2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R review: Is it a better Kodiaq RS or a jacked up Golf R, or both?

In a world where there's no such thing as too many SUVs, the Volkswagen Tiguan R raises the question of how far a mainstream brand can push the envelope.
With Golf R genes and practical body, this might seem like the ideal family SUV for those who have a taste for performance. But with a price tag nudging $70K in Australia, it might be a bridge too far for some.
But with no direct competition - you won't find a Toyota RAV4, Skoda Kodiaq, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester or any other midsize SUV with 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque - it may offer those in the market for a luxury SUV a serious contender with some change left over.
Is the VW Tiguan R the fast SUV we’ve all been waiting for? Can it match the Golf R for personality, and does it do performance SUV better than the Skoda Kodiaq RS? Tom White spent a week in the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R, plus track time at Sydney Motorsport Park. Watch the video here and read Tom's full detailed written review by hitting the link below.
00:00 Intro
01:32 Pricing and features
03:10 Design
05:41 Practicality
07:31 Under the bonnet
08:12 Driving
11:28 Efficiency
11:45 Safety
12:20 Ownership
12:49 Verdict
Read Tom's full review: carsgui.de/3KXxcU2
Visit our Volkswagen Tiguan hub: carsgui.de/3hEqK8F
Check out more reviews: carsgui.de/2IQbbLx
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#volkswagen #vw #tiguan #2022volkswagentiguan #volkswagentiguanr #suv #performancesuv #carsguide

[@indetailcarcaresolutions3770]

It would have been nice to answer your question. The RS Kodiaq was not mentioned once in the review and yet it would be its more natural competitor than the Audi or Porsche mentioned.

[@user-yf3zt3mh7b]

Just bought a 2023 Tiguan R and this is my second Tiguan, with my first being a 240BHP R-line in 2017. I have owned and driven a really diverse range of cars during my life, including Porsche Cayman GTS, Range Rover Sport, VW Golf R32, Audi A7, Mercedes Benz SLK55, BMW 3M, BMW X5, VW Touareg, Saab 9-3 Aero HOT, Ford Mondeo ST24, Mini JCW, Lexus RC350, Lancia Delta HF Turbo, Vauxhall Omega, Ford XR3 and even a Ford Fiesta. Of all these cars, the VW Tiguan R is (for the UK), the perfect balance of practicality, price, engineering, reliability, fun factor, doesn’t scream for unwanted attention and you can park it in a normal parking bay. Yes, it could have a better interior, yes it could have a more aggressive engine and yes, it could be more differentiated with spoilers and bulges. Any of those things would nudge it from the absolute simplicity and reason why it’s so popular (IMO).

[@StephenFogarty2023]

Stupid click bait title ! Tiguan R very different to a Kodiaq RS Kodiaq RS is bigger and heavier & 7 seater and less power Kodiaq has the less powerful Golf Gti motor 180 kw / 370 nm Tiguan R has more performance focus, and more performance v the Kodiaq RS. Apples to Oranges comparison. And there is absolutely no mention of Kodiaq RS in the review WTF. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@uweboker5983]

Great review indeed! Thank you for your work!

[@KeagsX]

Finally! Been waiting for this

[@scollyutube]

The T ROC R is the jacked up Golf. If the Kodiaq VRS had got the Superb's 206kw motor it would be a lot closer to this than the current diesel replacement.

[@rayf9194]

I'm waiting to have a test drive of the Cupra Formentor VZx, 228kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo engine when it arrives here soon.

[@ravingmad765]

With that title, i was not expecting to be at the halfway mark and still be at how many cup holders it has. Fail.

[@venkataramanagraphics]

Hi, I brought tiguan 2023 last week. I just wanted to know where we can adjust steering modes like light,,normal, sport? I am feeling steering is right. Please help

[@sandilemajiya7831]

Is this the Tiguan R not Tiguan R line? There is a different just like on Volkswagen Golf?

[@kevinliu6002]

The BYD Tang makes this car and its competitors look like dinosaurs 🦖🦕

[@d.j.z.j]

Plain interior. I have 2018 r line. Love them vut looking datedm amazing driving

[@krane15]

Not just plain, but bland -- depressing even. Rumor has it the 2024 upgrade will address this gaping limitation.

[@d.j.z.j]

@@krane15 hmmmm i hope so but cant justify 70 k for a vw tiguan r to be honest. Im thinking mazda cx60 or 90 maybe

[@kuldipsingh366]

Spot on review, nothing special about the R edition from outside except performance on the road.

[@krane15]

Actually, that performance means a lot. But the interior could use a lot of work.

[@prakashnarismulu3332]

Did you copy the headline from a comment made elsewhere?

[@greggraziani1559]

Interesting as I just watched your review of the Golf R and many comments were the same like parrot fashion not very professional for a mag which is said to be a leader

[@krane15]

Tiguan needs a decent engine cover (Hyundai Kona N has a very tasteful design). Hopefully, one that doesn't catch fire. On the good side, there's not much you can say about the dynamics, although the brakes could be a tad better. I remember when I was a kid the popular saying was, with a VW you could "stop on a dime, and get a nickle change."

[@jimbrown5552]

My next car

[@leeedwards7721]

Needs the Audi RS3 2.5L Engine/Box and a Few Goodies to SPARK up the interior like the Audi RS Range.

[@KainSwiss]

The Tiguan R is actually way better than the R-line - I believe The Golf R MK8 production has stopped which sucks

[@davisonnguyen8114]

Disappointing review. No showcasing of the performance.

[@Leo-ei2il]

Give it a few weeks. I think journos have only been given a short period to try it and probably advised not to trash it (yet). They just arrived in Australia and I've only seen one at VW in SydneyCity getting out of the driveway but not in the showroom. We'll probably see more after Anzac and more better reviews thereafter.

[@mvnorsel6354]

You don't even get that warm, fuzzy feeling by putting 98 Ron into it as its the minimum that's required.

[@vc8160]

You will get that feeling when you bury your foot!

[@vc8160]

Elnora heights, Frenchs forest

[@jaybenwa2581]

We have the 2022 tiguan wolfsburg edition and I tell you what, the emergency braking is a nightmare, the air-conditioning shuts down when the engine stops at the lights and NO KNOBS !!!! On anything ....all touchscreen. We've come so close to selling it

[@Leo-ei2il]

Any emergency braking is a nightmare, I don't understand what you mean by your statement. Is it mechanically inept? Air-conditioning is powered by a compressor which uses an engine to spin. If an engine stops at the light as a result of the stop/start function being on, the air-conditioning will not work. The fan should remain on, but if you're stuck in a traffic, then aircon will be affected. Is is possible to turn off the stop/start function? Agree with the touch screen, the steering wheel should at least have a mechanical switch. FYI, I am looking at getting a Tiguan so any comment/experience about it is being considered.

[@jaybenwa2581]

@@Leo-ei2il yep engine stop/start can be turned off easily just annoying doing everytime we get in the car. The emergency braking even on the lowest setting can activate leaving driveways and parking lots on dips, we have had drinks get thrown threw the car just leaving the driveway. Nearly gives you whiplash

[@Leo-ei2il]

@@jaybenwa2581 Now, I understand what you mean by the emergency braking. Every time I drive my sons' Golf R, in the first few minutes of driving, I can't control the brakes, a slight touch and it just abrupt. I get it that its new and powerful car but I didn't expect it to be like that when braking. Our driveway is upslope and it's very hard to control from the driveway to the garage (slope to flat) if you know what I mean? just like the parking lot dip, where you meant to touch the break to slow it down and it stops abruptly instead. I have not driven a newish car, maybe they are like that e.g. good brakes. I will do some test drive on different cars soon, so hopefully they are the same, else need to look elsewhere other than VW.

[@jaybenwa2581]

@@Leo-ei2il Na I'm talking about the car braking itself, you drive out of your driveway or car park with a little lip, the sensors will go off and then the car will slam on the brakes itself, throwing everyone around, it's a nightmare. You have to turn off emergency braking in the settings but then it resets everytime the is turned off. Honestly soo close to selling, otherwise it's a wonderful car

[@Leo-ei2il]

@@jaybenwa2581 ah, sounds like a software glitch than can be resolved. Hopefully calibration can fix the sensitivity and the reset can be fixed via software upgrade if that exist or possible. Your concern is noted though, but right now Tiguan is still on top of my list, specially with the extra power of the R and pricepoint.

[@dirtygore]

22" wheels with low profile tires, good luck driving that in the country.

[@jibberjabber6919]

Who in their right mind would buy this for rural country areas? Don't be dumb.

[@ravingmad765]

Or popping a tire on a city pot hole.

[@T3chnoJunk13]

This car is begging for a chrome delete.🤷‍♂

[@krane15]

The Tiquan actually offers a black package but only in the R-Line basic car.

[@KainSwiss]

@@krane15 Grid Edition R is the black edition to the R with a few less features

[@flipperdick1796]

What a boring review.

[@krane15]

Stop being a hater, be constructive. Say what's boring and what you'd like to hear/see.

[@greggraziani1559]

Sorry another one why are your reporters so paronoid re the bottle holders

[@WillAH956]

I will wait for the Alfa Romeo tonale 70 plus on roads for a VW is inflation and nothing to do with premium materials and power

[@156JTS]

The Tonale is more of a T-roc size. In terms of a performance SUV there is nothing close for the money.

[@WillAH956]

@@156JTS you should have actually checked this before posting It's the same size

[@156JTS]

@@WillAH956 the article I read was comparing it to an X1 and GLA so based on that and the fact a Tiguan (granted not an R) can be got with 7 seats I figured they were different.

[@JLM85_]

Alfa Romeo tonale = Slow, Heavy & Ugly. Hope you enjoy looking @ the Tiguan R's tail lights William lol

[@WillAH956]

@@JLM85_ hahaha 😄 I guess super model looks are not everyone's choice

[@democharge1111]

Sorry but a suv thats 150hp is worthless.

[@krane15]

Did you even watch the video? The engine is 235 kW (315 hp).

[@MisterG7]

VW Tiguan is the most overhyped car. Hard plasticity interior and small cubby storage. Seats are more like a park bench, stiff and no support on the sides. Boot space is also smaller compared to its rivals. Ironically Skoda is way more luxurious and stunning to look at for its price.

[@Mav86asian]

0-100 in 4.7 seconds. Is that overhyped?

[@markiesmark]

Skoda lol. Not in the same performance class.

[@krane15]

You obviously known nothing about performance version. The seats are suppose to be supportive, and the R has great bolstering.

[@jimbrown5552]

On my short list

[@Dave-gg6vl]

Where is the 0-100? Where is the performance section of the review? This is a R variant so people are interested in that… Cater for your audience @CarsGuide

[@Alby911]

The R is just marketing gloss. This car won't even come close to the Golf R when it comes to performance.

[@StephenFogarty2023]

@@Alby911 Absolutely not true. It’s a genuine R model. Look at the latest KZbin review of it by Chasing Cars. 🚗 💥 💨

[@StephenFogarty2023]

Officially quoted at 5.1 seconds The hatch is quoted at 4.8 seconds R wagon is 4.9 seconds

[@Alby911]

@@StephenFogarty2023 Sure the 0 - 100 is quick but that's not all the R has ever stood for. What's it like on track? It's never going to be as dynamic as the Golf R.

[@Leo-ei2il]

@@Alby911 you're partly right about marketing, most top brands have their own version of high performance model in their line-up. Merc A45/gla45, Audi S3/SQ2, BMW M135i/X2M35i then you have VW golf R/Tiguan R but you can't compare the small hatch to an SUV in terms of dynamic. Most Tiguan R owners will probably not use this for track but there are few who will tune theirs to get even more output. There are many shops now that caters for VAG performance cars for enhancements. Just like the Suby wrx range.