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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  Great little car! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Jeff - March 5 - 5:40 pm

  Traded down from a full size SUV to the Tiguan one month ago and absolutely love it. Getting about 20 - 22 mpg in mostly city driving, so a really nice improvement from 13-14 previously. Car drives very sporty, plenty of room inside for a 6 4 driver with kids in the back seat. Styling and design are good. My kids like riding in this car better than the BMW 5 series.

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  2013 VW Tiguan - 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By lgpod - March 3 - 11:18 pm

  I love my 2013 VW Tiguan S. Its build with quality, and great design on both the exterior and interior. With the manuel 6 speed transmission, the pick up and handling are excellent, which makes having to use premium gas much less painful. The engine is extremely quite and very responsive. Cargo room could be a bit more generous. Overall a great vehicle!

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  I so wanted to love it... - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By ekdot9@gmail.com - March 1 - 8:57 pm

  This car drives like a dream. It is the peppiest little car in its class; however, at 88,000 miles it is a money pit. I am so sad to get rid of this car. It is stylish and performs, but I have poured more than $4k into in in 3 years and I am now facing needing to replace the engine because there is no compression. There were no warnings- just kabam. I will NEVER buy another VW.

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  500 mile review - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By rob1261 - March 1 - 8:33 pm

  I purchased the S auto with 17" wheels about 2 weeks ago. Love the car. It is the only SUV I know of that has good visibility all around. I traded a Nissan Rogue because of its poor visibility. It is fast, comfortable, quiet, handles well, has nice standard features for the entry level model. And I think it is one of the sharpest looking SUVs on the road. Too soon to judge gas mileage. Will report on with next report. I have the Alpine Gray Metallic, very nice color. If you are looking at small SUVs you must put this on your list. Was able to purchase under invoice.

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  Not too big, not too small - 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Bill - February 12 - 5:11 am

  We have had our 2016 Tiguan for a month. Prior to that a trouble free 2012 Passat. Overall the reviews are dead on. For us, cargo room doesnt factor into the selection but interior passenger room, comfort and features factor in greatly. The Tiguan will not disappoint in that area. Performance is more than adequate ride and handling are almost the same as the Passat. There is some hint of body roll which is expected. Not to be forgotten is this is not a shoddy Mexican VW but imported from Germany. While the design is not the latest trendy angular design, it is a classic styling exercise which wears well. Pros: First Rate audio system with MIB II. Great connectivity and better control layout than prior versions, Performance, Ride and Handling all above average. Cons: Older design with 3 stars in offset front end impacts. Less than average fuel economy and no SiriusXM on S model. In conclusion, if you purchase this vehicle it is because the positives matter to you and the negatives are overlooked. In short, stand out in the crowd and laugh that no one else has figured out what a great all around vehicle this is for $24k

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  Impressed With My First SUV - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By twelvecrows - January 27 - 1:26 pm

  I was a Volvo C30 owner and decided that I wanted to see what was going on around me while driving: It was just too low. I decided to replace it with a SUV. The XC60 was too expensive, and the CRV was too dull. I decided on the Tiguan, even though Edmunds lists the Total Cost of Ownership quite high. As to the cars quality feel, the other reviewers are spot-on. I am liking the car more and more each day. But... The transmission races to get the car into sixth gear as quickie as possible in order to save fuel at the expense of smooth, linear acceleration. This is somewhat remedied by using sport mode but at the cost of greater fuel consumption. I wish VW had sought the middle road.

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  Sporty, solid, unique - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Lionel Hutz - January 21 - 6:13 pm

  I am in love with my Tiguan. For a small SUV that competes with the CR-V and Rav4, I just cannot see buying either of those others over the Tiguan. They are just so ubiquitous. The Tiguan really stands out and is a blast to drive. It is every bit as sporty as my wifes A4. Build quality rivals cars costing twice as much. Rides and drives very well. Just so much bang for the buck here I cant possibly see why anyone buys the Q5. I also chuckle a bit when people complain about the gas mileage for a 2- ton SUV with big tires and, in some cases, AWD. If you need more than 22 mpg, go get a Prius and get laughed at.

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  Love the car, hate the MPG! - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By glassdish - October 29 - 10:26 pm

  Purchased the Tiguan because my elderly dad was finding the Jetta too low, so we decided to get a compact SUV. We love the VWs European styling and handling. My 2010 Jetta got about 20 MPG combined. Based on sticker I expected that I would get at least 20 maybe 21 MPG combined with the Tiguan, the dealer kept telling me after break in period I would get better mileage, well it has been about 6000 miles, so is it broken in??? I like the car but if knew i was only going to get 18 MPG I would have purchased the CRV, Mazda, or any of the others. They are all fine.

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  awesome 2012 tiguan - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By happytig1 - October 4 - 11:20 pm

  the 2012 tiguan (mine an se with sunroof and nav) puts a smile on my face each time i drive it. with over 1,000 miles put on, it has already achieved the 27 mpg rating on the sticker. yes, it is recommended to use 91 premium unleaded. between wanting an audi A3 and the european passat wagon, somehow, the tiguan offered me a blend of the best of both worlds. refinement and creature comforts of both, newly freshened look which is quite handsome, and 3 yr/36K miles carefree maintenance. for some reason, my tiguan does not shake, rattle, or lug. the adaptive transmission quickly learns how to drive the way you want to drive. definitely quieter than the 2012 and 2011 honda crv. love this car.

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  Whats up with the front AC?? - 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Kim - October 1 - 7:57 pm

  I seriously just wanted to point out one thing, the front ac vents are crazy limited as to where to can aim them. They literally only blow on my face. You can spin them and angle them. But that angle is so limited that it makes no difference. So on a hot day, I can either choose to cool down my face and/or my feet. But thats it. Wont even reach my shoulders. I have to drive with my elbows up to my ears if I want to cool them down. VERY DISAPPOINTING!