Overview & Reviews

The Volkswagen Tiguan provides a different take on the compact crossover segment. Really, how could it not with a name like Tiguan, the result of VW's marketing department apparently melding the words "tiger" and "iguana" together? The car itself isn't quite so head-scratching, but it's definitely outside the norm. Whereas many competitors are utilitarian in nature, with an emphasis on practicality, the Tiguan's refined driving manners and upscale interior lend it a distinctly European flavor that you won't find elsewhere.

So while it may not be the best choice for families or those who prioritize maximum cargo space, a new or used Tiguan will still satisfy the basic SUV needs of others looking for an elevated seating height and the all-weather assurance of all-wheel drive. Plus, if you're familiar with the Volkswagen brand, the Tiguan's numerous similarities to the previous-generation Jetta and Golf will make the switch to an SUV that much easier.

Current Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a four-door, five-passenger compact crossover. It's powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that generates 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The base front-wheel-drive version comes with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, but all others are automatic-only. All-wheel drive can be specified on all but the base, manual-equipped Tiguan.

Five trim levels are available: S, SE, SE with Appearance, SEL and R-Line. All come standard with plenty of features, including eight-way manual front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 40/20/40-split-folding and reclining rear seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and an audio system with an auxiliary audio jack and a CD player. Moving up through the trims adds features such as the Car-Net telematics system, keyless ignition and entry, xenon headlamps, heated power seats, leather seating, a rearview camera and a navigation system. The R-Line trim takes a sporty tack with its 19-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension and body styling tweaks.

In reviews, we've noted that the Volkswagen Tiguan stands apart thanks to its sleek European design and high-quality interior. Controls are large and well-placed, and the cabin is adorned with genuine aluminum trim. These virtues are matched with equally solid driving dynamics. Unfortunately, the Tiguan lacks the cargo space of some of its competitors. With 23.8 cubic feet in the rear, the Tiguan offers less space than a Jetta wagon. With the second row folded down, maximum capacity grows to 56.1 cubic feet, which is still well shy of class leaders such as the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. The Tiguan can also command a hefty price premium over other compact utes.

Used Volkswagen Tiguan Models
The Volkswagen Tiguan was introduced for 2009. Until 2012, changes consisted chiefly of trim level and equipment shuffling. For 2012, however, the front-end styling was refreshed and fuel mileage was slightly improved. Other than lacking the R-Line trim level and the Car-Net telematics service, these latter Tiguans are similar to today's lineup.

User Reviews:

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  Only 48 hours in, but awesome so far - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By guymeister - January 3 - 4:14 pm

  I just picked up my new 2012 LE model 2 days ago, so I havent had a lot of experience with it and cant comment on its long term durability, but so far, its been awesome. Its much more car than I thought I was getting - very quick, yet with a very solid feel, quite fast (it feels much faster in 0 to 60 than the official times for it), it has more than enough conveniences, a lot of room, and it looks great. And the gas mileage is good (roughly 24 round town, which I think is exactly what its supposed to be). I love it.

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  Safe little AWD - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By VWforever - December 15 - 12:36 pm

  Very nice! Perfect size, everything is laid out to make it very user friendly. Seats are perfect if you not very tall. Most SUVs the seats were too long for me. This is also the only SUV we drove under $34,000 that has more than up and back adjustments for the passenger. Even though they are manual you still can adjust lumbar, height and up and back. The 2010 also has an awesome stereo that appears like a navigation screen, along with standard bluetooth that works great. Another wonderful feature is the panoramic sunroof..(like no other)

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  Nice Machine - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By T.D. - December 13 - 3:40 am

  Just bought the SEL. Surprisingly nice crossover. Has all the features, plus some I cant figure out how to use. Very peppy, and handles well. The turbo is good on gas, but not real smooth. Overall a very nice driving machine.

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  Wish it was bigger but love the features - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Colorado Mtns - October 16 - 2:26 pm

  I came from a Land Rover LR3 to a 2009 Tiguan. Love the same features of the Land Rover, but disappointed about the room inside. I have (2) dogs and cannot fit much else except them. Also cannot get over the fact there are no armrests in the middle, having to use the console seems odd. Also just ran over a nail on one of the tires and have to have it replaced. The 18" Pirellis that are on the Tiguan are on national backorder - odd sized tire as well. Not sure if they are good snow tires from what I have researched on the Pirelli website. Gas mileage not what I expected, only averaging 21 mpg on the highway. Overall not quite sure I made the best choice. Should have stayed in my LR3

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  Great Opportunity with 2012 VW Tiguan @ manual - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By bostonguy3961 - October 5 - 4:05 am

  After 14 years with Ford Explorer Sport (2 dr) manual transmission was time to more on (California smog regs). Looked options for smaller suvs with manual- Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, and VW Tiguan plus Kia and Hyundai brothers. The Korean cars, nicely priced but the drive-train are junk - recent reports are that their clutch has very limited life. Escape is old and has no zip. Forester is ok, but driver space is limited. Found basic Tiguan with manual -only one is Southern Cal... and dealer was ready to move it for under $21,500 (plus taxes). Has few fancy accessories, no roof rack or sunroof but drive-train is solid, better mileage than EPA sticker - compares to $30,000++ versions!

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  The Peoples Car - 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Emily - September 20 - 5:02 pm

  The 2018 VW Tiguan is an easy SUV to drive. It is comfortable - it turns on a dime.... and it looks good. The visibility is the best of any SUV I tried. There is not a blind spot in the car - and it has the safety feature of a car to the left or right - with light up cars on the side mirror. I havent learned all the features yet - but the Navigation System is the easiest I have ever used - and this car has a compass built in. So far - it ranks as one of my favorite cars I have driven.

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  Irritating Vibration - 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By albedo - September 14 - 4:06 pm

  Prospective Tiguan buyers should use caution. Its sexy and fun to drive in many respects, but the transmission software is horrid and causes the engine to lug and emit an irritating, low frequency vibration noise. Its benign enough during the test drive, but 6 months later and I was pulling my hair out. VW refuses to admit its a problem. Why? VW has been losing the fuel mileage battle and the best they can offer is to program the transmission to run at the lowest possible RPMs. My car is a 2013, but the same issues continue in later models. Customer feedback to VW has been largely ignored. They seem to be more interested in attracting new buyers than making existing customers happy.

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  Love my Tiguan, But... - 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By john hibbard - August 10 - 7:59 am

  Replaced water pump at 64,000 miles,$1,000. Replaced trailing arms at 60,000 mile, $1,000. Facing oil leak cost exceeding $1,000. Brakes are not worn, but feels like rotors are warped. Disappointed that I am incurring these costs at c. 60,000 miles. Still, it is a joy to drive. Considering trading it in for a low mileage 2014-2015 Tiguan. Ex-Audi A4 driver with similar disappointing history of repair costs. And yet...this is a beautiful little SUV

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  Finally - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By zflash00 - August 2 - 11:36 am

  I drove just about every SUV in this class over a two month period and the Tiguan is by far the best. The Tiguan looks great inside and out and even without leather seats is very comfortable. The difference between this car and others like the Ford Escape or Toyota Rav4 is the way it handles. The drive is more like a car than an SUV. I thought the Honda CR-V was a very nice vehicle too but it was lacking any kind of pick up. Overall I am very happy to have purchased the Tiguan. Some dealers have said that they are not offering any deals for a number of reasons, but I was given a couple thousand off the sticker price.

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  Safety Defect - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By dhsec1 - July 23 - 9:34 am

  When in slow moving traffic the Auto Transmission does NOT downshift at RPM about 1100 or speeds about 15 MPH, and the engine begins to stutter as if it was about to stall. To correct this the driver must either press the gas pedal or manually downshift to the lower "S" gear selection. Pressing the gas pedal is dangerous unless there is much space between you & the car in front od you. Downshifting requires some decision time which is not always an alternative in highly congested traffic. The Tiguan is a wonderful car I would highly recommend EXCEPT for this defect!