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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Better build than our BMW! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
By maltlover20 - November 8 - 5:17 amOver 3 years now with our 2009 Canadian Highline model Tiguan, and we still love it. 48K kms and no problems. Took a road trip in June through the Rocky mountains and got awesome fuel economy! Winter driving we swap out our 18inch rims for 16inch aluminum ones with Gislavid winter tires (from Finland) and can plow through snow that the bottom of the chassis is dragging on. It takes 5 days after a major snowfall before the County plows our road, and we have alread had one dump of 35 centimetres and last week another 25cm.
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VWs Best Kept Secret... - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
By frenchman - October 25 - 11:16 pmI traded my 2008 Nissan Rogue SL AWD ater 21K miles for this Tiguan SE 4motion because of the better features, ride, handling, acceleration, and build quality.The car is the best engineering product I have found in the market today for the money. VW truly is the best kept secret in terms of quality,features,value, and fun to drive.
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A very happy Tiguan owner - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
By Katie - October 2 - 7:30 pmTraded up from a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix. I researched cars for about 6 months prior to test-driving and this was one of my top pics. If you are thinking of purchasing a Honda CR-V or Toyota Rav-4, be sure to check out the Tiguan before making your final decision! Driving this car is a lot of fun! I was very impressed with the overall quality I got for the price.
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Welcome to the family Tiggy - 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
By Nord - September 1 - 8:31 pmWe presently own two NMS Passat TDIs. Well turn in our SE and keep the SEL due to Dieselgate. Allow me to make a fair comparison... Tiguan is a different vehicle than Passat but very much the same in many ways. Tiguan is smaller than the NMS and the gas engine doesnt readily compare with the TDI. That said, Tiguan is a VERY nice, though pricey, vehicle. Interior room is fairly small, but anyone complaining should have noted this before buying. Over the road economy seems to hover at about 26 mpg while our TDIs push well over 40 mpg. Tiguan has less bells and whistles than the competition and compares favorably with the NMS SEL.. Not a bad thing really as most of the lauded innovations on other vehicles are more of a distraction than of benefit. Comfort, handling, and overall quality is superior to the competition in my opinion. So far 1600 miles without a single complaint. Bang for the buck? Probably NOT a bargain if you like Toyota, Kia, Ford, or Honda and others. On the other hand a real bargain when compared to the Audi or MB offerings which really arent that much nicer than Tiguan. Bottom line? My wife saw it and the hunt was over. I think the Panther Gray put it over the top.
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My Wifes Supercool Dunebuggy - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
By semaj422000 - August 15 - 6:46 pmBought the Tig about a month ago for my wife. The only thing she knew she wanted was a SUV or a lux feeling car. I wanted good quality and a sub 30k price. The Tiguan met all of our criteria and then some. Its quite small, but we dont have kids so that wasnt a big deal. The interior aesthetic and material quality feel quite good and it comes standard w/ bluetooth and an easy to use touchscreen radio. Although more pricey than most of the comp, this feels and looks far superior inside and out. We get around 20 miles per gallon w/ mixed highway and city driving. Should be a little better IMO. Also, the partial power seat is really weird to me. It should either be full power or manual.
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Great fun to drive small SUV! - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
By chemgeek - August 12 - 1:52 pmI wanted to write an honest review and not just a whining about negatives. You get what you expect for buying a Volkswagon. You get a very European trim inside and out, a sporty firm ride, and an engine that hands down kicks the crap out of most cars on the road yet getting a reasonably good mpg. The techie features are awesome and as a total package, it is well worth the money. There are a lot of small SUVs out there but you get the features that compete with those of the Audis and BMWs at a lower cost. 10 times the car that a CRV could dream to be. Now yes, like any car, there are quirks. They either are deal breakers or they arent. The tranny is quirky, but still impressive.
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Ouch - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
By Why Me - August 7 - 9:50 pmI loved the looks and still do, but I have had this thing in the shop 4 times: transmission, engine light, major vibration at highway speed - twice. I spent a great deal of time researching before I bought a VW. I wish I had paid more attention to a few reviews that I had seen referencing quality problems. I feel like I have no choice but to sell before the warranty runs out.
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Major Disappointment-horrible in snow - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
By gailspike - August 3 - 4:32 pmMy experience has been a disappointment. From the first month I have had miscellaneous electrical issues. Had the electronic parking brake stick numerous times, it took a couple visits to dealership to replace sensor. Another sensor is when closing the trunk the entire locking system freezing up- said it is a safety feature, nothing wrong with car??? Now gas gage issue...dual fuel sending units. Being a female I get the runaround unfortunately I have to bring my husband to get results. Plus I research VW Vortex with all the other disappointed owners. I had Toyotas for 30 years and NEVER had to bring them back for anything but general maintenance. I cant afford to trade it & buy ano
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Great car - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
By wc - July 25 - 6:52 amI have not had any problems as I have seen others report . Makes me think they bought a used one that has been in a wreck. The Tiquan Handles very well. I have the 6 speed manual transmission and it makes it more fun for me. I think they have quit making the Tiguan with a manual transmiision in newer models now.
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Fuel injector issues/money pit - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
By brokenvw - July 22 - 8:20 am16 fuel injectors..3 throttle bodies... Nonstop breakdowns. Google Tiguan fuel injectors and you will not buy. Dangerous erratic acceleration out pf the blue when it breaks.
