We were sitting at the red light on Galloway and Ridge Road, down the road from the police station here in Mesquite. The sun was starting to set, Alexander Hamilton was playing on the radio, and my children and I had just left our weekly Target run in the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, a 2 or {3-row optional} mid-size SUV.
I never expected that we would be rear-ended by a full-size pickup truck moments later.
Impact and The Sound of Crunching Metal
If you have been in a car accident, you know that the sound of metal connecting and compressing is a sickening sound. Even in a minor accident, it is viscerally terrifying, triggering a whole host of emotions starting with panic and fear. All three of my children were in the back, and I have never been more thankful for the protective elements built into this vehicle. A quick impact, the sound of brakes engaging, a lurch and we were pushed into an intersection, and ironically, just in front a tire repair shop. I could smell the scent of burnt rubber and a fine sheen of dust still floated in the air against the mellow haze of the setting sun.
Quickly, I looked around the around vehicle. My eldest was in the passenger seat next to me and my younger two were in the mid-vehicle captain’s chairs. Everyone looked ok, startled, but good. Through the space between the third row’s elevated headrests, I see the driver of the truck getting out of his vehicle.
His panicked expression mirrored my own as I retrieved the needed documents for exchange. My youngest has started crying and saying, ‘That’s not very nice.’ I told him, “No, it’s not.” My middle holds his hand and comforts him as I go make the needed exchange. As I walk around the back of the vehicle, I am surprised. There is minimal visible damage to the Tiguan, but then I looked at the front of the early 2000s pick-up. The front bumper was concave and the grille was damaged.
We barely felt the impact. Gratitude washed over me, and I made a note to do a bit of research when I got back home.
Safety and Modern Technology
When the line sales total drifted to more than 6 million units, the VW Tiguan became the most popular vehicle in the VW group. Between customizable features, world class safety tech and a streamlined design like the SE R-Line that we tested that speaks to the needs of modern drivers and the precious cargo that shares the space, it no surprise.
Editor Teia Collier with the 2020 VW Tiguan (Credit: Z Collier) 
Rear of the VW Tiguan (Credit: Teia Collier)
Pair that with a design that diverts energy around the vehicle, standard safety systems, both passive and active, including 6 airbags, electronic anti-lock brakes, electric stability control and Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.
I wanted to learn more about the new standard feature Automatic Post-Collision Braking system. I found out that due to the data that says that most accidents or collisions are not single impact, but rather a domino of a events that can cause even more damage. I learned that the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps “address this, in certain crash scenarios, by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus potentially reducing residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage”.
R-Line Lighting 
Also in the version, we tested the SEL Premium R-Line, we had the automatic light assist that controls the headlamp beams on dark roads at speeds above 37 mph, if no oncoming traffic detected. I also used the area view camera that makes good use of the car’s 4 cameras to get a good site on what’s around the vehicle.
Pretty, Thoughtful Features and Upgraded Design
For the purposes of this review, the Team at Volkswagen loaned us the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION. It came in a gorgeous metallic gunmetal silver color with a creamy pale grey leather interior. The interior has the delivers the feeling of livable luxury. The R-Line is striking with R-Line badging, 20” aluminum alloy wheels, a wide, generous sunroof and sleek roof rails. The experience is amplified by a Fender sound system that makes your music or audiobook sound crisp and clear. With charging ports in the front and back and dual climate control, this is a great option for families.
Who Will Love This?
Fans of the Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue and the Toyota Rav4 will find that they love this option and will find it worth taking a second a look. The Tiguan comes in 5 lines starting with the S at just under $25K and topping out with the edition we tested in the top tier option with the 4 Motion and retails just over $38K.
To learn more about the Volkswagen Tiguan, visit here.
To locate your local dealership, visit here.
