Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI R-Line: the best car of the second half of 2025?
At one time, the third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan crossover was already the hero of a separate review, and then I frankly liked it: excellent suspension comfort, a well-thought-out interior, a surprisingly good turbodiesel, a very wide range of equipment. Only a little was missing the "pepper" to spice up the dish. And now this "pepper" has appeared – in the form of the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI R-Line: a powerful 265-horsepower gasoline engine and a new version with sports hints. But let's tell you everything in detail – in the format of TOP-5 main questions and answers.
The new R-Line version? Is it different from the regular Volkswagen Tiguan?
Oh, yes! And it is very noticeable, the car is significantly different. Only a few details have changed – but it is these details that form the new image of the Volkswagen Tiguan R - Line : dynamic, strong, predatory... I would say "aggressive", but I would rather say "self-confident".
The new front bumper has a huge black-glossy insert with a characteristic diamond-shaped pattern, a similar solution has found its place behind. The lower part of the doors is now covered with body-colored trim, and the wheel arch trims are made in black: of course, the practicality of such solutions is questionable, but how does it look!. Similarly, the 19-inch wheel rims and mirror housings are made in black. But what am I talking about – see for yourself…
The Volkswagen Tiguan crossover in the R-Line version can be a perfect example of how important the details are: a few elements were changed - and the convexity and neutrality of the car disappeared, instead the "muscles" and athletic character appeared. Moreover, in fact, the main body elements have not changed, and the dimensions are within the familiar limits: length – 4.54 meters, width – 1.84 meters, height – 1.66 meters; wheelbase – 2.68 meters; ground clearance is declared at about 17 cm. A cool two-way exhaust is located at the back; however, unfortunately, there are no dedicated exhaust pipes in the rear bumper - in general, this could have been done for the R-Line.
Okay, that's clear. What about the interior?
A similar story: familiar general forms, details have changed. For example, the steering wheel has changed – the R logo and more voluminous protrusions in the grip areas have been added, plus perforated leather has been used for partial trim. Small details, but the driver always holds the steering wheel in his hands, he always has such contact with the car – and these details affect the feeling, they create a slightly different mood: more active, cheerful, energetic. I would even say Energetic: exactly as it is written on the display of the remarkable switch washer, which is certainly one of the "points of interest" of the entire interior.
Or here's another: a new R -design dashboard has appeared, and the front passenger area is decorated with a panel with the letter R and original decor – also a small but noticeable detail. In addition, the car in the R-Line version can also have sports seats with a combined headrest. However, this particular Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line test car had comfortable-active seats – these are those with ventilation, massage, leather trim...
And that's the whole point of the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line: the car seems to give off sporty hints, but does not forget about its comfortable and practical essence. What is the niche with dual charging and a hinged lid, an armrest with the ability to transform the space (there is also a place for various clips for cards or coins on its lid), comfortable rear seats with the ability to adjust forward/backward and the angle of the backrest, the presence of a separate "climate" zone behind and even a mini-table... Let's talk about the 652-liter trunk, will you believe that every niche and nook is worked out there? Everything for your convenience!
A beautiful interior, which received a few additional notable details: for example, a steering wheel or decor in the R-style. I would also add a red edging on the front panel instead of blue, and I also want to unload the left switch under the steering wheel a little. However, otherwise – the Volkswagen Tiguan crossover (which is regular, which is R-Line) is very well designed in terms of ergonomics, convenience, and practicality.
What about the dimensions? Will it be cramped? The answer is given by the measurements of the interior according to several parameters. So, let's start with the length of the driver's seat cushion, which can vary within 50-55 cm depending on the position of the retractable knee support roller. Next, the distance from the edge of the cushion to the accelerator pedal is 48-72 cm, depending on the seat position setting. Finally: the head/torso height margin is a maximum of 102 cm when measured from the base of the seat cushion to the ceiling (measured along the backrest and headrest, the driver's seat is lowered, the backrest is set at an angle of 105-110 degrees).
Now let's look at the rear of the cabin. Yes, we have a knee/legroom of 64-88 cm (the sofa is pushed back as far as possible, measured from the base of the second-row sofa to the back of the front seat, depending on the position of the front seat). The head/torso space is 92 cm (measured from the rear sofa cushion to the ceiling, measured along the backrest and headrest).
Finally, the trunk measurements. Its width within the wheel arches is 100 cm, but if you take into account the side niches, then we have 140 cm. The trunk depth in the standard 5-seater version of the cabin is 88 cm (from the edge of the trunk to the stop in the back of the second-row sofa); or the depth is 149 cm (with the second-row seats folded, along the folded seat backs); or the maximum trunk depth is 171 cm (with the second-row seats folded, to the stop in the back of the first-row seat).
I am using the meeting with the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line car to close the issue of interior measurements in general for the Volkswagen Tiguan crossover and to be able to further compare these data with competitors. In short, the Volkswagen Tiguan is somewhere in the middle of the class: there are more spacious competitors, but there are also more cramped cars of the C-SUV class.
Only cosmetic changes? Was there room for new technology?
Here I suggest mentioning not only the Volkswagen Tiguan, but also the CUPRA Terramar. After all, it was on its example that we saw the combination of the crossover format and the EA 888 DNPB gasoline engine earlier: this is a 2-liter 4-cylinder, with a compression ratio of 9.6 and variable valve timing, as well as a turbine and direct fuel injection. The rest of the equipment is already familiar: the MQB Evo platform, a 7-speed "automatic" in the form of a DSG DQ 381-7 A robotic transmission, all-wheel drive, a driving mode selection system. In fact, such a powerful engine (265 hp and 400 Nm) was announced in the car's range from the very beginning of the market career of the "third" Volkswagen Tiguan – and now, finally, it has appeared in Ukraine; and even with the appearance of the R-Line version ! True, the R - Line version did not bring with it other technical changes, such as the electronically controlled DCC suspension or a very “sharp” steering wheel; although we still have 19-inch wheels with 45-profile rubber against 17-18-inch wheels with higher-profile tires on regular versions of the Volkswagen Tiguan.
I would especially like to draw attention to the dimensions of the tires and wheels, because at first glance on the road, the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line felt somewhat different from the previous version of the Volkswagen Tiguan, which was remembered for its excellent comfort. Now the character of the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line has become more dense and better collected in its reactions. However, we can hardly talk about a change in the suspension, rather the difference in impression is precisely at the level of perception of different tires: the car still tries to keep a balance between the comfort of the suspension and the tendency to dynamic handling – it's just that now the emphasis is somewhat shifted towards the latter point. Thus, it is possible to ensure successful damping of large irregularities, clarity of steering responses without excessive sharpness (2.5 turns from lock to lock), as well as moderate rolls in corners. But if you start to get carried away with an overly aggressive driving style, jerking the steering wheel sharply in turns and trying to pass them at the limit of tire grip, you will end up slipping with your nose out to the squeal of rubber. After all, we have the Tiguan R-Line, not the Tiguan R.
These are just minor remarks and questions of expectations; because in general I liked the balance that the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line offers. It makes every trip more interesting and emotional, but does not yet cross the limits of what is permitted in a typical German-restrained style. For example: yes, there is no very sharp steering wheel or a frankly "hot" sport mode with a synthetic sound that presses on the ears. At the same time –there is clarity in reactions and a cool gasoline turbo engine. This is really cool: silence and smoothness at low revs up to 1.5-2 thousand, which allows you to feel calm in a leisurely city stream; but I start with medium revs of 2.5-3 thousand and then up to the maximum 6 thousand – and this is a real station for producing torque and horsepower!
The gasoline turbo engine simply does not know such terms as “thrust drops” or something about the dependence of power on revolutions – it is always ready to provide you with excellent acceleration and a flurry of torque. The first “hundred” is given in about six seconds, but then what is most impressive is how confidently the car flies on and picks up speed – almost with the same persistence with which the first qualifying mark is given. In fact, at very high highway speeds, the limiter is not even the engine power (it is enough), not even the aerodynamic noise (the car is quite quiet in all respects – aerodynamics, noise from under the wheel arches, the sound of the engine); in fact, the limiter is a rather high body with noticeable sailiness. So, the conventional Volkswagen Passat at high speeds turns into an arrow piercing the air; but the Volkswagen Tiguan still remains a crossover with considerable flat side surfaces and a “cut-off” trunk lid. But believe me: this is only felt at such high speeds, at which even the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line will rarely find itself.
A classy engine is combined with a wonderful automatic transmission: extremely fast and imperceptible gear changes, plus a sport mode activated by an additional touch of the joystick. More options are collected in a comprehensive menu of driving mode settings: for example, a general sport mode means not only an impact on the gearbox/engine, but also makes the steering heavier; you can also find eco or winter driving modes here; however, you will not find a frankly “sharp” mode with bare nerves instead of an accelerator pedal. The promised passport characteristics – 0-100 km/h dynamics in 5.9 seconds, a maximum of 242 km/h, fuel consumption of 11.6 liters in the city and 7.4 liters outside the city – are more or less true in reality. For example, my own measurement of dynamics gives an indicator of less than 6.1 seconds; however, at the time of the test drive and measurement, the car had barely crossed 1000 km of mileage - I think it is quite realistic to leave the 6-second mark. Only another relative crossover can currently offer better dynamics, but it is somewhat smaller; on the other hand, if we take all the key competitors of the C/ D class SUV, the gasoline Volkswagen Tiguan regained the title of leader. Fuel consumption in the urban cycle is realistically 11-12 liters; if you drive smoothly – you will get even less than 10 liters; but if you always drive in R-Line mode – you will get 12.5-13 liters. On the highway at a speed of 100 km/h, the car consumes 6.8-7 liters of fuel, while the tachometer shows 1700-1750 rpm.
How much does the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line cost in particular and the Tiguan in general?
Let me remind you that at the time of preparing the first review of the new Volkswagen Tiguan, the car was offered in Ukraine in two versions, which differed in literally everything – engine power, drive type, equipment level. Now several more R-Line trim levels and a powerful gasoline engine have been added; thus, in total, we now have five model variants.
The range is also opened by the Volkswagen Tiguan Life, which immediately offers a fairly good list of equipment: LED headlights, three-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, rearview camera, lane change assistant, heated steering wheel and front seats, digital 10.2-inch instrument panel, multimedia system with a 12.9-inch touch display and support for App Connect wireless connection (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), electric trunk lid, etc. This car is offered exclusively with a 2-liter TDI diesel engine, a 7-speed DSG robotic gearbox and front-wheel drive. The cost of the Volkswagen Tiguan Life 2.0 TDI 150 DSG FWD is from UAH 1.8 million or $43.5 thousand.
The Volkswagen Tiguan Elegance version is located one level higher, where the following is added: high beam assistant, heated rear row of seats, wireless heated windshield, front seats with massage function, extended interior backlighting in 30 colors, 18-inch alloy wheels, etc. In addition, such a car is already equipped with a powerful 193-horsepower diesel engine and all-wheel drive. The cost of the Volkswagen Tiguan Elegance 2.0 TDI 193 DSG 4 Motion is from 1.95 million UAH or $47 thousand.
And now the story of the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line version begins: in terms of equipment, this car approximately corresponds to the Elegance configuration, but is distinguished by an original front bumper and black radiator grille, black 19-inch wheels, a sports steering wheel with an R-logo, metal pedal covers, interior decor in the R-Line sports design, etc. Similarly to the Elegance version , this car is offered with a powerful turbodiesel and all-wheel drive. The cost of the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line 2.0 TDI 193 DSG 4 Motion is from UAH 2.05 million or $49.6 thousand.
Finally, at the top of the model line is the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line + with an increased list of equipment: a panoramic glass roof with the ability to open, Varenna leather interior, ErgoActive front seats with a back massage function, etc. Plus, in the R-Line + version, there is an additional opportunity to choose an engine: either a 193-horsepower turbodiesel or a 265-horsepower gasoline turbo engine - the most powerful in the Volkswagen Tiguan line as of now and the one that became the hero of this material. The cost of the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line + 2.0 TDI 193 DSG 4 Motion – from 2.13 million UAH or $51.5 thousand; the cost of the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line + 2.0 TSI 265 DSG 4 Motion – from 2.13 million UAH or $51.5 thousand.
The R-Line + version embodies not only a sporty style, but also offers the maximum equipment: ErgoActive leather seats with a bunch of electric adjustments and a massage function, a panoramic glass roof, advanced climate control and heated seats not only in front, but also in the back. The digital instrument panel and a multimedia system with a 12.9-inch display are present immediately, in any configuration of the car. Although even for the maximum R-Line + level, such equipment as a multimedia system with an enlarged 15-inch display, matrix headlights IQ. Light or a projection display are options. That is, the price tag of $ 51.5 thousand may increase slightly more…