Overview & Reviews

All versions of the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan receive freshened exterior styling plus tweaks to the automatic transmission that boost highway fuel economy by 2 mpg. Top-of-the-line SEL models also get new 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights. This year's Tiguan also gets a new LE trim level that slots between the base S and SE trims.

• Composed ride and handling
• Solid build quality.
• Premium cabin appointments
• Lively turbocharged engine

• Shy on cargo space
• Pricey compared to the competition.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 32.00

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  2012 Tiguan Transmission Defect - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By autogal1 - January 3 - 12:24 pm

  I bought a new 2012 VW Tiguan SE 4 Motion Automatic and in Drive (D) traveling about 25-34 mph the transmission stays in a high gear (5th) and makes a vibrating hum and shake.The transmission will not drop back to 2nd, 3rd or 4th at this speed and is overloaded in 5th.When I give it some gas it hums, lags and shakes more. After applying extra gas it abruptly downshifts lunging the car forward in a jerky fashion.I notified the dealer twice about this issue. The service rep told me the car is in itÂ’s Adaptive Learning phase and will work this problem out after I drive it for awhile. After 3000 miles the Tiguan transmission has not adjusted as the dealer indicated.

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

  Love the TiguanÂ’s concept and design. ItÂ’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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  Transmission problems fixed - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By tom365 - August 26 - 12:31 pm

  Earlier I wrote a review for the 2012 Tuguan and severely criticized the transmission shift pattern. At the time it deserved the criticism but I am happy to report that VW has issued a software update to the Transmission Control Module. The update has fixed the problem. Hats off to VW for listening to its customers, acknowledging a problem and actually fixing it.

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  My VW Tijuan is a nightmare - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By myvwnightmare - April 23 - 7:30 pm

  I purchased my VW Tijuan in 2012. Brand new. Right off the lot. It has been nothing but a nightmare. Some but not all of the problems: The driver door screw fell off. Yes, you heard that right. The door was hanging with one screw. The breaks fell on at least two occasions. The rest of the times the breaks are very noisy. The ABS breaks go on - by them self. The sun visor fell on my face twice. The first time while I was driving on the FWY, The second time while I was driving in my neighborhood, Scratching my face, poking me right under my eye, then my nose, then lending on my wrist. The heater is very noisy. VW blames me for all of the problems.I will write more later.

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  Love it now time will tell - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By tiguan2012 - December 7 - 12:12 am

  Just picked up our 2012 Tiguan SE 4Motion yesterday so clearly too soon to tell but so far we love it. The end of model year incentive made the deal quite attractive, we figured the 4motion-SE would be good for resale when the time comes. The ride is very smooth. Took test drives in the CR-V, Mazda CX5, Hyundai Santa Fe/Tuscon, Kia Sportage and Ford Escape. Any of them would be fine, but we just liked the styling and European ride of the Tiguan. 2nd choice would have been the Sportage.

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  Disaster Tiguan Experience - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By zahid1 - June 7 - 8:56 am

  I am kissing VW brand good bye. It has been 2 years with Tiguan. It reminded me of my old 15 years old Honda accord and even that had fewer service visits. I am waiting anxiously to dump the vehicle after my lease expires. I am so lucky to not own one.

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  LOVE IT! - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By davidlm3 - April 10 - 10:12 am

  Purchased the 2012 Tiguan after seeing it at the dealer. It looks great and the interior is "Audi-esque". The radio and nav system are very cool. The interior is top notch. It drives very well and is smooth over bumps and ruts. It has very good acceleration and handles like a sporty car. Averaging 27.8 mpg combined according to the Tiguans computer. Would definitely purchase another one. The only thing I would change is offering the LED/Xenon headlights on the SE model as a option.

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  Completely satisfied - 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By kpk63 - January 15 - 1:21 pm

  I looked at and test drove several comparable SUVs to include Equinox, CR-V, Escape, Outlander Sport, Mazda CX-7, Sportage, Tucson and of course the Tiguan. After a couple of months I had the Tiguan and Equinox as top contenders. They both had minor concerns with the transmission. The Equinox did have a "kick" after decelerating and the Tiguan does have a "lagging" effect when it drops automatically into 6th gear at around 30-35 mph but heres the remedy to that...just throw it into Sport mode and it wakes right up. I truly enjoy the feel, ride, tightness and especially the performance/sound of the engine when you drop it down to pass or enter the freeway. Enjoy....I certainly do.