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 satisfied! - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By scootyroo - February 8 - 11:05 pm

  I havent owned a VW for some time, but after getting a fantastic deal on a new 2012 Tiguan (including 0% financing) and being blown away by its performance and quality, I turned around and bought a new GTI. As I had reviewed before purchasing the Tiguan, the statement "Its a GTI on steroids," is accurate. Get the base model, with the manual transmission, and youll smile every time you think about it. We live in the mountains and still get on the throttle for fun, but were getting 24 mpg in mixed driving. While I love the new GTI, I have to say that for an all-around family vehicle, you cant beat the Tiguan if its the right size for you.

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  best in class of small SUVs - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By docbeaumont - January 15 - 10:37 pm

  my not so old explorer died suddenly and we had no option than getting a new car. contrary to their ad, fords escape was a bare bone for 400 lease, plus "some other"....rav 4 is nice but quite "wild" and my wife got scared to drive it...nice car if you are into something with bigger trunk. by chance we got to service our jetta and while waiting i have discussed with the sales person....again true as advertised, sam e as 3 years ago with our jetta. they matched toyota price of a car that is immensly more mature and settled. it is a joy to drive it and the satndard looks like an audi class....driving is unbelieveble, you can turn it almost on the spot, sprints into hwy fabulous. benchmark SUV

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  Only thing good are the looks - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By arnabiitr - January 15 - 4:40 am

  It has gr8 looks ,acceleration is very sluggish and engine makes lot of sound while picking up speed .It has a electronic gas pedal which is very sluggish and stiff .

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  Lovin It! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By clj - January 13 - 12:53 pm

  This little SUV is awesome! Love the handling, great pick-up! Stylish and unique - I havent seen another one on the road yet. Love it even more than my CRV - which I never thought possible. I got the base model (sunroofs get to hot in FL!), but my dealership upgraded me to leather seats. With the tinted windows and wood-trim kit, this ride is styling! People stop me all the time to ask about it!

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  Tiguan has hits & misses - 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Twin1chrissy - January 13 - 8:27 am

  Ive been driving my 2018 SE Motion Tiguan now for two full months. I have a love-hate relationship with it thus far, I love to drive it on long road trips (500 miles plus) and hate driving it around town. Its very quiet and comfortable for long drives, the cruise control has smart technology, the back is very comfortable for the kids, and the gas mileage is awesome for the size vehicle. Unfortunately, most of my daily driving is around town and its terrible! The acceleration of the vehicle is so weak, the best way to describe it would be a sputtering from a complete stop. Ive found a way around that, I know put it in Sport mode when I accelerate from a full stop and once Im at a cruising speed I put it back in Drive mode. Its a bit extra work, but I have more confidence pulling into traffic when doing that. One of the biggest issues I have with the car that I did not notice during the test drive and of course the salesperson didnt mention was was there is NO hatch release in the car or on the key fob and there is no button to automatically close the hatch, which is very heavy! How can an MSRP $32K vehicle (I didnt pay that) in a competitive market not have a hatch release?!?!? When I discovered this I brought the vehicle back to the dealer and asked them to show me where the release was, they couldnt find it and stated, "oh wow, thats a big miss for VW. Theyll definitely be fixing that on next years model!" Really, what am I to do then?! Ive already reached out to VW with my complaints and customer care associate was surprised too! Im waiting for an aftermarket product to come out and will have it installed. One last issue I had was the car completely died on me in a parking lot while waiting for space. It went into the energy mode (which I had activated) but when I went to accelerate I just floated. I had to put my foot on brake put the car in Park and restart the car. I called dealer immediately and went there the following day, they ran their tests and couldnt find anything wrong. I got corporate involved, went back to the dealer and still havent found the problem. Its been two weeks since the ​incident and hasnt happened again, so not sure what caused it.

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  So Many Problems!!!! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By cap723 - January 12 - 10:56 pm

  I am just ending my 4 year lease and I have had so many issues with this car that have added up. Although the look of the car is very nice and its fun to drive and I never had any major mechanical problems - I still had issue after issue with this car. A few weeks after I drove it off the lot the guage that showed how much gas I had in my tank was broken. I had to take it back twice for them to fix it. Since then my radio just goes off when it wants, the back-up camera stopped working, I had to get new tires and breaks, there is a horrible moisture problem and it always smells like mold, the AC doesnt come out cold .it goes on!I would stay away from this car ulnless you want a heacache

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  Poor Transmission - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By vwmaine - January 5 - 8:56 pm

  Love the Tiguan’s concept and design. It’s beautifully styled, very comfortable with nice positions of the steering column and instrumentation. Seats are exceptionally comfortable. What I am deeply disappointed in is the drive and its transmission. At lower speeds, it seems as if the engine is going to stall. It makes a terrible noise, and sort of kicks back a little. I have had it in for service now twice. Initially to have the transmission reset. Second service was to replace both fuel pumps. None of the VW fixes have resolved the problem. Very disappointed in VW, wish they would get it fixed quickly otherwise I may leave the VW brand. Anyone else having similar concerns?

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  Love the Tiguan - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Hectares - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I just got mine, but I was sold 10 minutes into the test drive. It accelerates nicely with minimal turbo lag, handles well on curves, and is very comfortable to sit in.

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  Loving it - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Jedimed - December 28 - 10:26 pm

  I had to trade in my Audi A4 for something a bit more family-friendly, but that wasnt a boat. The Tiguan fit the bill nicely, with just enough room to get the kids in without adding too much mass. The handling and acceleration are better than most of its class, certainly much better than the CR-V. The Audi Q5 definitely outpaces the Tiguan, but it comes with a much higher price. If youre looking for a sporty SUV ride that gives you a bit more room and ground clearance, this is a good choice. If you want something to haul a lot of cargo, though, you may be disappointed.

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  Three items that are not state-of the art - 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By vwaudi - December 19 - 5:57 pm

  The VW Tiguan drives and handles very well. The whole family loves it. I would surely buy it again.