The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan small SUV comes in four different trim levels. The Tiguan has been in production since 2007. Which VW Tiguan models should you want, get, and pass on?
The Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line 2023: Do you want
The Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line starts at $37,680. It uses the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as the lower trim levels to make 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque.
The 2023 VW Tiguan SEL R-Line comes standard with a hands-free remote control liftgate, a power sliding and tilting panoramic sunroof and rain-sensing windshield wipers. It also includes silver roof rails, leather seating surfaces and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line features ventilated front seats, adaptive cruise control, and all-wheel drive. The SEL R-Line trim costs $10,730 more than the base Tiguan S model. It comes with many great standard features for the money that make the small SUV more comfortable and refined.
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line is the ideal version because it comes with the best Tiguan features VW has to offer at a price that remains affordable.
The Volkswagen Tiguan SE: Get
car and driver recommends the Tiguan SE over other Tiguan models. This is the version to buy because it is the perfect balance between affordability and standard features for Tiguan versions.
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan SE starts at $30,580. It comes standard with heated side mirrors, a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, and V-Tex leatherette-trimmed seats. The small SUV also features an anti-theft alarm system with engine immobilizer, adaptive cruise control, and wireless device charging (for select devices).
The Volkswagen Tiguan SE won’t break the bank, and it still comes with features that enhance your overall ownership experience. If you’re considering the VW Tiguan, the SE offers the best value for money.
Pass on the Volkswagen Tiguan S and SE R-Line Black
The Volkswagen Tiguan S is too basic for the average driver. It doesn’t offer enough standard features to appeal to consumers like the SE version does. Skip the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan S because the SE has more luxurious features at a decent price.
The VW Tiguan SE R-Line Black comes with great standard features, but is significantly more expensive than lower trim levels. The 2023 VW Tiguan SE R-Line Black starts at $33,210. After taxes and fees, the Tiguan SE R-Line Black can go for close to $35,000 or more. The small SUV space is competitive, and there are plenty of great small SUVs on the market that offer incredible value for less than $35,000. If you’re going to spend that much on a Tiguan, you might as well go all out with the SEL R-Line.
If the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan SE doesn’t suit you, there are more popular small SUV nameplates on the market that are value-oriented. The Toyota RAV4 is America’s most popular SUV today for a reason. The RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid small SUVs are great places to start when looking for a new compact SUV.