The facelift of the 2020 VW Tiguan is not bringing radical changes. The crossover is relatively new and it is not the time for a mid-cycle refresh. Cosmetic updates outside are going to make this model pretty attractive. Well, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace will have to suffer some retuning, since it steps into a most demanding market in the world. The carmaker is going to use more aluminum and carbon-fiber to drop the weight. This move improves aerodynamics and fuel economy.
Under the bonnet of the 2021 VW Tiguan R-Line will be a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine. It is capable to create 185 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard and the power travels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The downside of this engine is the fuel economy. The consumption is above average, thanks to the overall weight. Tiguan is the heaviest compact SUV. However, it is still capable to tow 1,500 pounds.
The Cross Sport Concept was powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but the production version won’t use anything so forward-thinking. The prototype I’m driving has the Atlas’ naturally aspirated, 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. A smaller, 2.0-liter, turbocharged I4 will be the standard engine, however, with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Both engines mate to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and you’ll be able to spec Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system with either powertrain.
The exterior of the new 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport is very similar to the original concept. The most obvious similarities are sloped roofline and rear part of the vehicle. New spy shots are perfectly showing those cues, despite the camouflage. It is very easy to spot a concept-inspired feature, even upfront. Front fascia wears large lower vents, sleek grille, and brand-new h1 led headlight bulbs.
The Atlas Cross Sport interior is based on the regular Atlas model, although with a few concept-specific features. The show car features a new generation gauge cluster with a 10.1-inch screen seamlessly integrated where traditional gauges would reside. The touchscreen features gesture control and proximity sensors. In addition, the graphic layout of the gauges changes depending on which driving mode is selected.
Under its hood, the 2020 VW Atlas will offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 3.6-liter V6 with a two-motor system that injects 54 hp and 162 lb-ft from its front mechanical, and 114 hp and 199 lb-ft from its rear mechanical. This enhances up to a system output of 355 hp. This liftoff the Atlas to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds and its battery lets it ride 26 miles on electrical energy alone. The other powertrain is a mild hybrid that brings an electric motor to produce 310 hp and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Even this system will be sprightly with its 6.5-sec to 60 mph. In fabrication, we expect a gas-only model and the hybrid firstly, then the plug-in model will come later.
