VW Tiguan trims explained
A closer look at all the Volkswagen Tiguan trims and how they differ from one another.
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The Volkswagen Tiguan has been around since 2007, and in that time has proven that SUVs don’t have to be massive, and they don’t need to be ugly.
Apparently, its name is a combination of ‘tiger’, for its power and grace, and ‘leguan’, which is German for iguana and shows robustness. Bet you didn’t know that.
Poplar trims over the years have included Life, Match and R-Line. But what do they all mean, and which is best for you?
Keep reading to find out more.
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What is a trim level vs. model?
There’s a very clear difference between a model and a trim, although it can be confusing.
Basically, a trim is just a specific version of a model, and brands use them to offer different levels of kit on their cars.
So, ‘Match’ is the mid-spec trim for the Tiguan (the model), and it has slightly fewer features than the more expensive Elegance trim.
And just to be clear, a model is a type of car a brand makes. VW has the Polo, Golf, T-Roc, etc. and these are all models in their lineup of cars.
Just like BMW has the 1 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, and so on.
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Current VW Tiguan trim levels
VW Tiguan
Kicking off the range is simply ‘Tiguan’ – the most basic model that doesn’t compromise on the basics.
You get features such as a large 12.9-inch infotainment screen, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear-view parking camera, a whole host of smart safety features and LED lights – front and rear.
VW Tiguan Life
The next step up is the Tiguan Life, which gets slightly larger 18-inch wheels, ambient lighting, park assist and an array of added features to put it a step above the base car.
You also unlock diesel and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) fuel types for added flexibility when choosing your next Tiguan.
VW Tiguan Match
The one most people opt for is the Tiguan Match because it offers everything you’d ever need from a mid-sized family SUV.
It's got everything the lower two trims have plus an electric tailgate, added lights inside and out, silver roof rails and tinted rear windows.
VW Tiguan Elegance
For the more sophisticated person among VW buyers, the Tiguan Elegance sits near the top of the range. It offers a much more premium feel, like that of an Audi or BMW competitor, and is the biggest step-up in price yet.
You get added features such as a tweaked front grille, heated and massaged front seats, an ‘Area View’ camera (gives a top-down view of the car when parking) and diamond-cut wheels.
VW Tiguan R-Line
For the sportiest look, you want to go for the Tiguan R-Line – all the aggressive styling of the R but without the added power.
This trim gets you the largest 20-inch wheels, sportier bumpers, sports comfort seats in the front and the most presence a Tiguan can have (without actually getting an R).
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Previous VW Tiguan trim levels
VW Tiguan Active
In a past life, the Tiguan was available in Active trim, which sat above Match, SE, Design and Life as a well-specced, stylish version.
VW Tiguan R-Line Edition
This, like the standard R-Line, brought a sportier look to the Tiguan range with stylised bumpers and nicer wheels just for the R-Line Edition.
VW Tiguan R-Line Tech
The R-Line Tech added lots of interior touches to the cabin, such as a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and improved tech, including an electronic tailgate and 360-view parking cameras, to the R-Line trim.
VW Tiguan SE
The Tiguan SE or ‘Sport Editon’ essentially means it’s a few steps up on the base model with add-ons like push-button start, heated front seats and dual-zone climate control.
VW Tiguan SE Nav
The Tiguan SE Nav had everything the SE gets but adds a built-in sat-nav.
VW Tiguan SEL
Tiguan SEL stands for ‘Special Edition Limited’ and was the most luxurious version, sitting just below the R-Line, and has now been replaced by Elegance.
Get a used VW Tiguan
As you can see, the Volkswagen Tiguan is as versatile as you’d expect when you combine a tiger and an iguana – just as the German brand hoped.
There are lots of different trims on offer, each bringing more features and tech as you move up the range.
As mid-sized SUVs go, you can’t do much better than a Tiguan to get a balance of comfort, affordability and quality.
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