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Models and Pricing
There are three trim levels to choose from in the Tiguan family, from the base front-drive S with a manual transmission starting at $23,890, including the $690 destination charge, all the way to the luxed-out SEL with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic, which will set you back $33,630, including destination.
On our drive, we tested two Tiguan models. One was the base S model, which is hardly a penalty box with its 16-inch wheels, power amenities, cruise control, and a sound system with an MP3-compatible in-dash CD player and center console auxiliary input. There are also standard safety systems like anti-lock brakes, stability control, and front, side and curtain airbags. Options are limited to bigger wheels, a trailer package and rear side airbags, but you won’t find all-wheel drive on the base model’s menu.
The other trim level we drove is likely to be one you’ll see a lot: A loaded-up mid-range SE with the automatic and optional all-wheel drive. With a retail price of $29,965, including destination, it included all of the S equipment, plus 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim, upgraded interior cloth and trim, heated seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with redundant audio controls, and a multi-function trip computer. Our test vehicle was also equipped with the $1,300 power panoramic sunroof and the $1,950 touch-screen navigation system.
The top SEL trim level adds leather seating, a power driver’s seat and several other goodies to the Tiguan, but we’re not convinced it’s worth the extra scratch, especially considering that the sunroof and navigation system are still optional. Our SE test vehicle was already as much as an Acura RDX as equipped; add the same bits to an SEL and you’re in BMW X3 territory, where the little VW gets beaten up, its lunch money stolen.
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