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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  Very nice but too small - 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By frenchguy007 - May 20 - 8:24 am

  Great SUV but the cargo space is quite lacking compared to the competition (50% less space!). The wheelbase also makes for a choppy ride on rougher roads. Wish that VW would make the Tiguan longer so that it would give a more comfortable ride (both in interior space and road manners).

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  Fun & Easy to Drive - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Furryshoes - May 7 - 11:53 am

  The Wolfsburg is a bargain because you get the same look as leather without paying for it. I also got the all-wheel drive which has been SWEET along with the huge sunroof. The ride, handling and looks are the best part.

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  Initial Build Quality Issues - 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Matthew Crawford - May 4 - 5:21 pm

  I bought a 2018 Tiguan SEL Premium Plus. I was very excited about the styling and the quality of the drive. The model that was delivered to me in the color combinations I wanted (Silk blue with stone interior) had several issues immediately. The rearview mirror, for example, wasnt attached correctly. The lane-keeping aids only rarely showed green, rather than orange/yellow. Most irritating was a clicking sound that came from the B pillar(?) next to the driver window. The While the dealer was able to fix the rear-view mirror (after waiting a week for the appropriate adhesive) and then another week when they decided to replace the windshield entirely, the other issues were never addressed. In fact, they had an Engineer from VW personally go through the car. The lead mechanic wasnt able to get the rear hatch to open with the foot swipe gesture reliably. Even though they said the car was solid and checked out, a quick trip around the block demonstrated that the clicking/torquing noise from the B-pillar was still there.

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  Fuel Problem/Engine lights on - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Norm - May 2 - 5:33 pm

  My car is only a moth old and they already replace gas cap due to engine light on. After a few months later another problem occur fuel gauge not working & showing fuel tank not full. Number on the dash board keep changing and not accurate.

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  worry about quality - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By yanhua - April 1 - 1:18 pm

  Unfortunately, my 2009 Tiguan has big problems. At 36000miles, water pump was broken. At 40000 miles, oil is leaky. It cost me about $2000 to fix the problems.

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  A Great Choice - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By rchanatry - March 23 - 11:09 am

  Ive had my 2010 Tiguan SEL4Motion for a year and have driven it through a heavy north east winter. FANTASTIC in all snow conditions with standard Pirreli all seasons. The engine and transmission are flawless. Transmission as smooth as my BMW X3. So many high end features..xenon adaptive headlights w/ turn spot light, electric folding heated mirrors, touchscreen navigation, heated washer nozzles...amazing amenities. My only complaints: 2 minor rattles (seat belt, and ac vent) and Touch screen nav/radio unit freezes after phone call occasionally. (Turn off car, open door, restart fixes it.)

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  Love my Little Tiggi - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By cpalafox - March 7 - 8:05 pm

  I bought this car with 20k miles, and have put 10k in the 2 months Ive had it. And im happy to report that I have not had any issues with it. Only problem I have is the squeeky/grinding of the brakes. or rattling when I suddenly step on them. It came with a navigation system that was installed by the first owner and it irritates me. radio wont come on when I want, cant hook up my ipod or hear music from my phone on pandora. And the fact that the radio shuts down and tells me "I am going over the speed limit kills me!! But overall Im happy with it..

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  Nice Car but Under Powered - 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By gregw01 - February 5 - 8:04 am

  Ive had my 2013 Tiguan for 2 months now and the new car shine is wearing off. The car is under powered and lacks any pep. Conversely, to another reviewers comments about the weird shifting being improved. It must have been really bad in the past because my Tiguan really shifts weird, especially on hills. The Tiguan suffers from an issue in the 4Motion control in that it cannot distinguish between a steep hill and unsafe driving conditions. The car slows down dramatically taking away acceleration control up/down on steep hills. Not a car for the mountains!

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  Whats up with the brakes? - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Second Thoughts - January 24 - 1:33 am

  I owned my car for 3 months and the brakes started squeaking. Took it to dealer who says brakes had a little dust and they clean them. One month later same and worse. Rain, early morning worst, but sunshine too. Im simply embarrassed that I drive a new car with less than 10,000 miles that screams like it needs a serious brake job, thats dust? Never had any stopping problems and love the car otherwise. More later when dealer looks at the car again. Not too happy right now.

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  17,000 miles on it and it could be a death trap - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By duckmom - January 23 - 9:13 pm

  The first 17,000 miles were pretty easy, nothing out of the ordinary to report. Since then I have been in 4 times, once was 20,000 mile service. One time for broken media cord, one time for car stalling at low speeds and currently for an air vent on the passenger side being stuck on causing cold air to constantly flood the cabin, for stalling again at low speeds and failing to rev past 4000 rpms, which creates a "stalling" effect on the car. This is not good when you are accelerating to get on the freeway, which is when it has happened twice to me. I am really bummed, up till recently I loved my Tiguan. Thinking I want to get rid of it before the warranty expires.