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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  Very good car - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By george - January 28 - 7:10 pm

  I bought this car skeptical but this car has really proved its self to me and my wife. Every day at least 50 miles a day this car is a work horse this car is amazingly fun to drive I have bought other SUV in my lifetime and never one like this. I thought it would have many electrical problems but none I would highly recommend this car to anyone that has a family or one thats going to last.

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  Disappointed - 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Tanya Roberts - January 24 - 2:35 am

  Three times in shop already. Gear box and passenger side window broken when car was purchased. Learned no key to unlock lug nuts was provided after having flat tire. Took 3 times in shop to get right window piece. Horrible grinding sound when backing off incline. Dealership couldnt recreate the sound, so nothing fixed. Advised grooves already in rotors, but nothing they can fix until it has more miles. Picked up brand new from lot on 9/8/17. First and last vw. Everything reported to vw, but still had to drive away from dealer service today, hugely disappointed

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  Love it!! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By dianix - January 14 - 4:43 pm

  I wanted to buy an suv for the longest time, but with current gas prices... not too much of a chance UNTIL the TIGUAN... great on gas, super comfortable. Pretty quick, lots and lots of space... I couldnt be any happier with my purchase, worth the wait! =)

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  First VW and my last VW - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By hanoverpark - December 31 - 10:29 pm

  I bought it new and liked it but it has been in for repairs 3 times in the 2 years I have had it. The first 2 times were under warranty, now I have to pay for this one ($741). When you buy a new car you just dont expect repair bills this early. I was very optimistic with my first VW, sadly I think they are junk as many people advised me.

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  Best VW I ever drove - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Dietmar - December 24 - 1:00 am

  Not quite sure why everybody wants to see leatherette as an option. Who wants this fake stuff? Im so glad I have the cloth seats. Neither cold in winter nor hot in summer (this is a blessing in Chicago) plus its got heated seats. I love this car though it eats a lot of gas compared to the AUDI A4 2.0T CVT. I drove 30 mpg with same engine in the Audi and get barely 23/24 with the Tiguan. Tranny does not help at all. CVT or DSG (VW) S-tronic (AUDI) is the way to go. AISIN tranny from the Tiggy eats up more gas, also my AUDI was FWD which was more gas saving but this is why I bought the 4motion (just in time b4 winter). Otherwise Im REALLY PLEASED (so far)

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  An excellent option - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By VW Fan - December 23 - 4:20 pm

  I just get my Tiguan 2 months ago, 2nd VW, my previous was a Passat 2007 with any complains about it, so after the lease end I decide to change it for a Tiguan 4 motion, the safety sensation in the rain and cornering is amazing. The interior details shows great quality. Dynaudio system awesome; and Xenon lights and memory seat as great thing as well.

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  Happy new owner - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Don B - December 23 - 5:20 am

  Ive had my Tiguan almost three weeks now and its been a great vehicle thus far. Im getting a little less than 25mpg using 87 Octane (regular unleaded). I owned a 1997 Jeep Wrangler previous to this vehicle and the comfort level and gas mileage cant even be categorized between the two vehicles. This Tiguan S model has some real zip with the turbo engine in it! You cant go wrong with this vehicle if youre looking for a good, small compact SUV.

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  Vehicle Rollover Safety - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Tiguan Rollover - December 11 - 10:00 am

  Just FYI: Purchased this vehicle for my wife; last week she was side-swiped by a taxi. Car rolled over on one side (drivers side), then righted itself and landed on top of a third vehicle with 2 wheels in the air. The build on the vehicle saved her life; without the drivers side airbags, my wife would be gone!!! Insurance is replacing the vehicle, and Im getting her a Tiguan again. Thank goodness for VW!!!

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  Awesome! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By ShopCar - November 30 - 4:43 pm

  Well worth waiting for. We were inches away from buying a different SUV (compact) So glad we waited. If you have ever driven a GTI, or Jetta with the 2.0T, this SUV is just that but you sit up higher, and it is AWD. Seats are very comfy and supportive. Lots of room in the rear sets. The icing on the cake is the panoramic moonroof WOW!!!! and has an extra electric screen that will cover the open moonroof. Also handles bumps in the road very.

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  Like a GTI XL - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By BCWatty - November 28 - 5:30 pm

  Wanted a GTI but rear seat room was just too small. Manual transmission and higher ingress/egress makes this fit my desire for fun and my need for comfort. Would have preferred a manual transmission with the ability to also have nav, sunroof, heated seats and AWD, but VW did not give me that option. I have found base S models cloth seats do not get as cold as leather seats so I have not yet gone to the aftermarket for heated seats. It is more quiet than my BMW and Chevy Tahoe. It tracks well and has lots of storage cubbies, including a hidden one to the left of steering wheel. Drawers under the seats like the European models would have been nice. Bring on the TDI with a stick!