2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0t Se R-Line Black – Detailed Review
If there’s one thing that Volkswagen knows how to do, it’s make a great vehicle. The brand has been around for decades and has produced some of the most iconic cars on the road. Their 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0t Se R-Line Black, is no exception. Beautifully designed and packed with features, this car is sure to thrill drivers and passengers alike. So, if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, be sure to read on as we go through everything you need to know about the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0t SE R-line Black Edition.
All Volkswagen Tiguan’s are well-rounded, handsomely styled, and well-equipped multipurpose vehicles. The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0t SE R-Line Black has added features, aesthetic enhancements and builds on the platform bringing it into competition with more expensive cars.
Already known as the manufacturer of the Beetle, the introduction of the Golf hatchback continued the winning streak. With the introduction of the Tiguan, Volkswagen has struck gold. In the 15 years since the Tiguan was launched, 6,000,000 vehicles have been sold. In 2019, almost 1,000,000 Tiguan’s were sold worldwide.
The Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0t Se R-Line Black Luxury and Sportiness Combined
With the previously available SEL model discontinued, Volkswagen offers the Tiguan in just four trim levels— S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line—each is available with 4Motion all-wheel drive.
Previously the lower spec models used the 1.4 TSI engine, which, to put it politely, was not known for its brisk acceleration and startling levels of performance. Although the smaller engines boasted miserly consumption figures, the lack of get up and go tarnished the vehicle’s appeal in some segments. The Tiguan developed the reputation as being underpowered. Indeed, with this engine, it was not my first choice.
I welcomed the news, therefore, that since 2020, the Tiguan is only offered with the bigger engine.
All models are powered by the 184.0-hp, 2.0-liter 4 Cylinder Engine. However, it will never compare to its sprightlier family member (Golf GTi); it is now infused with a better spirit and level of enthusiasm.
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0t SE R-Line Black Features
With some attractive external changes, the already well-appointed Tiguan has been refreshed for 2021/2022, and the R-Lines Black’s list of standard and available technology is even more impressive; this makes it, arguably, the market leader in this segment.
The following features are standard on the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0t SE R-Line Black:
- Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster
- Heated front seats
- LED headlights
- Wireless cell phone charging
- 20-inch aluminum-alloy designed wheels.
- The 2022 model will be available in eight exterior colors, including new Oryx White and Kings Red Metallic options.
- The IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance suite.
- Different, sharper black accented front and rear bumpers, which include stylized air inlets in the front units,
- wheel arch extensions
- side skirts
- The exterior badging includes the R-Line logo in two colors on the grill. The outer strips are chrome, and the two inner strips high-gloss black
- The Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.5inch (26 cm) TFT color display.
- Panoramic sunroof
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Fog lights
- Black ceiling trim
- Black mirror covers and window border strips
- 90% tinted rear side and back windows.
My Score 9/10
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0t SE R-Line Black Cabin
When I opened the door for the first time, my first impression was of a quality build with well-positioned controls.
Modern Volkswagens are known for their understated minimalist interiors. Depending on who you talk to, you will hear opinions from boring to understated class. My view is that, while other manufacturers may have some features which are superior to the Tiguan, overall, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0t SE R-Line Black interior is a pleasant and comfortable place to spend time.
The doors closed with a “thunk” and gave the impression of an overall quality build. The dash is covered in soft-touch molded plastic.
I found the black roof trim a little dark and somber; however, I suspect it will wear better and show less grime than lighter materials.
The R-Line models have model-specific seats with an “R” imprinted onto the backrest. The seats offer loads of comfort while remaining supportive.
The driver’s perch is electrically adjustable, and the passenger seat has manual controls. The seats are adjustable on three axes.
- Backward and forwards
- The tilt of the whole seat can be adjusted.
- The backrests can be adjusted from 90degrees to almost a lie-flat position
- There is another button to change the shape of the lower backrest, which varies between giving more support or removing the pressure entirely.
The back seats (or second row in the All Space) have adequate legroom and sufficient room for three medium-sized adults to sit. These seats have adjustable backrests and can be moved forwards or backward.
The steering wheel is adjustable, which means your arms can rest in the most comfortable position reducing fatigue on a long trip.
The steering wheel has multiple controls mounted, which I found a little daunting initially. Once I developed muscle memory, the controls came readily to hand, and I rarely removed my hands from the wheel.
In 2022 the sound and air-conditioning system now have new touch controls, which I found off-putting. With the new system, you can’t adjust a physical switch or knob; the driver now must look down at the control to change it. It is much less intuitive than the previous year’s system and, in my view, potentially compromises road safety.
I loved the digital instrument display and constantly switched between the different modes like a nerd.
The screen in the center console is big enough and intuitive to operate. The addition of Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto is a significant advance. My iPhone connected automatically and worked seamlessly with the vehicle’s system.
My Score 8/10
Driving The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0t SE R-Line Black
Since 2020 all Tiguan’s sold in the states have been fitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generating 185 HP. It is connected to the driving wheels through an 8-speed DSG transmission as standard. The owner can choose between two or four-wheel drive, which uses the VW – Four Motion Connect System.
In turn, the four motion is available in active or standard spec levels. Active includes modes for driving on:
- Snow
- On-road (Standard or economy)
- Offroad
- Offroad Individual where you can choose to select the various options to match your style.\
The keyless system starts the near-silent engine.
I was a little disappointed in the power delivery. Previous versions of the DSG gearboxes have always produced a smooth, consistent power delivery. I found the eight-cog unit to be a little reticent to downshift. Although never as sedentary as the previous 1.4-liter model, combined with a noticeable turbo lag, the Tiguan did not feel as enthusiastic off the line or traveling around town as I had hoped.
The best acceleration I could muster was 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds; this is less of an issue on highways, and I found the Tiguan to be a comfortable and capable long-distance cruiser.
The Tiguan ride is very comfortable, but the trade-off is less precise during tight and twisty roads. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0t Se R-Line Black was very settled and easy to point and squirt. Sudden changes in direction to miss potholes never unsettled the car, and I always felt secure. The Tiguan’s brake-pedal is slightly soft, but it worked very effectively.
My score 6.5/10
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0t SE R-Line Black Verdict
Beauty is a personal preference, and if the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0t SE R-Line Black were purely an appearance package, the choice would be a subjective one, and it would be all yours to make; there would be nothing I could motivate that would convince you it’s worth it.
The R-Line Black comes with so many more functional features; I feel I am safe in saying the SE R-Line Black offers a reasonable value for money for the extra-functional content it provides.
