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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  Highly Recommended for travel in snow/icy roads! - 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By kc45 - September 24 - 10:07 pm

  I have had this car for about a month now and could not be happier. I had been searching for reviews on the Tiguan in the snow and failed to find any and I can now say from an owner of one that I highly recommend this vehicle for those specific conditions. I live on top of a mountain located at a ski resort so traveling on the access road had always been difficult with my FWD Jetta. The switch to the Tiguan has been exceptional, even with keeping the all seasons that it came with. It has had NO hesitation in these conditions at all, especially the icy driveway. Safety definitely gets an A+. I was rear ended the first day I had the vehicle with my dog in the back. I was left with very minimal damage from the crash, which was extremely impressive. There is plenty of space in the trunk for a medium sized dog(mine is about 65lbs). Not sure large dogs will be a great fit. I am also very pleased with the interior being leather for all base models.

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  Just another SUV I suppose - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Xyrius - September 18 - 12:30 pm

  I suppose I had higher expectations since my other vehicles are classy sedans or coupes. Going from a sedan or coupe to one of these SUVs is not something a "driver" would be happy with. Its great for tossing large objects into, but even then, a minivan is better suited to people that want to haul stuff, including people. Otherwise, its just another "L" on wheels.

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  I am sold on this Tiguan!! - 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Beth - August 31 - 6:03 pm

  I loved my 2001 Jetta with almost 190,000 miles on it, but had trouble getting out of my long and very h illy driveway when it snowed. I made up my mind I needed fwd, but didnt want to let go of my Jetta. That decision was made for me when I was rear-ended in February and the Jetta was totaled. I wanted to stay with VW as I love their turbo engine. I found a 2017 Tiguan SEL fwd with 6,000 miles on it. Basically a new car at a used car price! I love this SUV - going up the gravel drive is already much better and cant wait wait for the snow and ice. The small cargo area does not bother me as that was low on my list but am pleasantly surprised at the back seat room. Love the cornering lights, the rain sensor windshield wipers, the automatic headlights, and heated seats. The control layout is great and of course the fuel injection turbo is awesome. Good thing I didnt heed the bad reviews, its a great vehicle!

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  Brand new Tiguan already in the shop - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By tiguanowner - August 29 - 2:13 am

  Already worried about my new Tiguan. After 800 miles of very gentle driving it started making a horrible metal clanking sound in the engine area. Dealing with 24-Hour VW Roadside assistance was also very disappointing. Thought 24 hour service meant that you get a tow within an hour of your call, but according to my experience it means you may not get a a tow for 24 hours. Took at least 3 phone calls over a 15 hour period to finally get a tow truck to my front door. Now car has to sit at the shop over the weekend because it got checked in too late on Thursday. Despite all of this I really love the car and hope the problem is minor. Will follow up with the diagnosis.

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  Unreliable at 100 miles - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By nytig29 - August 27 - 10:51 pm

  Brand new 2012 VW Tiguan S 4Motion from Open Road VW of Staten Island. I DO NOT recommend this dealer for sales or service. Buying experience was ok without any surprises so far but the AC stopped working 5 days later at 100 miles on vehicle. Brought in for service and these are their excuses: #1: machine to diagnose doesnt work, #2: need to order part and cannot tell you when it will come in, likely 3-4 weeks. #3: now got part but something else is wrong and cannot release car, cannot tell whats wrong yet, etc. They havent even given me an estimated time of completion, neglect to call back when they say would call back, they just dont care. I do not trust them with my car.

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  overall fabulous - 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Jody - August 5 - 9:55 am

  Its beautiful; theres plenty of room inside. Im 52" and my husband is over 6 feet; we both feel comfortable behind the wheel. The adaptive cruise is amazing! My one complaint is the shifting. Previous car was a Subaru Outback - which wasnt very powerful, but had very smooth gear transition. This one seems to have more power, but shifts from gear to gear with a noticeable ... jump? Sport mode is much smoother, but is less fuel efficient. Admittedly, I have only had the car for 24 hours, but I have never (46 years) driven a car with this harsh of a shift. I could shift smoother manually in my old Miata!

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  Lots of issues with the tiguan - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By lbrosco - August 5 - 2:47 am

  First I want to start out by saying I am glad I found this site, because after reading most of the posts on here I realize I am not alone. Normally I dont post to sites like this but if this stuff helps somebody else going through what I am going through then its worth it. I bought my car in Arizona in november of 2009 so I have owned it for 1 yr 4 1/2 mths. I will list the problems I have incurred so far. By the way I now live in northern California and I have apprx 30,000 miles. Satellite radio always says linking Back up camera gets stuck Drivers side cornering light went out Brakes jerk when stopping abruptly even at slower speed Emergency brake sticks Burns out cell phone chargers- gone through 5 oem Sensor had to be replaced. Mold inside my car! For the past few months we have been getting a lot of rain in northern California. I have noticed a lot of moisture on the inside of my car, mainly on the windows. I have to dry it every morning with a towel. It would be too much for a defroster to handle. I didnt think anything of it other than it being a pain in the butt. This morning I noticed mold growing underneath all 4 of my floor mats. I removed them from my car and wiped down the carpets with resolve carpet cleaner. I wasnt able to get it all because it is growing under the seats as well. This is a huge problem for me because I am allergic to mold. I have broken out in hives and didnt realize that was the cause. 

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  It is spacious inside! - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Anna - July 10 - 10:00 am

  For a long time, I didnt think this car would offer enough space, so I didnt bother to look at it. I considered Subaru Outback, Volvo, and simply did not bother to check what this car has to offer. Turned out, it was just what I needed! Rear seats slide forward to offer more cargo space, the leatherette trim is easy to clean and didnt cost any extra (for 2011 model), the AWD is just fantastic. The car drives like butter, and is quiet. My previous Jetta was just the opposite. Lots of annoying, unnecessary beeping sounds. The Tiguan is smarter, it knows not to beep when I unbuckle on a parking lot! And for all the moms out there - there is plenty of space

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  Dont Buy 2018 Keep Your 2016 Tiguan! - 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Deep Dee - July 6 - 12:18 pm

  Bought a 2018 Tiguan SE August 2017. Today is my 3rd trip to the VW Union City, GA dealership for the same problems, plus more. I got know support! Asst. Svc Mgr. Kept saying, oh, thats normal. .....we didnt see any problems as if I was lying about 5 issues I never had with my 2016 Tiguan or any other car I ever owned. Cell phone Bluetooth malfunctioning; passenger side seat belt sensor comes on even with a tennis shoe on that seat and no human body; headlights are very dim and not projecting properly at night; rear of drivers seat automatI call folds forward closing in on me if I sit on the left edge of the seat with one foot outside the car and one inside; the windsheild washer fluid sensor gows off every 8 or so minutes even after I watched a different dealership add gallons to my car....where did it go??? No leaks on the ground! Asst. Svc Mgrso response is, normal, normal, normal, we found nothing wrong, or my 2018 does the samething (passenger seat belt sensor problem). He was worthless! Was Sending me on my way until I insisted he contact the manufacturer, VW!!! They made their sale, and now dont want to do the work to stand behind their product!

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  Fast and Great Fuel Economy - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Dash9 - June 25 - 8:53 pm

  Fast and Fun to drive. Tiguan handles like a sports car. Turbo charged acceleration is great.Tiptronic transmission is fun to play with. Fuel economy on the first tank for city driving was 23mpg,looking forward to a road trip soon. Lots of cargo room with rear seats folded down. Ride is very comfortable and quiet.visibility is excellent, much better than anything I have test driven. Easily fits in my garage and tight parking spaces. Performance, Styling, features and fuel economy are what won me over.