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:

• 

  Great Small SUV, But you Pay for It! - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By RayBoyG - October 18 - 6:06 am

  We have only had our Tiguan a few weeks. My wife and I both love driving it. It has a high seating position, lots of headroom, and the full-length sunroof really makes it feel open. Acceleration with the turbo 4 is impressive. I found lots of small but pleasing features as I read through the owners manual....rear seats adjust back and forth, front passenger seat will fold flat for long cargo, both front doors hold a quart bottle, etc. Lots of nice little features. Gas mileage could be better for a small 4-cyl. but it has more than enough pep. It is usually in front wheel drive....4WD only comes on with slippage...you cant manually turn it on. High end satellite radio is great.

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By VW in Colorado - October 15 - 3:16 am

  On the day of the 2nd anniversary of buying this car I turned over 72,000 miles - so we have had a lot of experience with this car. This car is fun to drive and the sunroof is great! The Tiguan displays a lot of info on the dash and every month there is something that needs to be serviced or looked at. If you take the car to anyone other than the dealership then the warning light will not be reset. You will still have to go to the dealership or it will bing at you every time you start the car and the warning light will be on. Most of the bells and warning lights are annoying and not major defects. Due to the constant high maintenance on this car - I will not purchase another VW.

• 

  Wow!!! What a fun ride! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Tiggin - September 25 - 6:26 pm

  First VW since my 1974 rust bucket bug. Love the power, handling, utility and the price. I bought the base model with the manual tranny. This is one really fun and tight ride. An excellent balance of comfort and crisp handling. I have owned an acura, Nissan, Chevy, Ford and nothing compares to the quality so far. I know VW critics abound, for good reason (and that is why I bought the extended warranty) but I have known quite a few VWers who have had good luck w/ their vehicles. Dont know what noir authentique is talking about with the "cargo area is useless" comment, but this is a compact with very Nice interior room for the passengers and I fit 9 full size cases of beer in the cargo area.

• 

  Lots of issues - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By bkhal - September 20 - 5:48 am

  I leased the 2009 Tiguan and after doing that I will never buy another VW again. Within the first 6 months one of the door handles came off in my hand. I had it put back on but it would fall off every few months. I also had severe leakage problems with my sunroof and had the interior ceiling reupholstered- twice. This car has serious moisture problems and the windows are completely fogged up every day. I need to keep a towel in my car to wipe down the window everytime I need to drive somewhere. The mildew smell is awful and there is growing in the car. Im grossed out by the car & cant wait to get rid of it. Its ashame b/c its adorable and drives well- just has too many issues.

• 

  Great little SUV/tall hatchback - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By dasteutonic - September 8 - 11:11 am

  I think these vehicles tend to be higher priced than other similar vehicles (RAV4, etc)...which if you compare features, may seem expensive, but build quality and driving characteristics outclass these other small utes. Build quality is excellent and contains many features found in luxury German vehicles, especially on the SEL. My only gripe about the new Tiguan is the overeager automatic transmission where it wants to get into 6th gear at very low speeds, which is a bit awkward. Overall, even though this is not a vehicle I typically buy, I couldnt be happier with it. I highly recommend it if your in the market for quality small SUV.

• 

  Fun to drive and feels very posh - 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By gorkem - September 1 - 12:04 am

  I test drove the 2012 model tiguan and felt the weird gear shifts. 2013 model does not have it. No vibrations, rumbling or what so ever in any speed. The panaromic sunroof is gorgeous. Driving is very fun and feels very safe. I can take winding roads with 50 on hwy when the reccomendation is 30. Grips the road and asks more. Bluetooth is avrcp 1.3 tho, which does not work with iPhones 1.4 avrcp (ios6) so I can not skip tracks (I can still listen tho) Interior build quality is very good. Interior looks very cool especially at night, all the red lights inside definitely adds some elegance. gas milage is not so great tho, I get 22. Its been a month may be will get better...

• 

  Definitely a winner! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By pete_t - August 31 - 12:16 am

  I was researching the market for several months and nothing really convinced me until I came across the Tiguan. I have one for about two months now and Im loving every minute of it! It is fun to drive, the engine is wonderful, a lot of small features that make this the perfect car. Plus it has the highest possible safety rating and it looks just amazing. Fuel economy is actually better than advertised, 20/27.

• 

  So far so good! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Scott K. - August 20 - 4:20 pm

  Just recently got my Tiguan and what a smooth and zippy ride this is! No problems except the hazard light button was defective and nonfunctional. Im about to go get it fixed at the dealership. I just hope they got their electronics problems fixed by now.

• 

  Very Solid SUV - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By HowieD - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Previously owned cars, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Passat 3.6L 4Motion. The Tiguan is a very solid auto, fairly quiet for an SUV. It actually rides nicer than the 2006 Passat previously owned. Gas milage is running 26-27 on the highway, 90% highway miles so i cant comment on city mileage. The car is a little pricy compared to others in its class range but just knock on the doors of the others and youll notice the difference in build quality. Tiguan gets the best crash ratings, very important to me. Substantial power for a 2.0L. I would recommend this car if you are in the market for a small SUV. The Bluetooth works very well. The nav is acceptable, and the Ipod connect is great.

• 

  Love It - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By chris - July 18 - 7:50 pm

  Ive had my Tiguan for 4 months now and I LOVE it. I find something new to like almost every day. The pickup and handling are wonderful. Not a single problem so far. The sunroof is awesome! The seats are really firm and comfortable. I get much better gas mileage than advertised, Ive been averaging 28 MPG.