2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R (inc. 0-100) review: Why this SUV is in a class of its own!

I've been hanging out to drive this! It's the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R - the full-fat, performance version of the popular VW family SUV. It features the engine from the new Golf R and is ready to attack the race track...or simply take your kids to school.
Hardness tester results: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
More Volkswagen content: www.carexpert.com.au/volkswagen
More Volkswagen Tiguan content: www.carexpert.com.au/volkswag...
Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior 1:01
Interior 3:27
Infotainment 4:57
Safety tech 6:44
Practicality 7:21
On the road 11:33
0-100km/h 18:13
Verdict 19:18
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#vw #tiguan #review

[@PaulPhillips-dq9if]

Comprehensive review, your excitement and facial expressions when you took the corners at speed and floored the car down the straight, convinced me to order the full spec version and I can't wait.

[@rashcam]

Been waiting for ages for this Car expert. Just as expected. Thanks

[@moe_1886]

The smile on your face says it all Paul! 🤣 That and the classic line... "This thing has got some balls!" 😂🤣

[@simoncouch1523]

Another wickedly review thank you 😍

[@laureningle2874]

Fantastic review, thank you! I can’t wait to get the Tiguan R in the States and trade in my 2018. These are great vehicles. VW took their time with this mid-size SUV and it shows.

[@kidfreejones]

Great review. Plenty of reviews of this variant on German and UK channels but Paul you and the team have covered mostly real world without the bullshit. Awesome.

[@correrog]

Great review as always Paul!

[@davidstidston7146]

I have a Tiguan R in Lapiz Blue. There is nothing to match it at the price and the breadth of ability is impressive: dial everything down and it's a spacious family SUV. Dial everything up to 11 and it's a beast. I looked at the Porsche Macan which, in poverty spec and with 50PS less power is way more expensive. It's much the same story with the offerings from Audi and Mercedes. So I bought the Tiguan R and can take the family abroad 2 or 3 times a year instead of having a 'premium' badge on the drive. Win, win

[@davefrommelbourne1237]

16:32 yet again your excitement always gets me Paul. Lol

[@mail2philk]

Yes ordered Reflex Silver last Sept.2021 Due to collect mid Oct. 2022 Drove a demo car and I'm still smiling! Finally arrive March 2023.

[@ahh1180]

Great review thanks Paul

[@philkuklinski5251]

Just got one in blue, same as in the review but also have the sunroof. Fairly accurate review. Basically it goes like hell and handles not like an SUV. I took it on a long trip and averaged 7.5 l/100 kilometers. Was surprised fuel consumption was so low. I really wanted a Mercedes GLC 43 Amg but here in New Zealand would have had to pay another 50k. So I'm very happy, I traded a Commodore SSV V8 for Volkswagen and wanted something that was more practical but still had performance. I definitely have that.

[@edenconnell4322]

Also have an SSV V8 ute and another kid on the way. Don't want to sell my ute but this is what I'm looking at if the wife puts the foot down.

[@studiovier7]

@@edenconnell4322 just bought one, get it tomorrow - that´s when XMas & Easter falls on one day …

[@johnheath8548]

After 11 months to do see like it? Thinking of getting one. Have a normal Tiguan at the moment.

[@philkuklinski5251]

After driving the Tiguan R for the last 12 months I intend to go back to a V8. The Tiguan can't really be faulted and it's performance is good, however for me at least, it lacks soul and character. It also needs to be more different than the R line model. Although a lot more expensive the Mercedes GLE 63 would be more what I'm looking for.

[@philkuklinski5251]

Just to clarify from my previous comment I meant GLC not GLE.

[@ld9387]

Jeep Grand Cherokee L review coming anytime soon? Keep up the good work!

[@johnedds2327]

Great review with your emotion showing. Thanks.

[@dolguldur4706]

Grest review as always Pavl 🤘🏻 ..one question..isnt Mercedes GLC also compete with this car in the same segment?coz i think car size is pretty identical to one another..thank you 🙏🏻

[@MathewBT81]

That zero to hundred time 😃 Great review 👍

[@timmytime76]

Wanna see the be t-roc r when it comes out, looks impressive also but love this beast aswell, great review as always Paul.

[@jr800w]

The current T-Roc will have the older gen AWD setup. The TIg R has the new T-Vectoring system like the new Golf R.

[@taniabodger522]

We pick ours up tomorrow. Dolphin grey, really excited to get back into a Volkswagen after an Audi A4. Great review thank you

[@Cd-sh5lq]

Same we also got dolphin grey pick it up in a few days! So excited!

[@samanthawilkinson8003]

I currently have the X3M40i and love it. I am changing to the Tiguan R. Black. I am a long time BMW lover so will be different to drive a VW. Am looking forward to getting the car in Oct and your review has got me excited 😊

[@Fureddo28]

I’m about to do the same move, going from BM to VW. How’s been your experience so far?

[@vc8160]

You will love it….I had an x3m40i and x3M

[@RG-ld8wv]

That's one beautiful machinery. When will be able to review the q3 ?

[@xaerusblade7854]

eco mode is awesome.. especially when you release the accelerator.. and the center console you can adjust its height too..

[@inspiration1554]

Hi Paul. Thanks for the great review. Can you please also test drive a Golf MK8 R Line as there is no any proper review for that.

[@aimanfitri0iv]

looks nice in this lapis blue colour holy shoot looks much better in person and even much better than regular tiguan range

[@jackh4787]

Have been waiting for this and the golf R!

[@justinruggier589]

I’ve had the Tiguan 162 previously , such a great family car though always wanted a bit more power and a more aggressive exterior. Loving my Tiguan R , took delivery 2 weeks ago in Dolphin Metallic Grey , sunroof and sound package. Been to Bathurst a few times from Sydney and absolutely love it for the price range 👍🏻

[@Denny.B.]

Do you find the ride to be comfortable for the passengers?

[@justinruggier589]

Hi mate , its perfect. Just bought another one haha , i did 30,000k on my previous car @@Denny.B.

[@vkdlvkdl]

That interior and seat design hasn't changed from how it looked 4 years ago.

[@enzof1240]

Love this design,simple and interest look...

[@worldofgames2013]

Please do a G wagon next by the way great video 👍👍

[@davidrich4791]

Would like to see a review of the golf r wagon and t roc r. Thanks for this review

[@StephenFogarty2023]

T-Roc R gets released in August…

[@thesydneyexperience]

nice review, good value

[@jamesmarks1724]

Thanks for the review, when are you going to try the cupra formentor vzx?

[@sicboi]

Not many Toureg reviews out there, would be a good addition alongside this and other VW ones. Great video as always.

[@Evaese]

the new Toureg's are beasts!

[@tms977]

Would love a review of the BMW X1, roughly same price tag as the Tiguen R and same size too

[@Grudlin74]

Definitely interested in the Cupra when it lands here in Oz

[@andomagic]

Hi Paul, great review as always! @12:08 the DSG hesitation is minimised when the drive mode is in Sport/Race WITH the stop-start system deactivated. The stop-start system is too slow to reactivate as there is no 48V system. I find the most VW DSG products are dangerous when trying to drive off quickly, from a stop if the SS is activated, as there could be a 1-2 second delay between applying acceleration and forward movement.

[@felipec.5777]

that's why I always have SS disconnected, as soon as I start the tiguan

[@ben7020]

Yep the SS is slow then you get the jerk from DSC. Generally i find 2020 tiwwan uncomfortable, tracking everywhere too.

[@andomagic]

@@felipec.5777 If you have an OBD11 device, you can code the SS off permanently but only works on pre-2021 Tiguans. Very annoying having to turn it off every time I get in the car!

[@Jaredscott89]

Its pretty easy to modulate, a minor reduction in brake pressure will restart the motor... Not that a 1 second delay is inherently dangerous, if you are cutting it that close, you are the dangerous part.

[@ben7020]

@@Jaredscott89 i disagree, I've had an unexpected stop in the middle of intersections at the critical moment. Its like ok go, the car stops, you shit yourself, stay in the throttle which is counter intuitive and hope the thing stars in time to get accross the 4 lanes of oncoming cars. In my opinion older drivers may panic and brake mid intersection under those circumstances. Hope i make sense

[@chloeleedow7250]

Lol that EA888 engine though 👌😍

[@dongaudiosi2878]

Got one 6 weeks ago, 6000km later, love it. I actually like the simplistic interior. Easy to use even with touch buttons. Only let down is the front seats, need extra bolsters for better support. Otherwise brilliant medium sized SUV. Doesn’t drive or feel like an SUV. 👍

[@rishigannamani7340]

Hey Paul just a suggestion. Maybe put prices in drive away pricing in NSW as it’s the most expensive for onroads so maybe that will give viewers a more accurate picture of how much it actually is. Otherwise your videos are amazing, very informative.

[@kimzor1989]

NSW isn't the only state in Australia...

[@15sixmedia]

@@kimzor1989 Not what they were implying hey.

[@nealphore]

That car is a stunner

[@alexserbin2212]

Tiguan R’s are like ~$85k drive away in NSW due to chipset shortages, limited available stock and manufacturing delays. Note that “new cars to order” only take deposits and you have no idea when you’ll get the car, generally you could be waiting 12+ months and they are $77k.

[@I_am_Monty]

Awesome! what a great sav for that price point EA888 👌

[@nickvdk11]

The dual clutch jerkiness in low speed goes after about 15,000 km around the break in point. I own a Tiguan 162

[@tonybennett638]

No problem when it gets to the breakdown pont ..when it's out of warranty 🤪

[@robertceroli3512]

@@tonybennett638 got a solution to that issue you suggested may happen post warranty.once warranty expires get rid of it buy a new one and repeat the experience and it will be .no problem

[@yosefm170]

@@tonybennett638 have a Passat with 115 000 km with DSG, shifts like it's new. Just service it with correct oil and drive it like it's a manual and you are fine

[@oggyoggy1299]

It breaks in at 15,000kms?

[@rickytaylor-scott2250]

Can you do the new golf r wagon, no in depth australian reviews yet.

[@synthwave7]

Hi - will you be able to do a test of the VW Taigo ?

[@jimbrown5552]

Watching from Ireland

[@bobbydelcavallo7181]

Awesome 🤩🤩🤩

[@billiama8211]

May be time to get some specialist timing gear (dragy) for the 0-100km/hr My golf Spedo is 6km/hr under. Could also then include a 100-0 brake test.

[@ravingmad765]

great observation.

[@djjames6576]

The infotainment unit has the volume button on the right side. Maybe a carry over for a left hand drive market? Just means the driver has to lean further over. Also prefer an actual controller, not a push button

[@oggyoggy1299]

Isn’t the right side closer to the driver?

[@juriebezuidenhout2538]

As you said, for the price, much more can be done to the interior

[@Mark-jz5ye]

What about the X1/X2 hypo models as rivals?

[@NZsarge1]

Seems to be a well resolved tall wagon, for those of us that don’t like lifting themselves out of low slung cars on the regular I think it’d be a nice option 👍🏼

[@jimj2683]

The rear seats are so much better in the tiguan than in a typical sedan/wagon.

[@aphiwemagengelele2975]

Do you have Chery Tiggo Pro 8 in Australia? I'd love a comparison between T Pro 8 vs Haval H6

[@daweigo6851]

No, not in Australia

[@vwgti3414]

The best looking midsize suv...by far... Understatement rules...

[@nickng5857]

Rsq3 is a direct competitor with similar dimensions and slightly smaller boot. But that 5 pot ea855 engine is so much better than ea888

[@tonybennett638]

Mechanics love people who love VW's .. please keep buying them.👍

[@oggyoggy1299]

My mechanic drives one.

[@nhletelonhletelo3000]

You missed something very special which is great improvement making the new golf R very special The exhausts tips, it is a tiguan R not R line and we would like to hear the sound from those tips

[@basljh]

Paul, the lack of wireless charging is more than annoying, it’s totally ridiculous. Why did they go to the effort of integrating wireless CarPlay when you still need to connect a cable anyway.

[@jperalta7848]

I want those cooling ducts for my 2018 R-line. Can someone tell me if it’s possible to retrofit them to the older models? Pretty please

[@danielmaina5681]

Could you also consider a peugeot 3008 hybrid please.....i would like to see that

[@Volks2462]

Im expecting mine in November, jumping out from a 2021 Tiguan R line atm. I wanted white with sunroof but managed to secure a blue one

[@rashcam]

Waiting for mine ad well. Secured white but gradually shifting towards blue hopefully red and ⚫️. All package included. 😊

[@davidstidston7146]

I love my Tiguan R. You won't be disappointed!

[@theveganrealestateagent]

Put a deposit down today: black, sunroof (no power boot… who needs it? And no Harmon Karden - but might need to upgrade that spec before delivery). ETA Jan 2024 which suits my finances :) but not my patience :( Test drove 162TSI & T-Roc R before ordering & even the 162 has go, but phwoa the R just is something special. Love the low key, almost “dated” look dash - just really suits my vibe which is why I love the Tiguan R - a low-key monster. The review had me doubting my choice until he got giddy when the foot was planted. Great channel with fair dinkum reviews.

[@krane15]

Well the 2024 should be on sale by then. So if you stay with the 2023, you need to get a good price even beyond the chip shortage models.

[@alexrankin4816]

Patiently awaiting a golf r review……

[@thatosibolla1798]

I would love if you reviewed VW Touareg also

[@ianr5322]

He Already Did 2 Years Ago

[@krane15]

The heated steering wheel switch should turn red when activated. The Kona N from Hyundai is its closest non German competitor. Just wish it came with black out package/chrome (including the logo) and a choice of more curvy wheels. These angular wheels are OK, but I prefer the curved 5-spoke style from the earlier generation. I wouldn't race it without Brembo brakes.

[@kferg3029]

just ordered one.

[@jeffreyjeff1059]

Please review the Golf 8 r please..

[@dreamernawid]

Review the sonata n line!

[@GT-Diaries]

Attainable super family SUV, reminds me of the Forester STI. More performance and practicality.

[@jakethomas806]

Paul can you do the Mk8 golf r please

[@dinukaprasan9618]

🔥🔥🔥

[@d.j.z.j]

I have the 2017 R.. love it still. The tech and internal looks same

[@Norietzz]

Insane price for no extra wheel 😬 and basic interior. Would love to see you review the Golf R Wagon!

[@krane15]

Compared to what?

[@Norietzz]

@@krane15 a Golf R Wagon with a spare wheel.

[@krane15]

@@Norietzz But we don't get the Golf wagon in North America. So I wouldn't know anything about that.

[@paulm5817]

its a great looking small medium SUV and some grunt finally, perfect for small family and couples etc -be nice if you could actually get one however

[@user-qr5mx1fe8p]

Just waiting to pick up a pearl black one, fully optioned in a couple of weeks. Was not happy making this purchase due to having to sell my CLA45 amg, making the change due to work requirements and financial limitations in what I could buy.... but... after seeing this review i'm happier with my choice, but there is a definite downgrade in creature comforts... 1st world issues.. lol Great review by the way...

[@d.k.1394]

Great car

[@tkburn1439]

"I don't feel all that high" 😂

[@samy4288]

I like the design specially in blue! Honestly $70,000 before on road it's to much I think.

[@gureno19]

What else can you get from a German marquee that falls into a performance SUV segment for less than 70k?

[@paulhumphreys8500]

Formentor and Ateca

[@davidstidston7146]

Try putting a Macan or SQ5 with matching specs on your drive for 70k

[@danjarupath]

Cool 😎

[@jamesgowing3856]

Paul really love your car reviews but do you think you could go through a whole car review without saying...'in terms of'?

[@mlulekideandladla]

I think the competition rivals are SQ3, GLA35, GLB35, if I ain't mistaken

[@MattHealey.]

Had the wireless car play in my mk8 UK gti and it had so many drop outs. I just ended up using the wire to connect it and charge

[@krane15]

Same with many quirks and features in cars.

[@ahmadalsuwaidi2644]

Please can you do the toureg R

[@krane15]

Full down rear windows. Is may seem insignificant to some, but my OCD won't allow me to buy a car where that's not the case. I guess that's one good thing I like about the Tiguan

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

The Tiguan R isn’t sold in the United States. As well as Australia, the Tiguan R is currently sold in Europe, Japan and New Zealand.

[@aimanfitri0iv]

but i find interestingly this car is officially sold in australia with the licence plate

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@aimanfitri0iv I did say sold in Europe.

[@aimanfitri0iv]

@@DaveDVideoMaker whoops i forgot

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@aimanfitri0iv Anyways, I see Australia gets (or will get) a lot of the Volkswagen R models that we get in Europe. Except the Arteon R. In the US, the only R model they get is the Golf R.

[@ssidewayz]

Me and the mrs are fighting @carexpert! I want the performance this car has but the mrs wants the Kia Sportage for its high quality interior. What to do!?

[@pastorofmuppets8834]

No ventilated seats?

[@sagevoxo6431]

How exactly does this compete with the X3 M40i, GLC 43 AMG and SQ5?

[@Leo-ei2il]

Tiguan R cannot compete with these bunch. These are more powerful (V6), expensive and different class.

[@richieduck67]

What happened to the engine cover or same issue as with the Golf R

[@correrog]

Recall. Fire hazard

[@Leo-ei2il]

@@correrog 😀

[@correrog]

I took delivery of my tig r without the cover as did all the others I know. Once they create a new cover they'll call us in

[@Leo-ei2il]

@@correrog I thought you're pulling our leg until I goggled it. It'll be nice gesture if VW sends you one made of CF and hopefully they'll fix this by next year.

[@fale892]

70k fully loaded, not bad for a VW. Maybe competes with Genesis GV70 turbo?

[@iguanagoat799]

$82k full loaded driveaway.

[@anthony6359]

Quoted 86k last month - delivery March 23! No thanks

[@dw1508]

Its a raised golf r wagon love it.. is it made in Germany?

[@Wedgetail96]

No, it’s made in Mexico!

[@siniwick7704]

The one im driving is made in Germany

[@-TJ-]

Sounds like a 5 cylinder with the fake engine noise. Not that I really have a problem with that though, its a good sound.

[@greggraziani1559]

Yes one ready to pickup. Black

[@rayf9194]

Was looking at the Tiguan R but am seriously now contemplating the Cupra Formentor VZx (228kW)

[@gavin047]

I'm hoping the Cupra Formentor VZ5 comes to Australia. That 2.5 5cyl turbo is awesome and 290kw

[@User-cb4jm]

@@gavin047 just curious, where do you drive that you would really feel a benefit from having nearly 300kw on tap? I just ask as I feel even half that figure is more than enough for a car to feel quick and responsive in regular driving even merging onto expressways. A 150kw turbo in a small hatch/sedan/SUV is already classified a “warm” car and is a good deal faster than the vast majority of regular cars on the road.

[@gavin047]

@@User-cb4jm just that 5cyl is amazing. Nice to see something else with that cracker of a engine. I drive a 150kw 500nm turbo diesel 4wd and yes for reference i don't find it lacking in power. My wife has a 130kw 1.5 turbo petrol and it has plenty of power.

[@gavin047]

@@User-cb4jm and for reference i have driven over a few days a 304kw sedan and I wouldn't have a licence if I owned one. but in saying that. I'm a car enthusiast and nothing wrong with a great engine.

[@djestar]

I'd get the 5 pot Cupra too but it seems unlikely since they only made a left hand drive version.

[@vuyaniman9440]

Would be great if you can drag race it vs the 162 TSI. Is it worth the extra cash outlay?

[@Leo-ei2il]

162TSI = 162kW while the R is 235kW. Who do you think will win? Top of the range 162TSI (R-LINE) is $69,719 vs R $81,649. What you get in R is the extra power, adaptive damping (suspension), torque vectoring (4wd system), 21 inch wheels and 4-piston front brakes (162TSI only has 2-piston). Are these differences worth $10k to you?

[@vuyaniman9440]

@Leo, love your sarcasm. Of course the numbers are higher, however my question remains, is it worth it. I own a 2021 162Tsi, so that is my starting point. I enjoy driving it for my daily commute and occasional long distance driving. . Would the increased outlay of cash on my part bring me an equivalent increase in driving pleasure.. perhaps my question was vague, so much so that it led you to state the obvious with so much sarcastic energy. 😂😂😂

[@vuyaniman9440]

@Leo, if you weren’t so keen on being a smart ass. You would have noticed that there’s a full stop after my first sentence. . The drag race would show how big or not so big the difference is in performance. Vs the additional outlay. Divide the 10k by the 2 or so seconds difference in 0-100km. That’s where my head was..

[@Leo-ei2il]

@@vuyaniman9440 I don't know how it came out as sarcasm to you. I have the info handy as I am looking for a medium SUV and can't decide whether to get the R-line or R.

[@vuyaniman9440]

@Leo, clearly misjudged you if that is the case. Apologies. So I think my question would be valid to you as well. If you looking for performance the R is the answer . Question is how much of that performance do you need for everyday driving?

[@sonic4urmind722]

I could live with the fog lights being removed, but they removed the volume knob too - deal breaker for me.

[@-TJ-]

They've been gone for 5 years with the top spec VW's already. I use the steering wheel buttons anyway, its only the passenger who benefits from the knob, imo.

[@xaerusblade7854]

you can adjust the volume on the steering wheel

[@davidstidston7146]

I never used the volume knob in my 2019 Tiguan so I don't miss it in my 2022 R. I have always just used the steering wheel controls! BTW, with matrix LED lights you don't need fog lights - it tailors the beams and DRLs for fog

[@japsicles]

I reckon the cupra formentor is a direct competitor for this one.

[@paulhumphreys8500]

And around $6-8k cheaper.

[@Crumpy23]

This sounds like such an odd question to ask but does anyone know why it doesn’t come standard with fog lights?

[@krane15]

Maybe the don't need them in Germany, but we certainly do in SoCal. Anyway, I think they say the matrix head light are sufficient. Even if that's true, I still like the looks. Like the opera light from cars of the 70s. Or coach light, 100 years before that.

[@purple2275]

I’m surprised he doesn’t mention on all VW’s you can open the windows by holding down the unlock button on the key fob before you get in the car. Pretty sure Audi and SKODA have the same feature.

[@dragospahontu]

Yes

[@vc8160]

Yep most cars do this mate! Nothing special with vw

[@sleepyjoescumbag1663]

@@vc8160 no they don't

[@krane15]

@@vc8160 Did they have it in the 90s?

[@mago3086]

Smile making machine!! Noice!!

[@sonic4urmind722]

there's an engine cover right? right? Right?!