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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  Car feels slippy... - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By RKaye422 - October 10 - 6:10 pm

  Im getting GREAT mileage on my Tiguan, more so than some of the other readers. HOWEVER, they seem to be enjoying the ride alot more than I am. This is my 2nd VW, after owning a Passat for 6 years and Im actually pretty disappointed. Ive been driving for 20 years, everything from a 66 Mustang to a Dodge Ram, and I feel like this car is going to go off the side of the road all the time. It grabs every nick in the road, it feels like driving on an ice slick over our grooved highways in Vegas, and driving it in the rain at high speeds is a white-knuckle occasion for me. Is anyone else at all having these problems? Ive taken it to the dealer once already and they said this is normal???!!

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  Worth the Wait! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By VW FAN - October 8 - 11:53 pm

  Ive been researching this next car purchase for well over a year. Im so glad we waited to pull the trigger until after the release of the Tiguan. After researching and driving the competition, the Tiguan was the clear choice for us. Love pretty much everything about this car and could not be happier with our purchase.

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  Most fun to drive CUV under $35K - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By newjerseyguy - October 1 - 8:00 am

  Its no GTI, but for a CUV it is the best out there in its price range. Handling and composure on all road surfaces is excellent. Not skittish like the RAV4 V6, and better gas mileage than the Acura RDX. Fit and finish is better than the Honda CRV. Comfortable and quiet interior, controls are simple and in the right places. The 2.0T motor is smooth and refined with plenty of kick when you need it. And dont be put off by the high MSRP as large discounts can be had. Flemington VW was awesome, with no pressure and knowledgeable salespeople.

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  your dream small SUV is here ! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By markt - September 27 - 10:16 pm

  a luxury car barely more expensive than a Japanese! the Tiguan has all the features me and my wife have been looking for, it got the looks and it is very practical. the 4Cyl turbocharged engine with the 6speed Tiptronic trans will give you the feel of driving a sport car all while being very easy on gas. the interior is very fancy and well designed, everything looks right at its place and nothing looks cheap. the downside to that is that it only uses premium gas, and its repairs are relatively higher than the regular American/Japanese car. so if you are looking for comfort, top safety and luxury, and power. i say the Tiguan is the way to go, because compered to it, the x3 looks overpriced.

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  There is a reason I named her Nyx... - 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By fieryimpassion - September 21 - 5:12 pm

  I live in 4 seasons country and I have now converted to 4motion as a way of life. Driving to work everyday on poorly plowed roads allows me to do circles around other SUVs and I pushed my car hard to get to work on time and have yet to spin out. I am not a professional driver but I have driven a lot across the country many times and my car has yet to fail, sputter, or slight in any form of performance. She takes what gets thrown at her with a determined grin. The turbo-charged engine makes easy work of green lights and passing cars on the freeway. Mileage has been about 24/25mpg steadily and I have yet to have a major repair going on 1.5 years/ 11000+ miles. Miles are too easy.

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  6 Month Review - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By NMar - September 18 - 8:46 am

  After researching what kind of SUV I wanted, I decided on the Tiguan. Happen to be in Florida on vac, they had a good deal, I bought and drove the car to New York. Drive was a lot of fun. Vehicle seems solid, firm ride. I get asked about it by passerbys. Brake is very responsive, quite interior. Some minor issues I do have: motorized driver reclining seat, but manual pump lever to elevate and move seat..why not motorize all, summer humidity seems to bring out a bad smell from air exhaust when its not on a/c, engine is powerful, but there seems to be a delay in responsiveness when u go from braking to quickly accelerating, but then it eventually picks up when you press harder on the pedal

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  The first ten days - 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Gerald Ober - September 6 - 3:59 am

  It is slightly under powered as compared to the previous editions. On the plus side it is larger, has a greater storage and cargo area. The styling is straight forward with clean lines no crazy gegaws or nonsense just straight forward Germanic clean lines.

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  SUPERIOR VEHICLE - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By DAVID - August 28 - 6:26 am

  Moving from larger suv but wanted all its features minus size. This suv fits the bill. Excellent fit and finish. The 4-cylinder turbo is the best of its class. The ride is stiff but ergonomically sound. The Tiguan has highest rating on all categories of safety including roof strength by the IIHS. Interior is thoughtfully planned out. You pay more for this vehicle versus the other small suvs out there but you get more.

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  Great SUV - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By joefrank64k - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I was looking to downsize from my Audi Q7, but I really grew to dislike the MMI interface for the radio/nav, so that ruled out the Q5 as well as the BMW X3, with its similar iDrive interface. I saw the Tiguan at the LA Auto Show last year and really liked the interior, both the layout and touchscreen nav. I had heard that the 2011 was going to have some updated features so I waited, and I am so glad that I did! I love this SUV...roomy, quiet, great tech thats so much easier to use than the Q7, the interior build quality is easily on-par with Audi.

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  Acceleration - 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Alba Guerrini - August 7 - 7:15 am

  The acceleration of the vehicle is very, very poor. It seems as if the motor is cold. Its a very uncomfortable drive and not so safe when starting to accelerate. DISAPPOINTED.