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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  Good but small SUV - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Alex Povolotski - June 29 - 4:36 am

  Good but small SUV, to my taste. The cabin is hushed, the engine is not intrusive unlike in RAV4, though also a 4 cyl and a turbo on top of that. Eats up potholes very well. Brakes are one of the best ones, cornering and steering feel is very precise. Transmission is smooth and shift quickly and when needed. On the downside, the accelerator pedal is not very sensitive and is too stiff for me. The car does not respond immediately to the pedal input (either a turbo lag or just a pedal being too stiff). You notice a huge difference when you release the accelerator pedal, the car almost jolts and doesnt roll, what other cars normally do. Also limited visibility from the front.

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  I love my new car! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Lindsay - June 28 - 9:23 pm

  I was in the market to buy a new car. Im only 21 but I do my research & I wasnt about to blow my money and money that my grandma had given me for a car. It came down to a Vue 08 or a Tiguan the Vue was roughly $4000 cheaper but after long nights of thinking about the reviews on this website on the vue and the tiguan I decided to get the tiguan & bought one on 9/12/08. Im so glad I made the right choice it is so much fun to drive and so far I have only had one problem which is the sat. radio & it has nothing to do with vw it is some technical issue with Sirius that is supposed to be fixed in a week..I really have nothing but good things to say. Great SUV! I will write an updated review later

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  Market leader in this class - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By gpwykham - June 22 - 7:06 pm

  After much research on moving up from a zippy and efficient Mazda 3, and having test drove several competitors, the new Tiguan, stood out from the crowd. Am impressive array of features on the SE 4MOTION, sports-type handling, great vroom on the pedal, comfortable surrounds AND VW of Americas 0% financing make this perhaps the best deal in America.

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  Safest car you can buy - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Paul - June 16 - 2:00 am

  This is actually the second Tiguan weve bought in 4 months. The first was totaled with a head on 45 mph crash with a vehicle twice its size. We survived because the crash cage is 3.9 times that of the federal safety standards according to the police officer. Hence when it came to a replacement, it was this, the Volvo XC60 (or if we could wait for it Saab 94X). We chose the Tiguan as its more fun to drive than the XC60, has a nice interior, and although the ride can be firm (along with the seats). It eats through the miles quickly. The interior is slightly different to the 2010 model. I prefer the old steering wheel controls and stick shift, but ipod/phone integration is a lot better.

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  Getting used to it! - 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Jody - June 1 - 12:31 pm

  This is my first VW since the late 80s. Must say, theyve improved the interior! Everything is sleek and attractive. I do have a rattle, but havent been able to get to the dealership yet. Annoying! The road noise when going slow speeds or engine noise when accelerating is noticeable, but highway speed is quiet. There are too many neat little things to list - but here are a few: the side mirrors roll up when the car is locked (no parking lot dings!), the side mirrors go down when reversing for better visibility; adaptive cruise is outstanding!; the sill of the door lights up so you can see to get in; the headlights light to the right or left when turning so you can what you are turning into!!!! On the driving side, some reviews mentioned it being under powered; I thought that, but then realized I just had to get used to the turbo lag. In Sport mode, the lag is gone and accelerates fine. It certainly accelerates a LOT better than my 4 cylinder Subaru Outback! The shifting is a bit rough in Normal or Eco; again, Sport mode smooths it out. My fuel economy is much better than advertised - about 31 highway and 34 city! and it is true mileage; Ive calculated it when refueling. And a 72 month warranty! Do wish I had a green one instead of grey, but all in all, a purchase I would make again!

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  2016 S - 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Drew - May 29 - 3:30 pm

  Ive been leading a 2016 Tiguan S for about a month and so far I am very happy with it. The stock stereo is great, it rides and drives like a Golf, the interior is well thought out and feels much higher quality than its price would imply. Not sure if VW rates their engines at the wheels but every FWD model Ive seen dyno results on matches VWs power output claim, so in reality the engine is likely putting out 230+hp and 240+lb-ft, and it feels like it. Im coming from a modified, 400hp Taurus SHO so I was expecting a huge let down. Im quite happy with the getup and go this car has. Im also averaging 20.5 mpg in the city (actual city) and 28 on the highway with cruise at 75. Now for my complaints: no satellite radio on the base model. Seriously? Almost everyone else has that. As a satellite radio subscriber this let me down, but not enough to outshine the merits of the rest of the car Trunk is small. Very small. Like cant fit my collie mix comfortably in the back with the rear seats fully reclined. Fortunately this can be overcome by sliding or angling the seats forward. All things considered I think this is the most underrated small SUV on the market

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  Zippy little ride - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By maverick1112 - April 12 - 1:30 pm

  All in all very happy with this new purchase, coming from a BMW I have high expectations but I was surprised with how much I liked this CUV. Has enough pep on the highway with the added turbo that I dont realize its only a 4 cyl. Interior is very classy and comfortable, definitely has a luxury feel!

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  New love - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Low Lou - April 2 - 1:30 pm

  Purchased two weeks ago and have been very happy with the quality and features of the SEL package. It stands out from the competitors with its exterior and interior design. Get many comments about it whenever we are out in it. Drives and rides very good plus the 2.0 gives good acceleration when merging on the highway. The roof was not on the wish list but is a nice feature. Spent hours researching all the other competitors models and felt this Tiguan stood out. So far only one gas fill up and was mainly city driving, gas mileage to be determined. The build quality seems to be very tight, the heated seats are very comfortable, it drives great and has excellent power. So far a great buy.

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  Past, Present but NOT future owner - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Peter - March 19 - 4:26 pm

  Shame on us for not taking a closer look at the car during delivery, after we arrived home we noticed holes in the front bumper. Apparently the car was transferred from a dealer in a state that required front licence plates, in Michigan they are not required. First call was to the dealer - "sorry nothing we can do, but good news we do have a new bumper in stock if you would like to buy a replacement". Well, OK, then. So step two: call VW customer support. They happily assigned a "customer advocate" who called the following day. To quote: "sorry but this is an issue between you and the dealer, there is nothing we will do!" - WOW - what a great case study poor for customer support.

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  Cruisin in my Tiguan - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By LianaB - March 13 - 12:10 am

  I traded my 07 Altima SL in for this car and so far so good. I wish it had a few more bells and whistles for the price tag but other than that its great. Its a little bit tight on interior space but for right now its a good fit for my family of 4. Seating is comfy, has a descent stock stereo system with an ipod adapter. I got mine with the 3 years of free maintenance which will save me a few hundred. Overall Im happy with this car.