The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan started at $27,420. Study the compact-crossover segment for even a moment, and it’s clear that the VW’s price is way, way out of step with what Honda charges for a bare CR-V, or Ford asks for a basic Escape. Even taking into account the Tiguan’s premium bend, it’s just a bit too dear to fully compete with the segment heavyweights. This isn’t a new issue, since the Tiguan has been positioned higher than its competition since its inception, but for 2016, Volkswagen is tossing its small SUV a bone in the form of a nearly $1400 price drop that coincides with a big increase in the rig’s standard equipment.
We’re awaiting final 2016 Tiguan pricing, but lopping off $1400 only brings the crossover’s base MSRP down to about $25,000, still a few grand higher than the base offerings from Honda, Toyota, Mazda, and Ford. Volkswagen sweetens the deal further, however, by adding V-Tex pseudo-leather seats (heated in front!), keyless entry with push-button ignition, rain-sensing windshield wipers, an auto-dimming mirror, and its latest MIB II 5.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system.
Besides making its entry-level Tiguan a bit more approachable, Volkswagen also shifted the sporty R-Line trim to a more affordable position in the lineup, between the base S and mid-level SE models; the SEL becomes the range-topper. The R-Line, SE, and SEL Tiguans utilize the same new MIB II infotainment, but with a larger 6.3-inch touch screen. SE models add a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch aluminum wheels, adaptive bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights, a power driver’s seat, a power recline function for the passenger seat, and chrome trim inside and out. The SEL adds 19-inch wheels, fender flares, a sport suspension, leather seats, power-folding door mirrors, and a memory function for the power driver’s seat.
It remains to be seen whether VW’s changes will it be enough to stir up a few more Tiguan sales before the next-generation model appears in a year or two, but economic fundamentals are on the company’s side. If there’s low demand, lower the price.
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