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:

• 

  The cutest CUV around - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By T - May 24 - 6:03 am

  Love x 100. We looked at the Rav4, CRV, before deciding on the Tiguan. We have the SE with upgraded seats, pano roof, etc. Looks great, drives great with the fun, peppy 2.0T engine. The suspension seems sporty, so it might be too stiff for some people. We get great MPG (averaging around 28MPG combined!). Seats are comfy & the roof is gorgeous. Interior is great - typical VW quality, lots of storage space too (esp. compared to VWs sedans). Good leg room in the back & plenty of space in the front. Cargo space is a little limited when compared to other CUVs, but its more than adequate for us and the rear seats fold down easily. Havent done anything but basic maintenance so far.

• 

  Luxury, Small, Sporty, Comfortable - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Happy Tiguan Owner - May 18 - 1:56 am

  I drove almost every SUV in this price range. VW did not have a competitive lease program until January 2010. Its not as quiet as an Equinox, but quieter than anything else I drove. The ride is sporty, with a tight suspension, very composed. The seats and arm rests are very comfortable. There is plenty of power. The Wolfsburg trim had everything I wanted. Very classy interior. It revs at a higher rpm on the highway than the Passat which has the same engine and trans. I guess thats why it gets worse mileage. Expect around 22 overall and 28 on a trip between fill ups. The 2.0 turbo diesel would be great in this suv. Make sure it has enough room for your cargo.

• 

  My Zen Mobile - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By cookie - May 17 - 4:46 am

  Just love it. The day I picked it up was in a rain rain storm and next time a snow storm. Handled amazing. After many different vehicles...I have found Kansas! I love my Zen Mobile.

• 

  Great fun to drive, agile, but expensive on repairs - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Edward Becker, Jr. - April 18 - 11:52 am

  This compact SUV drives like a small European sports car. Adequate passenger space, high quality interior, 4 motion AWD tracks well through some of the worst winter snow and ice (except moderately high snow drifts). My complaints are with below average reliability. Problems began at around 70,000 miles. Ive had 3 water pumps, trouble with emissions system, replaced turbo, clogged injectors, replaced virtually every motor seal, and other issues. Total cost of dealer completed repairs and maintenance to date (with 108k miles)- $13,600.(ridiculous). If you buy one of these, keep it until around 60k, then get rid of it!

• 

  Das Auto ist Wunderbar - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Pakrat - April 17 - 10:20 pm

  This our first VW and we love it.The fit and finish is exceptional and interior feels so solid.The 2.0 turbo engine is fun to drive even with a little bit of turbo lag. Love the big sunroof and touch screen center radio. My wife wants to buy a matching Tiguan!

• 

  Great ar for a suddenly single guy - 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Michael Smegielski - April 9 - 5:32 pm

  Great looking, great to drive, nice feel on the road. The interior is a couple of steps above the cars in its class like the Honda CRV or Toyota Rav4, very rich feel in fit and finish. I really like the black exterior with the black/charcoal interior It adds a touch of masculinity to the car, there is just enough satin chrome to offset all the black. Performance is far better than I expected, the turbo really adds to the acceleration and feeling of power when you drop the accelerator, very minimal turbo lag, sport mode is really fun and it gets you moving beyond highway speed limits very quick. The only minor issue that has taken some getting used to is the way the vehicle shifts going up and down steep hills, it just seems to take forever to shift when going up and downshifts a bit too quickly when going down. I am very pleased I chose the R Line, I like the sport package with the larger wheels, low profile tires and trim. I just didnt need the sunroof, navigation or some of the other options that the SE and SEL offered at a much higher price. For me this was the right choice 6 months of ownership and in the middle of a New England winter. The R line is a great looking and a great performing car, the low profile tires and 19 inch wheels look great but while they work ok with the 4 motion drive they arent the best performing combination for deep snow. A narrower tire and wheel would work much better. That being said, I still would not trade the R line for a SE or SEL. 6 months later and I still love the car.

• 

  Solid Car - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Poncho P - March 27 - 7:16 pm

  So its been a month since I got my Tiguan SE 4Motion in Blue exterior and Charcoal interior. I just cant get over the joy of driving it. For its size it can handle the road so secure. Inside there is a lot of room (and Im a tall guy). My legs and head are very comfortable. All the instrumentation is reachable and well placed for visualization. The construction of the car is very solid. Feels like one piece. Mileage is a blessing, but if you keep testing the turbo it can go down.

• 

  Sporty high-end feel - 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By martygardner - March 12 - 7:17 pm

  Ive had the Tiguan for about two months now and am happy with the purchase. Coming from a Camry, the taller height and tighter feel are welcomed. The build quality and cabin design are excellent, and the pickup is great, especially in Sport shift mode. I do find that the tighter feel can create a bumpy ride on rough roads. I dont have enough experience with other sporty cars to know if this is just what you get, or if its unique to the VW. Its not enough to outweigh the pluses, but I notice it.

• 

  Best In Class!! - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By robloe30 - March 6 - 11:41 am

  I normally read reviews, not write them but after noticing all the poor reviews the Tiguan has gotten lately I felt I owed the car some "REAL" opinions. We bought our Tiguan in May of 2011. I gotta admit, I thought it was just "OK" at first because after all it is my wifes car. We were replacing an 09 Honda Pilot EX-L because the Pilot was just too dang big. My wife wanted something smaller, and she seemed to always admire the VW. The Tuguan now has 6,200 miles on it and I couldnt be more impressed with the car! The engine is just absoultly amazing and a blast to drive. It seems like I found out soemthing new about the car everyday, truely amazing! just an absolute head-turner! Love it!!!!!

• 

  Just what I wanted! - 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By larry bilardi - February 19 - 5:08 am

  The Tiguan is comfortable and sporty.