The popular crossover is about to receive a facelift. The 2021 VW Tiguan will come with notable updates in all aspects, compared to the current version. To remind you, the current generation of this crossover has been around since 2015, so this seems like a perfect moment for a mid-cycle update. The testing model already rides on the road and, interestingly, it wears almost no camouflage.
This means the updates, at least when it comes to the exterior design, are already known. There are some quite subtle changes on both ends of the crossover, but the 2021 VW Tiguan facelift is expected to bring some interior changes as well. Finally, we are about to see at least two novelties under the hood, as the hi-performance R model is on the way, as well as a plug-in hybrid version. Despite the numerous updates, we probably won’t see the new version before the last quarter of the year.
2021 VW Tiguan Exterior Changes
The upcoming update is about to bring novelties in all aspects and the most changes we know are those in terms of the styling. As we all know, the German manufacturer doesn’t practice significant changes on its models during a production cycle, so the 2021 VW Tiguan changes will be pretty subtle as well. From what we can see on the testing model, the front end will get a new fascia, as well as new internals for highlights. The taillights will also be revised with new internals. In both cases, those are internals that characterizes the new Golf Mk8. Of course, it’s always possible to see things like new color options, wheels etc.
On the other side, the mechanical aspect of the 2021 VW Tiguan will remain pretty much the same. This refers to at least to the standard model. On the other side, there is a hi-performance version on the way, under the famous R badge. This model will come with significant mechanical upgrades, particularly in terms of suspension and overall chassis design. Of course, it will also come with various new styling details, but these updates will be quite subtle. Unlike most rival companies that make their hi-performance models “screaming”, VW keeps things pretty normal and it’s hard to separate these models from the rest of the crowd.
Interior
The cabin of 2021 VW Tiguan should also come with a couple of updates. If you look at the current model, you can notice that the dashboard is largely the same as in the Golf Mk7, which means a pretty simplistic, blend design, despite that the overall quality is pretty good. For the next year, the German manufacturer will tend to make things a little bit more up to date, so it won’t be a surprise if we see things like a new touchscreen and some other hi-tech novelties.
On the other side, the overall cabin layout will remain the same. The North American version of this crossover comes with a stretched wheelbase, so you can get an option third row as well. The first two rows are very generous in space for the class, while the third one may be okay for children and shorter trips. When it comes to the cargo space, you may count on about 38 cubic feet behind the second row and 73.5 cubic feet behind the first row. The overall volume is a little bit smaller with the three-row model, but you may count on pretty decent 12 cubic feet behind the third row. All in all, the numbers are pretty amazing for the class, no matter which version you choose.
2021 VW Tiguan Engines
When it comes to the powertrain, we are about to see two big novelties for the next year. First of all, the 2021 VW Tiguan R is on the way. This will be a hi-performance version and we count on a familiar 2.0-liter turbo-four, which delivers 296 horsepower in Golf R hot hatch. Some sources suggest a power boost to 330 horsepower for this occasion, but we are still waiting for the confirmation.
On the other side, the 2021 VW Tiguan is also about to see a plug-in hybrid version. The exact details are yet to come, but it’s not hard to presume that the new system will be based on a small turbo gasoline engine, combined with a single electric motor and battery capacity of around 14 kWh. We presume that the all-electric range will go around 20 miles.
The rest of the lineup will carry on in the same way, which means you may count on a familiar 2.0-liter turbo-four engine with 184 horsepower. Versions with this engine definitely aren’t the most fun crossovers to drive, so new powertrain options are more than welcome.
2021 VW Tiguan Release Date and Price
When it comes to the 2021 VW Tiguan release date, we expect to see the new version sometime late in the year. The current model starts around 25.000 dollars. Key competitors are models like Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue etc.