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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  The perfect car for city drivers - 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By selitos - April 29 - 4:20 am

  My fiance wanted an SUV via a lease, I wanted a CC. Knowing we couldnt afford both, the Tiguan was the perfect domestic compromise. Ive seen in many reviews how the Tiguan is a poor value and I absolutely disagree. We wanted AWD, Sunroof, Bluetooth, a peppy engine, fuel efficiency, and a reasonable payment. The Tiguan S delivered on all these save fuel efficiency (20/26 awd is passable and not a deal-breaker). The SEL may have a bloated price, but the base S is definitely a good value. The Tiguans 2.0 TSI is a great engine. The car feels sporty but also compliant over rough roads. The cargo room leaves much to be desired, but living in the city the maneuverability is quite welcome

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  Love it! - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By rufus - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Having driven a mini cooper S for the past five years, I was dreading the thought of driving something even as big as a crossover. However, the Tiguan feels almost as sporty as my mini. The handling is terrific! In my comparison shopping, I didnt find anything else in the crossover segment that compares to the interior quality and zippy nature of the Tiguan. Get it.

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  Tiguan 2014-2015 Review - 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By zaksport - March 31 - 8:33 am

  Tiguan is handsome European crossover SUV. Pretty fast with a 200 horsepower strong engine, great visibility, amazing suspension I ever see. Tiguan go through any bumps smooth! Fun to drive and nice precisely handling. The smooth ride gets offset by a somewhat noisy engine when accelerating hard.

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  Great Ride - But Typical VW - 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By BN - March 24 - 1:46 am

  Now had 2+ months with SUV. Nice SUV, handles well, accelerates well, amazing breaks and nice handling. But in typical VW fashion, all the technological gadgets fall well short of expectations. The car is equipped with Apple Play, which is supposed to integrate with I-Phone. Well, it does, but then starts glitching when switching between phone/texts and transitioning back to radio which sometimes just stops working altogether. Sometimes (often) when connecting the i-phone through USB, the connection fails. Its frustrating and I prefer to not use this feature altogether. Sound system is poor, sound distribution not designed well the sound is poor. Although the gas mileage is acceptable for an SUV - the gas tank appears to be small and if you do any type of regular driving, youd have to refuel every other day.

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  I would not recommend this SUV - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Noir Authentique - March 13 - 8:20 am

  Coming from a 2002 Toyota RAV4 which was 100% reliable, I can say this so far has not been the SUV I imagined. The test drive went well at Potamkin VW. I like the interior and exterior design- typical clean design. The interior has a few cheap pieces but you get used to it. On par with the Toyota. The inside is quite roomy but the seats are not so comfortable. Cargo area is useless. With 4k miles- the power around town is peppy but it lacks power on the highway. I also notice the gas goes quicker than expected. It should average 21 MPG and I barely see 15MPG average. On the highway I have seen 23 with the cruise set at 60MPH. Around town it dips to 12-13MPG. Overall, not the best small SUV.

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  One year and 20k mile Tiguan SE Review - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By miless - February 27 - 6:15 am

  Bought my 2012 Tiguan SE late in 2012 as a leftover with 0% financing. I now have driven it for one year and just over 20,000 miles and still love it. I traded in a Jetta TDI because I wanted to go back to AWD. I am averaging about 25 mpg on the Tiguan, with the majority on highways. Better than I expected. Can get 30 mpg on highway if you work at it. Very comfortable seats and smooth ride. Handles well for a small SUV but dont expect golf-like handling. Has decent power, once the turbo gets going. The transmission does shift a lot as others have said. Brakes are great. Love the sound system including Sirius and iPod. Very few issues and free VW service for 36k

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  Great Car, If You Can Get Over the Name - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By MB - February 24 - 9:13 pm

  We love the the Tiguan we purchased last May, so we have another on order for my wife (White Gold with the tan leather. Gorgeous!) We spent months driving other cars in the small sports ute category (RAV 4, CR-V, the new 09 Forester XT, we found the category to be pretty bland. Fortunately, I drove a Tiguan when I was on a business trip in Europe, and wow! It had me after the first 2 miles of drive time. The interior has been thoughtfully put through finishing school. Elegant design, well-placed instrument clusters. The inside actually has more front/rear leg room and head room than our mid- sized Jeep Grand Cherokee. Plenty of pep, and were averaging 28.5 mpg!

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  Tiquan driver - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Reggie - February 22 - 3:26 am

  I bought this SUV in may, right away I liked it. The only thing I can say is I agree with all other reviews as far as gas mileage. But only one other driver mentioned the radio which sounds like its playing through a tunnel lousy quality. I think the is to much road noise also. The brakes are great and the handling I love.

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  Great compact SUV, except for the transmission - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By tom365 - February 11 - 9:27 pm

  This is an excellent SUV; great build quality, fun to drive, practical, rides great at highway speed and has that Volkswagen feel. However, VW has greatly modified the shift pattern of the transmission for 2012. The car tries much too hard to be in the highest possible gear, like 5th or 6th gear between 30 - 35 MPH. This results in severe lugging of the engine which causes the vehicle to shudder and actually shake. It also makes an annoying low-pitched rumbling sound at these speeds. I would strongly advise anyone considering this car to test-drive it for several miles at speeds around 30 - 35 to see if the shaking and shuddering bothers them.

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  Tig is GREEAAAATTTT...... - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Ram - February 2 - 12:03 pm

  Ive officially put 1600 mi on my new Tig, and Im so happy I made the right choice on getting a Tig, it handles so smooth and peppy at the same time. I really wanted the 6 speed manual trans and TDI, but couldnt wait. My dealer told me that they wont be available in the US til next year.