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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Great Choice! - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
By mda - October 5 - 11:30 pmLets face it-you can get from point A to point B in almost any vehicle. But if you are in the market for a small SUV and want to go in style, you cant go wrong with a Tiguan! Handling is very responsive, the ride very quiet and controlled, and visibility is great, including upward with the full length sun roof. The Tiguan is solidly built and the doors close with a satisfying "thunk". I have had my Tiguan for about 2 months (white gold with cashmere interior-very classy) and am getting 30 MPG (admittedly mostly highway).
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Not so safe? - 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
By Chris - September 24 - 3:32 pmWe wanted a new car for our daughter, as she is headed off to college... four and a half hours away from home. Our wishlist criteria was AWD, decent gas mileage, reasonable price, safety, safety, and of course safety. We looked at Nissan, VW, Toyota, BMW, Audi, Chevy, Ford, and Honda. The Tiguan was the only small SUV we tested that was not even available with any of the current safety technology. We wanted active braking assist, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, cross traffic monitoring, rear camera, adaptive cruise control, etc... Unfortunately, VW has deemed it unnecessary to offer any these features on this vehicle. I guess our kids dont need safety features. Other brands we looked at were nearly as bad, since they only offered the safety features on the high end models. Shame on them... to think less-affluent people dont deserve the option of safety features. They require you to purchase all the high end whiz bang gadgetry before being eligible for safety features. Supposedly, Honda is going to offer the safety suite on mid-level brands soon, but we dont have time to wait for that. Fortunately, Toyota has pulled its head out, and now provides a nice suite of safety features standard on its Prius. We dont get the AWD, but three out of four aint bad.
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Pretty to Look at - Not fun to drive - 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan
By gennac - August 16 - 8:52 amThe interior is very comfortable with great features. Performance lags -- down right awful on hot summer day w/AC on. Not only does it guzzle down a lot more gas - expensive premium gas I may add but it becomes erratic when idling or in traffic. Try taking your foot off the brake when in traffic with the ac on and watch your car lurch forward without giving it gas. Not to mention the sound it makes while your foot is on the brake while the engine sounds like a helicopter hovering overhead.
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Great So Far! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
By Angela Battle - July 27 - 7:00 amMy husband and I researched and drove every vehicle in this class. In our opinion, the Tiguan is simply the better vehicle all the way around. Build quality, styling, design, interior layout, handling, braking and acceleration (the turbo was smooth and peppy) are all excellent.
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New Tiguan - First Impressions - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
By TimG59 - July 9 - 1:00 pmPicked up our new White Gold w/Beige SEL 4-Motion a week ago but had to drive 4+ hours to get it due to the non-availability of what we wanted in our area. Great vehicle and I broke a personal cardinal rule about buying a car the first year its offered because I was so impressed with it. The rear-view camera didnt work but the techs at my local dealer found a loose connection behind the radio. They rebuilt the connection and it works just fine. There is also some wind noise from the roof rails. There is plenty of room and comfort front and back and the acceleration & handling is fantastic. Well see how the mileage works out as it breaks in over the next month or so
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Love and Hate. - 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
By Brett - July 1 - 6:29 pmI bought the 2016 Tiguan S fwd in November 2015 (9months ago) as my first brand new car loved it at first but now Im just okay with it. A few problems Ive ran into is strictly with the dealership. When purchasing the base model we was told we could upgrade our stereo system to have navigation and XM radio added, after purchasing the car we took it back to have the upgrades service told us that its not compatible? Another issue, my anti lock brakes are activating for no reason making it hard to stop its happened 3 or 4 times since Ive owned it on smooth dry roads. Brought it to the closest dealership 30miles away for them to tell me they cant pull my warranty information I had to take it to the dealership I bought it from 50miles away. Why?? Ive had it in the dealership 3times now for the antilock brakes and service says its not throwing a code nothing is wrong with it bring it back when it happens again.. Some pros about the Tiguan I really like how the car handles and the fwd does excellent in snow. MPG is great! I average about 29mpg combined (better than advertised).I like that the base models comes loaded. Heated leatherette seats, heated mirrors, push button start, kessy, auto headlights, rain sensing wipers, Bluetooth and back up camera. Cons, turning radius isnt all that great and the transmission shift points are a bit sloppy, mirrors are really small, anti lock brakes activating is concerning... The support from the dealership is terrible. Im developing a bad taste for VW
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Air Condition - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
By dn5053 - May 31 - 6:11 pmThe German engineering on the air conditioning has a lot to be desired at 90 degrees and up - very inadequate!
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Lots of Problems...where do I start? - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
By John Q Public - May 30 - 9:10 pmBought the car as 2009 certified. It was great for about a month or so and then a coil went bad. OK, no biggie, $50 co-pay and im good to go. Next, the car starts to overheat when the AC is on. I bring it in, they cant find anything wrong, I drive it, it gets hot, I bring it back, etc. Eventually they replace one of the fans. Then the other fan. Then the water pump, then the radiator. OK, that seems to do it. But then, what is that moldy smell and why is there an inch of water on the floor boards? OMG, there is mold growing under all of the floor mats. Turns out the sunroof drain tubes had separated and the water poured into the cabin. Just waiting for the other show to drop now.
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Nice except for annoying engine vibration - 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
By albedo - May 30 - 12:39 amIve had my Tiguan for just over a year. Its a nice car in many respects, and is more stylish and peppy than its competitors. The main problem is that, at certain speeds, the engine vibrates and causes an irritating, moaning noise. VW told me there is no solution because they program the automatic transmission to run at low RPMs as a way to improve fuel mileage. Its annoying enough that I really dont enjoy driving the car and will probably trade it in for something else.
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Great value - 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
By Eric Wical - May 24 - 9:03 amIt seems like VW is trying to win back customers by giving great prices. This model gives a lot of value for the money we paid. Especially like the apple link.
