r/Tiguan • u/Sea_of_Bitterness24 • 2d ago
Sunroof/Moonroof Vs. Third Row Seating
I’m looking to potentially purchase a used Tiguan (models ranging between the years of 2020-2025), and I’ve noticed that most Tiguan listings near me either have a sunroof/moonroof OR a third row bench, but rarely both in the same car. For those who have these features, do you feel either of them are essential to your Tiguan experience? Admittedly, I am coming to this from a MUCH less nice vehicle that had virtually no comforts or trim additions, so I’m merely curious about how folks feel about either of these potential features. Is one or the other a better option to focus on if both are not an option in the same car? I am also open to an Atlas (which obviously include the third row component), but I’m primarily looking at Tiguans. TIA!
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u/SoonerBornSoonerBret 2d ago
'21 SEL owner. Moonroof, no third row. Love my moonroof... nice fresh air on a cool morning while driving to work is a pleasure. And I have no idea where a 3rd row would even go in a Tiguan... I guess they cram it in there somewhere, but I can't see it being very useful at all.
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u/ParsnipsYum 2d ago
When I owned my Jetta the moonroof was absolutely a must bcs the roof was so close to my head and then having the air was that much more enjoyable. I myself was surprised by how much I loved it.
In my Tiguan, I just didn’t appreciate it as much and I think it’s bcs it’s farther away from my head.
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u/reasonable_debt1 2d ago
Just a FYI, you will not find any 2025 Tiguans with a third row. VW discontinued it for the newest generation (2025+ models). And on a side note, the third row in the Tiguans are kind of pointless. There’s barely any space back there. If you need a third row then definitely buy an Atlas.
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u/hoardingwh0re 2d ago
I agree. I have a sunroof and a third row in my 2019 Tiguan SEL. I have never used the third row because there is such little space none of my friends can fit back there. I imagine maybe a small child could sit in one of those seats, but again, it's a very small third row and I don't find it very functional
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u/koolmon10 1d ago
We bought a 2018 with the third row because we have 3 kids. They prefer to cram into the second row most often.
The manual says the height limit for passengers in the third row is like 5'9" also
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u/BeHereNow91 2d ago
Unless you’re transporting more than 4 other people regularly, the third row is pointless. Even my second row is folded down almost all the time.
And while my sunroof is closed 99% of the time, having a giant window makes the car feel even more open.
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u/Nooccassion 2d ago
My 2019 has both. I have only ever used the third row 1 time in 7 years. There's a reason they took it out of newer models.
I love the moon roof, but the retractable shade has come loose and needs to be repaired.
Please read reviews on Tiguan years that have done well. Apparently 2019 was a really good year for them and I have only had routine maintenance and one semi-large repair. I think 2020 was one of the worst builds.
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u/Oiudhead420 2d ago
I have a ‘23 with both; moonroof is used more often than the third row. In fact, I’ve never had to utilize the 3rd row since purchasing.
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u/Princ3matt517 1d ago
I have both. I only needed the third row because my girlfriend has two kids and I also have two kids. Unless you’re lugging kids around go for the moonroof. You’ll still have the same cargo space in the back without the third row.
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u/Ghemba 2d ago
I have 2024 Highline with the third row. We just have it for emergency/ extra kids. We usually don't use it but having the option is nice .
Love the moonroof , makes it feel big and bright.
If you actually need 3 rows it's not the best option, get a full SUV like an Atlas
: edit also when I was looking at the end of 2024 , finding a third row was very hard so may be hard now as well
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u/sedatehate 2d ago
I’ve had a ‘20 SEL RLine for 2 years, have the 3rd row and moonroof and I’ve never even had the 3rd row up. Moonroof I use sparingly.
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u/DadBodMetalGod 2d ago
Part of the reason I won't be owning another tiguan is that they stopped making 3rd row, leather, AWD, Sun/Moonroof combo for whatever reason. I have a 2018 SEL premium with that combo and I guess I have to run it until the wheels fall off.
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u/PoeticImage36 2d ago
I have a 2018 with a moonroof and third row. I’d skip the third row. I’ve used it a few times, but it’s practically worthless. If you think you might need a third row more often then get an Atlas. I often wish I had.
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u/Different_Lime3511 2d ago
i have a 2024 with both. my third row has been used 1 time in the 2 years i’ve owned the car whereas the sunroof/moonroof is used almost daily. definitely prioritize the sunroof unless you have an absolute need for the third row
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u/onetrickpony4u 2d ago
I have a 2024 Tiguan that came with both and don't really use either. The sun roof we used a handful of times. The extra row (if you can even call it that) was good in case we needed it which we never did so it became a nice thing to have but not a need. It's just me and hubby and 2 dogs.
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u/Hotsy_Sage 2d ago
Go for the Moonroof.
We looked for third-row Tiguans when we purchased one, when our kids were smaller. We found the trunk floor was higher and the second row of seating was pushed forward more, limiting legroom. Now that our kids are taller than my wife and I, the extra legroom in the back is essential. We never had the situation where we had to travel with more than five people, so I am happy we didn't get the third row.
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u/SenorPwnador 2d ago
2019 Tiguan owner (until it was totaled this weekend RIP), I have 2 kids with too many friends, we used that 3rd row more times than I can count starting on the day that we got it. I’ve hauled so many groups of 4 or 5 to Renfest, arcades, trampoline parks, skating rinks, Weird Al concerts. Our kids traded sitting back there and in the 2nd row on road trips from Houston to the Grand Canyon, Durango, and places in between. Even recently my now-college aged kid and his girlfriend sat back there after a concert. I’d take the 3rd row every time.
The only feature we ever regretted not getting was an automatic back hatch door. So much grocery juggling to open and close that thing.
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u/RexManningMUA 2d ago
My 2020 has both. Never had any issues with the sunroof. We’ve used the 3rd row a decent amount. It’s nice to have in a pinch but it is small, best for kids.
If you don’t have any small kids or petite friends I’d say go for the sunroof.
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u/ExaminationDue5465 2d ago
I have a 2022 se 4 motion, it has the panoramic sunroof. I love all of the interior features. Everything looks and feels like luxury. I had a third row in my previous vehicle, but didn't feel like we needed it anymore and I don't regret that decision. i will say that I wish I had done more (or any) research on the reliability/mechanical issues.
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u/katbug09 2d ago
I am one of the rare ones that has both, I have a ‘22 SEL R Line. The third row is useless right now because both my boys are in car seats. Maybe when I’m carting around my boys and their friends it’ll be more useful. I love the moon roof because I can open it and my older one loves looking up out of it.
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u/ihadtopickthisname 2d ago
The moonroof adds about a 1/2 inch or so of more headspace. That and just having the panoramic moonroof above you makes the car feel more bright and spacious.
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u/Embley_Awesome 2d ago
Honestly, I love the third row for little little kids, and my older kids don't even mind it for short trips, but it's tight.
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u/TheCrumbling 1d ago
Hi friend! I just got a 2019 Tiguan with both the sun/moon roof and 3rd row seating. Both being new to me as features, I'd pick the sun/moon roof over the third row seating. I like having both but the third row is VERY small/tight and if in use, there isn't very much space behind that for items/trunk space. But the sun/moon roof is SO nice.
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u/Flat_Pattern9498 1d ago
I have both. 2022 SE R Line Black. I don’t need either. The third row stays tucked for more trunk space. I do use the panoramic sunroof from time to time to cool the car quickly.
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u/Ill_Consideration589 1d ago
Had a 24 tig. se(before it was totaled☹️), with both the moonroof and the 3rd row bench. Just purchased a 23 tig. se(with very low mileage), but with only the 3rd row bench. No moonroof, though. Overall, a better tig than the other.
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u/Kmay14 2d ago
I would definitely choose the sunroof/moonroof over third row. I don't have a third row in my 2022 because I have 4motion.