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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  2019 Tiguan - Quite a Lemon, Steer Clear - 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By SEM - October 21 - 4:58 pm

  Ou5 2019 Tiguan has been in for 5 major repairs in 26 months and has under 21K miles. Two oil leaks, one broken sensor, complete transmission replacement which stranded us out of state for a week waiting for the fix and an ungrounded wire that drained the electrical system and caused the car to die in traffic. We are getting rid of this car before it gets us killed. Do not recommend this vehicle

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  THE BEST VALUE IS SMALL SUV - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By VEGAS TIGUAN - December 23 - 2:40 pm

  I have driven 30,000 miles in the deserts of Las Vegas and get 22 -23 MPG aroung town and 26 - 28 on the highway. I have had the services done and am sitting at the dealer having the 30 mile service performed as I write this. Th rear brakes need to be changed at $270 and the front are still 80%. All the tires are still good. 30,000 miles and the front brakes are at 80%, this is awesome. Look up brakes on the Toureg and you will see every 15k to 20k miles at 4 times the cost of the Tiguan. This SUV has been flawless, you cannot go wrong. I test drove the CRV and love the looks, however, the interior seemed cheap and the ride was not as quite. I cannot praise the vehicle enough.

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  Sweet Ride, Sweeter Deal - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By TheDream14 - December 23 - 4:40 am

  I think the positives of this vehicle have been covered pretty thoroughly to this point. For me, it was this or a CRV, and the deal I received from VW just crushed what Honda was willing to do. Sticker on my SE was 29,115. Final purchase price was 25,604. Both of the preceding figures are pretax. I put $2000 down and financed the remainder @ 0% for 60 months. Honda thought I was making stuff up, $3600 off MSRP plus 0% for 5 years. VW is definitely trying to move inventory, I guess Honda isnt desperate enough yet. I absolutely love the vehicle though, but Ive only had it for a week so reliability is tough to judge at this point. Absolutely zero buyers remorse to this point.

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  You get what you pay for - 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Toothwarrior - November 29 - 8:13 am

  Absolute fun to drive.Great handling.Enough power for its class.It actually feels safe.I bought it for The Boss(my wife) and she loves it. Its the perfect mall vehicle even in a snowstorm. Ive had Mercedes ML series since 1990,all 8 cylinder vehicles and this little baby is more fun to drive. Dont hesitate get it. Whats a few dollars more.

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  Great Value - 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Dan Becker - November 16 - 5:19 pm

  I feel good driving this car. Looks and feels like it could cost a lot more.

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  Great choice for a small SUV - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By RhodyVWOwner - November 13 - 11:20 am

  I just picked up my new 2009 VW Tiguan SE 4Motion! What a great little CUV. Yes, I compared it with all the other little utes. Really it came down to this or the Mitsu Outlander for me in terms of features for the money. That was a great car also, but just cant compare to the build quality or upscale feel of the Tiguan. If I was 20 again, I would go with the Outlander. Now in my 30s, the Tiguans the ride for me. It was hard to find one with the new Nav system (which is super cool) and the giant sunroof (also super cool), but I am glad I did. Has just the right balance of power and fuel economy, but it is a blast to drive. Drives a lot more like a car than a RAV4. Test drive one!

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  Shake....Rattle ....Roll - 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Mike Coleman - October 21 - 3:44 pm

  There is something going on with the Tires......BRAND NEW TIRES......And the Shake....Shake ....and Shake....Have been Balance by everybody....Belle....Discount....VW....Everybody....Now I told that Continental Pro-Contact is a Poor Tire for the Tiguan....It wont stay Balance..I have been to the Dealer 3 Times in 2 years...Plus to Belle Tire and Discount Tire. They all tell me it the Tires and Volkswagen knows about the Problem and wont do anything about. I was told UN-OFFICIALLY, That when I need tires....Buy Michellin. They ride better Im told. If VW knows Continental Tires are bad then swap them out. Why make me suffer for 2 or 3 years waiting for the tires to wear down.....Hey Volkswagen REMEMBER FORD/FIRESTONE.....Im Going to keep writing about this problem.

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  Stay far away - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By georgeste - October 10 - 9:42 pm

  Love driving this car but... Im the second owner since 63000km 16 fuel injectors and 3 bad throttle bodies later I have decided that Im done with constant breakdowns. For sale 1 tiguan 123000km

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  A new kive - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Lou - October 3 - 8:50 am

  Great car with many usable features. Drives great and has plenty of pick up to merge onto highway. The build quality is excellent. Owned an Audi A- 4 cabriolet before and the panoramic sunroof is excellent. The SEL package has all the need to have comfort features. It is a head turner all the time. The cargo room is plenty for almost all your shopping needs. The Sirius radio is a pleasant surprise as we havent played any CDs yet. The Wild Cherry color and 18" wheels make for a good looking car. Spend many hours researching the cars in this class and the Tiguan won even though it is more expensive. The gas mileage has been a little low however the foot in the turbo may the cause.

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  Best Bargain In The SUV Market ! - 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Frank Mott - September 2 - 9:30 am

  This is the most amazing value in the small SUV marketplace. The car is almost as fun to drive as our Mini ! The car sounds sporty, and looks like it racing along even parked at the curb. Drives like sporty car not an SUV. Gas mileage around town is 26 mpg and with gas price sky high we are very happy ! The quality and engineering are excellent as is to be expected from V.W. Lots of thoughtful features. But, driving is whats it all about, and the Tiguan is sure to put a smile on your face !