The 2018 model year was significant for VW here in the States. That’s when they introduced the 1-2 punch of Atlas and this next-generation Tiguan that have quickly become the brand’s best-sellers with each of them individually outselling all of VW’s cars combined. And now for the 2022 model year, the Tiguan has been refreshed with updated styling and broader availability of tech and safety features.
You know what you don’t see much of in this small SUV segment? A 3rd row of seating. And you won’t find one in my Tiguan either…VW reserves it for the front-wheel drive model. But here I have the top trim SEL R-Line which comes standard with 4MOTION all-wheel drive, priced at $37,790. It’s incredibly easy to build this one as there are virtually no options and only 4 paint choices: white, black, blue and this charismatic gray. If this lavishly equipped Tiguan is too rich for your blood, the base S trim starts at $10k less. And this R-Line looks sharp, sporting a new front end with redesigned LEDs and this cool light line that runs through the grille. Out back, the Tiguan name now lives more prominently below the VW logo. And then you get the R-Line badges, specific bumpers, body-color side sills and newly designed 20” wheels. It just goes to show that a little nip and tuck can work wonders in freshening one’s appearance.
And then inside, this noisette leather looks very Audi-like – and by the way I had to look it up; noisette means a small piece of lean meat. New for 2022 are these touch-sensitive controls in the center stack which can also be summoned by voice commands triggered by simply saying “Hello Volkswagen” and then saying things such as I’m hot or my feet are cold. There are also steering wheel touch controls, 15 colors of ambient light choices and this redesigned navigation system which can be updated automatically with a paid subscription. Combined with this upsized Digital Cockpit Pro with 3 views, the Audi vibes are palpable …just don’t look for the satellite mapping here.
VW’s have their own distinctive driving persona and the Tiguan is no exception with great forward visibility including adaptive front lighting, a comfortable but Euro-tuned suspension with handling agility and an all-around driver connectedness. And IQ.DRIVE is VW’s name for their driver-assistance systems which include Park Assist, Road Sign Display, auto high beams and this overhead view camera which displays sideways…that I don’t care for and I can’t figure out how to change it. But the Adaptive Cruise Control system with Stop & Go and Lane Assist is not one of the better semi-autonomous setups on the market, reacting a little slowly, clumsy in its steering and offering very little hands-off time.
But I like this…VW has kept it fresh and feeling like the German-chic, sportier small SUV choice with bountiful spaciousness to boot.

Volkswagen R is all about excitement and thrill.
The Jetta R-Line takes the model’s dramatic styling a step further, with sporty 17-inch wheels, a more aggressive rear bumper with stylized dual exhaust outlets, a gloss-black grille, black side mirror caps, and R-Line® badging.
R-Line models feature a 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display.
R-Line models receive a unique leather-wrapped, R-Line badged steering wheel.
The Jetta R-Line is equipped with 17-inch wheels paired with 205/55 R17 low-profile all-season tires and the XDS® Cross Differential System. The XDS system acts as an electronic substitute for a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential, actively monitoring data from each wheel sensor. If the suspension becomes unloaded, the system automatically applies braking to the driven inside wheel as needed to help reduce understeer (the tendency for the front wheels to run wide). This not only helps the R-Line’s stability, but can also help improve handling and cornering performance.
Every Jetta model offers standard Driver Personalization with up to four driver settings. Dependent on trim, customizable features include: driver seat memory, drive mode selection, driver assistance system preferences, climate control, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit arrangement, ambient lighting color, radio presets, navigation view, and more.

2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Quick Takes TestDriveNow.
The all-new 5-seater Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport takes the winning formula of the 7-seater Atlas—ample interior space, plus a host of comfort and technology features at an attractive price—and adds bolder design, as well as advanced connectivity and new driver-assistance features. Assembled in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Atlas Cross Sport combines hallmark Volkswagen driving dynamics and attention to detail, setting it apart from the competition.
The Atlas Cross Sport hosts the latest driver assistance technologies offered by Volkswagen. The next-generation Car-Net® telematics system is fitted as standard, with five years of Remote Access services at no additional charge, and in-car Wi-Fi capability is offered across the lineup when you subscribe to a data plan. Additionally, Traffic Jam Assist and Dynamic Road Sign Display are available for the first time on a U.S. Volkswagen model.
Two powerful engines are offered, the 235 horsepower 2.0-liter TSI® inline-four cylinder (achieved with premium fuel), and a 276 horsepower 3.6-liter VR6®. Every Atlas Cross Sport features an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and can be optioned with Volkswagen 4Motion® all-wheel drive.
As the newest member of the Volkswagen SUV lineup, the midsize Atlas Cross Sport offers flexible passenger and cargo volume, as well as everyday usability and utility. The Atlas Cross Sport is available in eight trim levels—S, SE, SE w/ Technology, SE w/ Technology R-Line, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium and SEL Premium R-Line.

The new XC40 represents Volvo’s third SUV and is focused on a new expression of Scandinavian design. The XC40 is the smallest SUV offered by Volvo, preceded by Volvo’s largest SUV, the XC90, which is the most awarded luxury SUV of the century. With the introduction of the XC40, Volvo completes its SUV range and offers three of the newest vehicles in their respective segments.
Award winning technology from the 90 and 60 series cars are standard in the XC40, including safety innovations rarely offered among competitors. The Volvo XC40 will be among the safest, well-equipped compact SUVs available.
The new XC40 is the first model on Volvo Cars’ new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), which will underpin all 40 Series cars including fully electrified vehicles.

VW’s one-two SUV punch is about to be joined by a 3rd model. Based upon the impressive 3-row Atlas is the new Atlas Cross Sport: a more emotive 5-seater that preserves a large portion of its bigger brother’s cargo volume. The Atlas Cross Sport arrives at dealerships in the Spring of 2020 with pricing to be announced closer to launch. https://testdrivenow.com/2020-volkswagen-atlas-cross-sport/