Overview
The Volkswagen Tiguan S represents the entry-level configuration of the second-generation Tiguan, which has served as the brand’s primary compact crossover offering in the North American market. Built on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform, this vehicle emphasizes interior packaging efficiency and a refined ride quality that distinguishes it from many competitors in the small SUV segment. The Tiguan S is designed to provide a balance of utility and daily drivability, featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Manufacturing for the North American market primarily takes place at the Volkswagen de México plant in Puebla. Throughout its production cycle from 2023 to 2026, the Tiguan S has maintained a consistent mechanical profile, focusing on standard safety features and digital integration. While higher trims offer additional luxury amenities and all-wheel drive, the S trim remains the volume-oriented choice for consumers seeking the core Volkswagen driving experience and the brand’s signature cabin ergonomics.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tiguan S |
| Model Year | 2023-2026 |
| Generation | 2nd Generation (MQB) |
| Trim | S |
| Body Style | 4-Door SUV |
| Vehicle Segment | Compact Crossover |
| Vehicle Class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | MQB A2 |
| Assembly Plant | Puebla, Mexico |
| Country of Origin | Mexico |
| Production Start | 2017 |
| Production End | – |
| VIN Identifier | 3VV |
| Base MSRP | $28,880 |
| Destination Charge | $1,295 |
| Total MSRP | $30,175 |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Engine Family | EA888 Gen 3B |
| Engine Name | 2.0L TSI |
| Engine Code | DKFA |
| Engine Configuration | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 2.0 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | 82.5 mm x 92.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.7:1 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Delivery | Direct Injection |
| Valve Train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Engine Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 6.0 Quarts |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | VW 508 00 / 0W-20 |
| Horsepower | 184 hp @ 4,400 rpm |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Final Drive Ratio | – |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 87 |
| EPA City MPG | 25 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 32 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 28 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 8.4 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 15.3 |
| Estimated Driving Range | 428 miles |
| Annual Fuel Cost | $1,750 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 318 g/mile |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 |
| Smog Rating | 5 |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | 3.2 seconds |
| 0-60 mph | 8.2 seconds |
| 0-100 mph | 23.5 seconds |
| Quarter Mile | 16.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 125 mph |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 124 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.81 g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.05 hp/lb |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 186.1 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 72.4 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | 81.1 |
| Height (in) | 66.3 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 109.9 |
| Front Track (in) | 62.2 |
| Rear Track (in) | 61.9 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 7.9 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3,571 |
| GVWR (lbs) | 4,960 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | 1,500 |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | 1,150 |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | 101.0 |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) | 37.6 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft) | 73.4 |
| Turning Circle | 38.1 ft |
| Approach Angle | 17.5 degrees |
| Departure Angle | 22.0 degrees |
| Breakover Angle | 15.0 degrees |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | – |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | – |
| NHTSA Side Crash | – |
| NHTSA Rollover | – |
| IIHS Award | Top Safety Pick+ |
| Small Overlap Front | Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| Side Impact | Good |
| Headlights Rating | Good |
| Front Crash Prevention | Superior |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | 6.5-inch Touchscreen |
| Instrument Cluster | 8-inch Digital Cockpit |
| Apple CarPlay | Standard |
| Android Auto | Standard |
| Navigation System | Optional |
| Audio System | 6-Speaker System |
| Speaker Count | 6 |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Available |
| OTA Updates | No |
| Digital Key | No |
| Warranty & Ownership | |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 7 years / 100,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2 years / 20,000 miles |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Silao, Mexico |
| Transmission Supplier | Aisin |
| Gear Ratios | – |
| Differential Type | Open |
| Cooling System Capacity | – |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | 165 |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | – |
Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The Tiguan S is widely regarded for its composed handling and spacious interior, which offers more legroom than many rivals in the compact SUV class. Reliability for the EA888 engine has improved significantly in recent years, though owners should remain diligent with the strict adherence to the 10,000-mile oil change intervals and high-quality synthetic oil requirements to prevent carbon buildup and turbocharger issues. In the used market, the Tiguan S appeals to buyers prioritizing build quality and a premium cabin feel over raw acceleration. Prospective buyers should inspect the panoramic sunroof seals for potential leaks and ensure the transmission software has been updated to address occasional low-speed shift hesitation. Overall, it remains a practical, well-rounded choice for families seeking a European-engineered vehicle at an accessible price point.
