The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan has been with us for some time in its current form, and is likely in its last year as we see it today. Next year an all-new redesigned model debuts that will be a larger seven passenger, three-row model.

But as it is today, the Tiguan is Volkswagen’s key competitor to peers like like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CRV, and Mazda CX5 just to name a few. Most people will consider the Tiguan a more upscale play though as it has slightly higher pricing and German engineering.

Styling of the R-Line we tested is on the sportier side, with larger 18-inch wheels, roof spoiler, side skirts and unique fascia trims. The R-Line is one up from the entry-level S model and starts at $28,700. As tested with a couple small options and destination ours came in at $31,775.

The big news for 2016 is the addition of the all-new MIB II infotainment system. It finally has USB connectivity and charging capability in addition to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror-Link functionality.

Best of all, the new touch-screen system is vastly easier to use than previous generations and is much more responsive to the touch. Other nice touches inside were heated seats, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, and unique sport trims with the R-Line.

Seating here is Volkswagen’s V-Tex leatherette, which is essentially vinyl. It looks and feels a lot like leather, though doesn’t have its aroma. If you want genuine hides, they are available in the top-line SEL.

Powering the Tiguan is Volkswagen’s venerable 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Here it produces a somewhat mild 200 horsepower. Though the tune is mild and it still requires premium fuel, the payoff is a very refined engine that is never harsh when pushed hard.

Shifting the gears is a standard six-speed automatic transmission that operates more smoothly than some of the DSG gearboxes found in other Volkswagens. Though ours was equipped with all-wheel drive, you can get the Tiguan also in front-wheel drive.

Handling was very impressive in both refinement and its athletic reflexes, in spite of the fact the Tiguan rides on one of the oldest chassis architectures in the Volkswagen showroom. It feels solid over rough patches, offers precise steering feel, and speaks its German well.

In that way I still think it serves up a more refined, premium road feel and driving experience than most of its contemporary peers, even in their newest models. This I think is a testament to how good this chassis was when the Tiguan first arrived in 2009.

When it comes to safety it is showing its age however when it comes to the IIHS crash testing data. It achieves good across the board with the exception of their new small-overlap test in which it gets a marginal rating.

Outside of that one area, the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan still shows well as a worthy competitor in its class. It offers the German engineered quality and driving feel, upscale materials and finishes, and unique styling.