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Volkswagen Tiguan - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan ranks 5 out of 25 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 20 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen Tiguan, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

A blend of the words "tiger" and "iguana," the interestingly named Tiguan is a sporty and appealing entry within its class. Its German driving dynamics and upscale feel set it apart from other SUVs, but its steep base price, low fuel economy and below-average cargo space detract from its appeal.

With a starting price around $23,000, the Tiguan is one of the most expensive SUVs in its class. Plus, options and higher trims can add more than $10,000 onto that price. But test drivers say the Tiguan is well worth it because it’s one of the sportiest, most fun-to-drive small SUVs on the market. Typical of VW, it also comes with an especially high-quality interior for this segment.

"Tiguan's prices are higher than most compact sport-utility competitors," writes Consumer Guide. "Sporty-for-the-class road manners, a comfortable interior, and three years of no-cost scheduled maintenance offset the difference enough to make it worth a look."

But there’s another drawback besides the Tiguan’s steep price. In a class where many SUVs net 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway, the Tiguan’s fuel economy just can’t keep up. Its base rating, 19/26 city/highway, is one of the lowest in the class. The Tiguan also requires premium fuel, which is rare for this class and is sure to make those trips to the fuel pump even more painful.

Other SUVs to Consider

If you’re willing to go without the Tiguan’s sporty driving dynamics, it’s easy to find a more affordable and fuel-efficient compact SUV. The Hyundai Tucson starts at about $4,200 less than the Tiguan and boasts one of the best fuel economy ratings in the class (22/30 mpg city/highway). It also comes with a class-leading powertrain warranty, but it doesn’t really improve on the Tiguan’s below-average cargo space.

If, however, a fun driving experience is really important to you, consider the Mazda CX-7. Though it’s technically not a compact SUV, it’s on the smaller side of the midsize class and still costs about $1,500 less than the Tiguan. On top of that, it has a higher 20/28 fuel economy rating and is one of the sportiest SUVs in its class. Since it’s a midsize, the CX-7 also has slightly more cargo space then the VW.

Details: Volkswagen Tiguan

For 2010, Bluetooth becomes standard on the Tiguan's two higher trims. It comes in three trims -- the base S, Wolfsburg, and top-of-the-line SEL. Front-wheel drive is standard, though the Wolfsburg and SEL are available with 4Motion all-wheel drive.

• "The 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan trades some practicality for a top-notch cabin and European driving manners. It's a different flavor in a vanilla class." -- Edmunds
• "Bottom line: Dumb name; super SUV." -- Motor Trend
• "Volkswagen is now entering the market with a car that is practical, innovative, fun and actually still compact." -- Road and Track
• "The Volkswagen Tiguan is nicer but more expensive than most compact SUVs. It feels more upscale than mainstream models though not quite as premium as luxury offerings. It is fun to drive and offers nice passenger room, but cargo volume is smaller than that of most rivals." -- New Car Test Drive
• "In short, like most crossovers this petite 'ute is a compromise. It's a spunky ride with some great features, but in order to haul a lot of gear and people, you may have to check a few option boxes." -- Popular Mechanics

Tiguan Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)

Volkswagen calls the Tiguan the "GTI of SUVs" -- and for good reason. The Tiguan borrows its turbocharged engine from the sporty GTI hatchback. With platform elements taken from the Passat and Rabbit, the Tiguan’s fun, smooth ride is hard to find within its segment. However, it pays the price in fuel economy -- its EPA ratings are among the worst in its class. Read More

Tiguan Exterior - 7.6 (Good)

 The 2010 VW Tiguan’s styling isn’t too radical, but it still stands out from the generally sedate pack of compact SUVs. Read More

Tiguan Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)

Reviewers describe the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan's five-seat cabin as pleasant and luxurious. In fact, it’s probably one of the nicest in the class. However, the Tiguan's small size means it doesn't offer as much cargo space as competitors. Read More

Tiguan Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

The federal government gives the Tiguan excellent scores in crash tests. Safety equipment includes several accident avoidance systems, such as an Electronic Stabilization Program, Electronic Brake Pressure Distribution, and Anti-Slip regulation. Read More

Tiguan Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Tiguan comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Read More