New 2020 VW Tiguan Trim Levels and Updates

Published Date: 24th Oct 2020

The new 2020 VW Tiguan Europe's best-selling SUV is on sale right now with some subtle exterior enhancements and new interior tech.  Further models will be available in 2021, a new plugin hybrid option badged the ‘eHybrid’ and a new high-performance Tiguan R model that will output 316bhp.

2020 VW Tiguan - What’s New?

2021 VW Tiguan exterior photo

The exterior tweaks are subtle and bring the latest VW family design features to the new Tiguan. It gets new LED headlights and at the front a strong look with larger intakes and a new, bolder grille.  Higher grade models will get new adaptive matrix headlights.

The rear has had a minor makeover with new LED lights and across the range you will find a range of new alloy wheels; 17-inch on entry level models up to 20-inch on R Line models. Lower grade models have the option of upgrading to larger alloys too.

Inside the new VW Tiguan gets the latest VW infotainment platform with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, higher grade models get integrated sat nav too. An impressive 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro driver display is standard on R Line and Elegance models and it can be purchased as an optional extra on lower grade models.

2020 VW Tiguan Trim Levels & Specs

The 2020 Tiguan gets a simplified trim line-up consisting of an entry-level model simply named the Tiguan, next up is the ‘Life’ trim, the top spec ‘Elegance’ model offers the most luxury whilst the Tiguan R-Line model offers a sportier option.

2021 VW Tiguan interior photo

The entry-level Tiguan models includes 17-alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights and power adjustable door mirrors. Inside there is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone mirroring (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) and air con with filter. Driver aids including a front facing camera system, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring and lane keep assist.

You just get a single engine choice with the entry-level model; a 1.5-litre TSI 130PS petrol unit with 6-speed manual transmission. It can return up to 44mpg (WLTP combined) and should take you from 0-62mph in a tad under 11 seconds.

VW Tiguan Life models add 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, black roof rails and heated door mirrors. Inside they add 3 zone climate control, front comfort seats and some additional handy storage (drawers under front seats and an overhead storage compartment. In the rear you get a USB socket and the infotainment system also gets an upgrade with its own built in ‘Discover’ navigation system. Additional driver aids include adaptive cruise control, driver alert system and front/rear parking sensors.

VW Tiguan Life models can be paired with the 1.5-litre 130PS TSI petrol unit with 6-speed manual gearbox or a more power 1.5 litre 150PS TSI petrol unit (available with 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission). The 130PS and 150 PS models return around 42 and 44mpg (WLTP combined) respectively, while the more powerful 150PS paired with manual gearbox is around a second quicker from 0-62mph. There is also a 2.0-litre 150PS TDI diesel engine with 7-speed auto gearbox, it will return up to 50mpg (combined) and feels quite lively, capable of taking you from 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds.

2021 VW Tiguan handsfree tailgate

VW Tiguan Elegance models add 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, handsfree tailgate operation (pictured right) and its own unique silver roof rails. Inside there’s customisable ambient lighting with 30 different colour options and VW’s Digital Cockpit Pro as standard. Additional driver aids include park assist and a rear-view camera. You also get the winter pack as standard which includes heated front seats, heated steering wheel, headlight washers and heated windscreen washer jets.

Top grade Elegance models can be paired with a single petrol unit, the 1.5-litre 150PS with 7-speed auto gearbox. There is also the option of the 2.0-litre 150PS diesel with 7-speed auto gearbox than can be had with 2WD or 4WD, the latter badged by VW as 4Motion. There is also a punchy 2.0-litre 200PS diesel with 7-speed auto gearbox which is only available in 4WD (4Motion) guise, it can take you from 0-62mph in around 7.5 seconds.

2021 VW Tiguan R Line trim chrome badge

The Tiguan R-Line trim adds sports suspension, body-coloured bumpers, chrome exterior trim, front aluminium scuff plates with ‘R’ Line badge and unique R Line rear spoiler. Inside features ‘Carbon Grey’ inserts on the dash and door panels with leatherette trim on the doors and velour upholstery.

Like the Elegance trim, inside you get customisable ambient lighting, Digital Cockpit Pro, the 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and 3-zone climate control. You also get the Winter Pack (heated front seats/steering wheel/headlights washers and windscreen washer jets).

The R Line engine choices mirror the Elegance trim, a single petrol unit can be had, the 1.5-litre 150PS with 7-speed automatic transmission.

There are three diesel options; the 2.0-litre 150PS diesel with 7-speed auto gearbox, available in 2WD or 4WD, Volkswagen have named their 4WD models ‘4Motion’. There is also a 2.0-litre 200PS diesel offering more grunt (0-62mph in 7.5 seconds), with 7-speed auto gearbox, it is only available in 4WD guise.

2020 VW Tiguan Optional Extras

The Winter Pack (standard on R Line and Elegance models) can be added to lower grade models. It includes heated front seats/headlight and windscreen washer jets.

The Winter Pack can also be upgraded as an optional extra to include rear/outer heated seats.

Heated Door Mirrors can be added to entry-level Tiguan and Life models (standard on R Line and Elegance models).

A Rear-View Camera (standard on Elegance models) can be added to entry-level, Life and R line trim levels.

The Digital Cockpit Pro (standard on R Line and Elegance models) can be added to Life models.

A Head Up Display can be added as an optional extra to all models.

A premium Harman Kardon audio system can be added to Life, R Line and Elegance trims.

The Infotainment system can be upgraded to VW’s Discover Pro Navigation Pro system on all models.

For more information on full specs and optional extras, you can browse and research all VW Tiguan models and the latest deals here.