat, let alone in a compact, family-friendly form. It also offers sporty, responsive handling, which is rather unique for an SUV, excellent acceleration and performance, and a lavish exterior and interior that don’t vault it out of the realm of accessible costs. But during any journey to find a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan for sale in today’s market, there are some things you should know.

With a signature European charm you won’t find in other vehicles, the Tiguan is a dreamy, feature-rich option for drives of all types. Whether you’re embarking on a long-distance road trip, solo or with a loved one, running some weekday errands, commuting to work or the office, or heading to the local park for some fresh air, it will serve you well in many ways. For instance, the adaptable cargo space provides room for extra gear without it shifting around. Meanwhile, the intuitive infotainment and connectivity tech, comfortable seating, and engaging driver experience offer a brief glimpse at what the Tiguan has to offer, making the 2022 model a fantastic option if you’re shopping used.

Driver Safety and Peace of Mind for Your Passengers

Performance, style, and features are important, yes, but perhaps not as important as ensuring a safe drive and getting everyone from point A to point B. That’s why Volkswagen has equipped the Tiguan with some exceptional standard safety features. There are four trims available, starting with the S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line. All four models include the same safety features, with the exception of the 360-degree camera, which only comes standard in the premium SEL R-Line.

You’ll be pleased to find automatic emergency braking, automatic post-collision braking, rear cross traffic alerts, tire pressure monitoring, lane keep assists with departure warnings, blind spot monitoring, and electronic stability controls, all standard. Every model also has a well-designed backup camera system with full visibility on the 6.5-inch infotainment display, or an eight-inch version if you upgrade.

The point is, you’ll know precisely what’s going on with your vehicle at all times and what’s surrounding you, parked or on the move, with real-time alerts to help you stay safe every time you leave home. You also get automatic headlights, built-in steering wheel controls, and adaptive cruise control, which is standard on all three trims except the Tiguan S. Overall, Volkswagen did a great job balancing the feature sets between trims.

White 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan for sale on a test drive

Power, Performance, and Capability

All four trims are equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. If you’re not big on numbers, that’s plenty of power for your daily drive with responsive acceleration that feels good in an SUV of this size. It’s also plenty of power for pick-up-and-go and the occasional tow.

The 4Motion All-Wheel Drive System

That engine also supports the Volkswagen optional 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which is standard on the SEL R-Line trim. 4Motion AWD is always active, optimizing performance and adjusting power between the front and rear wheels to balance traction and control, versus traditional four-wheel drive, which is manually engaged. That also makes the Tiguan an excellent road companion in inclement weather or tough conditions, like rain or snow.

Impressive Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is 26 MPG combined in the front-wheel drive models, and 25 MPG combined in the all-wheel drive models. Comparatively, those numbers are above average in the SUV class, especially considering the kind of power the Tiguan delivers. Moreover, the transmission is an eight-speed automatic in all trims, with varying wheel sizes per model.

A Variety of Wheel Sizes

The Tiguan S features 17-inch alloy wheels, the SE features 18-inch ones, the SE R-Line Black offers 19-inch wheels, and the SEL R-Line models have 20-inch wheels. The larger wheel sizes complement the upgraded exterior styling in the premium models. The maximum towing capacity is 1,500 lbs, which is plenty to hook up a small trailer or camper.

Ample Cargo Volume

Total cargo capacity in all models is 65.7 cu.ft. with a third row, and 73.4 cu.ft. with two rows. Meanwhile, there’s seating for up to seven people thanks to the third row, versus the average five-seater SUVs you’ll find on the market. That gives you added room to haul some extra passengers, which is fantastic if you’re transporting the local sports team to practice or even just need to fit a few more boxes in the back for your move. Of course, if you prefer the two row design that’s always an option.

Brown and black leather interior in a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

Technology, Connectivity, and Interior

As is customary for Volkswagen, the Tiguan is very generous on standard features and connectivity. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with general smartphone connectivity, optional Wi-Fi hotspots (standard in all trims except the S), and a 6.5-inch color touchscreen infotainment display, which is upgradeable to an eight-inch display in select models. A heated steering wheel and heated front seats are available in all trims, alongside heated side mirrors and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The six-speaker audio system sounds phenomenal, too. You can also look for a 480-watt nine-speaker Fender audio system if you really want to enjoy your playlists and podcasts out on your drives.

Many of the features you’d expect are also available, such as keyless entry, a keyless start system, power door locks, and power mirrors. The upholstery is plush, comfortable, and stunning, whether you opt for the high-quality cloth in the S or the synthetic leather in the premium trims. Accent styling for the doors, dash, and the rest of the interior matches the seating, and it all meshes wonderfully. Volkswagen has always been great about delivering incredible interior designs, and the 2022 Tiguan is no exception, from the base S trim to the premium SEL R-Line. You’re going to love it for the aesthetics alone. The comfort level, especially on long drives, is superb.

The 2022 Tiguan Offers the Value, Performance, and Features You’re Looking For

The simple truth is that the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is one design marvel that strikes a balance between accessibility and class. It means Tiguan drivers get to experience an ultra-comfortable, lavish, and high-tech ride at some of the more generous prices on the market. Not to mention, Volkswagen includes a host of premium-grade features across all trims, meaning you never truly miss out on anything, regardless of which style you choose. If you opt for the SE R-Line Black or SEL R-Line, you’ll receive a few additional delightful additions. However, across the board, you’ll find the same reliable performance, excellent fuel economy, spacious cabin, and forward-thinking infotainment and tech features.

One of the biggest choices you’ll have to make is whether you want a two-row or three-row SUV, the latter seating up to seven passengers total. Outside of that, it’s all about choosing the trim and style you want, though all are stunning. The S is simple yet refined, SE is a stylistic step up with more accenting, and the SE R-Line Black and SEL R-Line are distinctly exuberant. The great news is that Volkswagen made the choice less difficult by including some fantastic performance, features, and standard safety tools for everyone, making it a great choice for those looking for a pre-owned compact SUV with a lot to offer.