The Cheapest 3-Row SUV of 2023 Also Has Excellent Resale Value
Three-row SUVs typically cost more than most cars, which is why it’s always nice to see an affordable model. The popular Volkswagen Tiguan is one such SUV, and its low sticker price equates to a high trade-in value. Here’s how much the cheapest three-row SUV might be worth in a few years.
How much does a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan cost?
To buy a new 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan, you’ll need a meager $26,950, making it the cheapest three-row SUV. For comparison, most of the SUVs in this segment have base trims retailing for over $30,000. Interestingly, while the Tiguan is available as both a three-row and two-row SUV, the three-row models are the cheapest. Only the two-row models have all-wheel drive, which can be added to any trim for $1,500.
The Tiguan SE is priced just over $30,000 and adds an upgraded infotainment system along with synthetic leather seats. You also get the enhanced safety suite with adaptive cruise control, plus a few other interior upgrades. Even the top-tier Tiguan SEL R-Line retails for less than $38,000. Typically, you have to spend at least $50,000 on most fully loaded midsize SUVs. However, remember that the SEL R-Line has standard AWD, so you’ll lose the third row.
How high is the Volkswagen Tiguan’s resale value?
CarEdge says most Volkswagen Tiguans will depreciate by 28% after the first five years of ownership. Assuming you have 60,000 miles on the odometer, your Tiguan will fetch an average trade-in value of $25,076. Even if you wait one more year to sell it, the difference is barely more than $1,500.
Most cars depreciate by 15% annually after the first year of ownership, which is when the biggest depreciation drop hits. However, the Volkswagen Tiguan’s resale value between the first and second years is basically the same. The Tiguan loses a lot more value after the seven-year mark, which is understandable considering how many miles it might have.
If you don’t drive 12,000 miles a year, your Volkswagen Tiguan’s trade-in value could be significantly higher. SUVs optioned with desirable features like adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, or premium speakers also have better resale values. You can check your potential appraisal total year by year on Edmunds.
The Volkswagen Tiguan: To sell or not to sell the cheapest 3-row SUV?
J.D. Power agrees the Volkswagen Tiguan has above-average resale value and gives this three-row SUV high marks for its driving experience. The cabin features excellent sound insulation, and accessing the second row is a hassle-free experience. However, the engine reportedly isn’t very smooth. All Tiguan models have the same 184-hp turbo-four and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Owners surveyed by J.D. Power were also unimpressed by the SUV’s gas mileage. However, getting an estimated 27 mpg combined, the compact Volkswagen Tiguan is more efficient than most other gas-powered three-row SUVs. Drivers with that complaint might have the two-row version, which can earn up to only 25 mpg combined.
Volkswagen Tiguan owners also get a lot of use out of its interior storage options. That’s a relief considering this three-row crossover has only 12 cubic feet of storage with each seat upright. The third row is also, unfortunately, very small, advertising just 28 inches of legroom.
That’s still plenty of space for a child, but there’s no LATCH system to accommodate booster seats in the third row. However, you will find those anchors attached to the seats in the second row, which is much more spacious. If your family outgrows the Volkswagen Tiguan, you can resell it with confidence that you’ll get a lot of money back.
