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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Feels very premium and is fun to drive - 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
By lgt5 - March 4 - 2:47 pmI bought a 2014 Tiguan SEL 4motion and it is the best car I have owned to date. I have owned other crossovers such as the Nissan Rogue and the Mazda CX-5 and they cannot compare to my Tiguan. The Tiguans engine is really quiet and smooth and works really well with the transmission. I leave the car in sport mode most of the time and acceleration is quick. The new upgraded Fender stereo is amazing. One of my biggest issues with my Mazda CX-5 that I traded in for this car was the terrible stereo. This stereo is truly a premium stereo with perfect surround sound. The inside of the car has a very premium feel, the seats are very comfortable with excellent lumbar support.
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love it - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
By mersault - March 1 - 7:23 amIve put a little under 3000 miles on mine and love it so far. After hearing everyone here rave about the sunroof I kinda wish I wouldve bought the next trim level up, but it was a little pricier. Also I think the bigger wheels look better. Fuel economy is good for this size vehicle, but if they ever bring the TDI version, that will be awesome... I dont know what the MPG would be on that, but the TDI Jetta gets close to 44 MPG! I would consider trading the gas for the diesel with those kind of numbers.
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Fun to Drive - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
By gptiguan - February 11 - 5:11 amLiving on a mountain, I needed a SUV with four wheel drive but didnt need a big vehicle. I test drove the gamut of small SUVs. The Tiguan was the right size and out performed most of the cars out there I looked at. The Tiguan is so much smoother over the bumps and quieter than my last car that it has really become a joy to drive. I like the firm but comfortable feel of the suspension and steering. Its a great car for traversing a mountain with its bends and curves. Once the turbo kicks in, the car has plenty of power and has lots of low-end torque. This gives it plenty of power to get up and down the hill. I understand now why people who own VWs love driving them now. Theyre fun!
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Tiguan has Transmission Problems - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
By bmod14 - January 18 - 7:51 amWhen they redid the Tiguan transmission for 2012 they ruined it. The trans tries to get to 6th gear as soon as possible to save gas. It now "labors" in 5th or 6th gear at 30 to 45 mph. You cant drive it at a slow constant speed from 30 to 45 mph with out it "laboring" and vibrating the car. Check out these links of people with the same problem. - [HTML removed] Otherwise, nice car!
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False Advertising Adds Large Unexpected Expense - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
By angry17 - January 3 - 6:35 amThe Tiguan sales brochure advertises "Trailer Hitch Preparation". After purchasing the car, I was told it would cost $1,000 for a hitch, five times the amount charged by other manufacturers. Non-dealer cost is not less expensive because of the cost of special parts and the labor needed to remove all the interior behind the rear seat to install the part. Complaints to VW about the cost and the implication that the claim is "Trailer Hitch Prepared" fall on deaf ears. After reviewing complaints from others, I realize that VW is poor on warranty work as well. Accordingly, I will never buy a VW again despite the fact they build excellent cars.
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Great car! - 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
By justanyguy - December 23 - 5:11 amI am a faithful VW driver, 4 vehicles over the last 13 years. You either love em or hate em! I buy Volkswagons for German styling, fit and finish, and enjoyable driving experience. They fit a pricing niche above Toyotas and Hondas and below Audi and BMW.The Tiguan is a typical example of a stylish, functional and truly enjoyable vehicle. Among the reasons to enjoy a Tiguan, is not being one of every ten cars on the road being a CRV or a Rav4.
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Great car - cant go wrong - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
By Tiguan lover - December 2 - 11:46 pmI bought the first Tiguan to hit Colorado in May. I have put 32000+K miles on it and I love it! I am in sales, drive 50+K miles per year and insist on being comfortable. It is such a fun car to drive but I have picked up 2 speeding tickets since purchasing the car. The sunroof is great!! 6 cd stereo is great!! When I use Super gas I get 28+mpg - it drops to 23mpg when I cheap out on the gas. Stock tires are not so great - I already need a new set. The car has a tendency to slide in the snow even with AWD - breaks do need to be checked. Upgrade from the "Sports Cloth" seats - I wish I had been warned that the cloth shows EVERYTHING and dog hair does not come off.
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This Car Rocks!! - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
By apl123 - November 21 - 6:42 pmThe Lease on my wifes Rav 4 was coming up so we finally decided on the Tiguan. I neve owned a VW and I have to say that this car to me and my wife is far superior in quality, fit and finish, acceleration, style, overall feel, than the Rav 4. Yes we did sacrifice some trunk space but kids are grown so it didnt matter. The passing power is like a 6 cylinder and really moves thanks to the Turbo and More importantly the 6 speed transmission which is not offered by most of the competition.We got the S 4 Motion and the Standard Equipment was more than Japanese cars offer,Blue tooth,aluminum wheels and privacy Glass to name a few. The interior is gorgeous!! My wife loves it, happy wife happy life
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base model but still upscale - 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan
By jbaril - November 19 - 4:22 amI am leasing a 15 S 4Motion; the only options are heated seats, Monster Mats and wheel locks. Even though its the "old" 2.0 Turbo engine, theres plenty of kick and I love playing with the manual shift feature of the 6-speed automatic. Im a fan of German cars in general and have owned at least 10 VWs, so am a bit biased too, but I do feel a bit special on the road in the company of so many ubiquitous CRVs, RAV-4s, Equinoxes, etc. The only other crossover I even considered was the Mazda CX-5, which is neat but which cant match the Tiguans performance. Plus there are great deals to be had now. Its comfortable and unusual in a sea of sameness.
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Happy New Owner - 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
By german_car_guy - October 29 - 6:13 amI bought my 2014 Tiguan SE only about 10 days ago but first impressions overall are favorable. The car feels much bigger on the inside while driving it than it does from the outside. It is quiet, smooth, has plenty of power, and handles well.
