- 2010
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Used Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen Tiguan - What the Auto Press Says
The all-new VW Tiguan stands out for its German driving dynamics and upscale feel, which set it apart in a class dominated by SUVs with ho-hum driving experiences and interiors designed more for kids than adults.
A blend of the words "tiger" and "iguana," the interestingly named Tiguan is a sporty and appealing entry within its class. A drawback is that the VW is more expensive than some competitors, especially when you start adding options. "In short, like most crossovers this petite 'ute is a compromise," explains Popular Mechanics. "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." For a more affordable option, consider the Toyota RAV4. Or, if you can't let go out of that sporty feel, check out the similarly priced but even more spacious Mazda CX-7.
The Tiguan has been one of the fastest-selling SUVs in America in its first few months on the market. Its 19/26 mpg rating (when purchased with a manual transmission) places it in the middle of the compact SUV pack for fuel economy.
The Tiguan comes in three trims -- S, SE, and the top-of-the-line SEL. Front-wheel drive is standard, though the SE and SL are available with 4Motion all-wheel drive.
- "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
- "If you can't break the CUV/SUV habit and have a need to haul all sorts and sizes of cargo, in a fun to drive German package, your ride has arrived." -- Left Lane News
- "With its European breeding, the new 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan promises a little different flavor in a mostly vanilla class." -- Edmunds
- "Former VW GTI owners who need more space for a family will absolutely love the performance of the Volkswagen Tiguan S, but those looking for high-tech options will want to look further upmarket." -- CNET
Tiguan Performance - 8.8 (Very Good)
Dubbed by Volkswagen as the "GTI of SUVs," the Tiguan offers a fun, yet smooth, ride -- something that's rare within its segment. "The Tiguan offers a pleasant and sporty driving experience, more so than most compact crossover SUVs," confirms New Car Test Drive. The Tiguan borrows its turbocharged engine from the sporty GTI hatchback and platform elements from the Passat and Rabbit. Consequently, its performance is among the best of its class. But one reviewer isn't thrilled about the SUV's fuel grade requirement. Read More
Tiguan Exterior - 7.5 (Good)
Most reviewers find the Tiguan to be a good-looking vehicle that stands out from the generally sedate pack of compact SUVs. "The front is an unmistakable iteration of VW's fresh styling language which to me suggests a youngster with a goatee," says The Auto Channel. "Styling is clean, graceful, modern and attractive." Read More
Tiguan Interior - 8.2 (Very Good)
The Tiguan's pleasant five-seat cabin generates plenty of praise. "The interior is comfortable, quiet and roomy, especially with the sliding rear seats," comments Road and Track. However, the Tiguan's small size means it doesn't offer as much cargo or rear-seat space as competitors. Read More
Tiguan Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)
The Tiguan features plenty of reassuring safety equipment -- including an Electronic Stabilization Program with brake assist, Electronic Brake Pressure Distribution, and Anti-slip regulation. It also does well in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Read More
Tiguan Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 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
