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Volkswagen Tiguan: Next-gen coming in 2022 – report

Top-selling SUV nameplate to get sportier styling and electrified engine line-up in third iteration, according to a new report out of the UK.


The second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan is now half way through its life cycle, and it's believed the next iteration will lob around 2022.

According to a new report by the UK's Auto Express, the German brand has some pretty big changes in store for its top-selling nameplate – Volkswagen reportedly sold more than 850,000 units globally in 2018 alone.

With the company's all-electric ID. family on the horizon, it's said the combustion-powered Tiguan will get a radical styling overhaul to make it more 'emotional', getting a sloping roofline and more fastback-style rear compared to the current model's boxy aesthetic. Think something along the lines of the 2015 CrossBlue Coupe concept (above).

Auto Express claims the sportier styling shouldn't impact the current car's practicality, keeping boot capacity to around 470L, while a longer 'Allspace' version should be offered again which will extend the length by around 250mm.

The interior, meanwhile, is said to be inspired by the facelifted Passat, with larger screens and fewer buttons, though not much else is known at this stage.

Above: 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan

Under the skin, the Tiguan will continue to ride on a newer version of the current model's MQB architecture, likely to be dubbed 'MQB Evo' – the new Golf and Audi A3 are likely to debut this updated platform later this year.

With that in mind, the new SUV should offer a range of eco-friendly 48V mild-hybrid powertrains, with two plug-in hybrid variants also mooted.

On the flipside, It's believed a hot 'R' version will top the range, with 350hp (261W) from its four-cylinder turbo petrol engine. Volkswagen is reportedly planning to introduce a Tiguan R based on the current-generation SUV around September.

Beyond the new high-tech powertrains that should be certified for upcoming Euro 7 emissions standards, the British publication claims the third-generation Tiguan will also offer Level 4 autonomous capabilities – allowing for hands-free driving in specific situations.

Volkswagen is reportedly testing Golf-based prototypes with this technology in Hamburg using city-centre routes.

Keep in mind that Auto Express doesn't cite any official sources to substantiate its claims, though it wouldn't be the first time the British publication has been on the money well ahead of time.

Stay tuned to Drive for all the latest.

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