The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact executive SUV/crossover that aims to offer a similar experience to its more premium counterpart the Audi Q5, yet it undercuts the Q5 in price significantly. Given the fact of how popular compact SUVs/crossovers have become, the Tiguan is now one of the most popular VW models on the market.
The first generation of the Tiguan was introduced in 2007 while the second-gen came almost 10 years later, in 2016. When asked Is Volkswagen Tiguan a good car it’s impossible to say that it is not because the Tiguan is VW’s offering in the most popular car segment on the entire market. This is why the current Tiguan is one of the best compact SUVs in existence.
Reliability-wise, the Tiguan seems to be relatively good, but some issues are indeed worth talking about. The Tiguan is also a really practical car with enough space for up to five passengers while the trunk capacity is what you’d expect from a compact SUV.
All in all, it’s safe to say that the Tiguan is a really competitive premium family SUV that offers decent value in all of its generations. The last generation of the Tiguan is a really good car which means that you should consider it if you want a compact SUV.
VW Tiguan – The powerplant
The VW Tiguan offers quite a few engine options, but the 4-cylinder ones are the best. Starting with a 1.4L TSI engine, the Tiguan offers around 130hp. If you want the best 4-cylinder Tiguan engines, you need to go for the 2.0L TSI model which offers up to 230hp. There is also a 1.5L TSI for the 2nd gen Tiguan that offers more or less the same performance as the 1.4L.
The Tiguan is also packed with one of the best diesel engines on the market, the 2.0L TDI that offers up to 240hp and is also incredibly efficient. The very latest 2020 Tiguan also comes with a hybrid powertrain, more specifically a 1.4L PHEV 245hp engine. The Tiguan is primarily a FWD car, but 4MOTION is available.
The Tiguan also comes with the VW proprietary DSG dual-clutch gearbox that aims to offer fast shift times without being inefficient. The Tiguan is able to return up to a maximum of 60MPG with the diesel models while the gas-powered engines max out at around 35-40MPG.
VW Tiguan – Design and chassis
The 1st generation of the Tiguan is a relatively good-looking car, but it does not look like an SUV should. The 2nd generation of the Tiguan is a lot better because it utilizes a more SUV-ish boxy design that also ensures a lot more interior space. The post-facelift 2nd gen Tiguan is by far the best looking one, especially if equipped with the R-Line trim.
On the inside, the Tiguan looks more or less like a VW Golf which is not necessarily something you want from such a car. The Tiguan is highly dependent on the options you go for which means that it can look both really high-end, or really cheap.
The design and chassis tuning of the Tiguan is solely focused on comfort, ease of use, and cruising. This means that no Tiguan is all that particularly dynamic. If you want a more dynamic-feeling crossover/compact SUV, you should take a look at the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the Porsche Macan, or the Jaguar E Pace.
VW Tiguan – Reliability and common issues
When it comes to reliability, it’s safe to say that the Tiguan is able to offer a really dependable experience if you maintain it properly. The most common VW Tiguan issues are associated with the engine timing system, ignition coils, faulty mass airflow, and O2 sensors, issues with the steering system clock spring, and sometimes with the water pump.
Most of these can be resolved proactively which means that proper maintenance and knowledge about how these issues come to be can save you a great deal of trouble and money. On the other hand, issues with the clock spring are a given with a modern-day VW.
VW Tiguan – Value and practicality
You can get a VW Tiguan ranging from $10,000 to upwards of $40,000 depending on the model year, the mileage, the trim level, and the overall condition. The 2nd generation of the Tiguan is modern enough to be considered a modern car while the 1st gen Tiguan is a bit on the older side.
As far as practicality is concerned, you should not worry all that much with a Tiguan because the later models utilize a classic SUV boxy design that maximizes interior space throughout. Cargo space is also huge while the doors open wide, the visibility is great and there are lots of cubby and storage spaces throughout.
FAQ Section
Which generation of the VW Tiguan is best?
The 2nd generation of the VW Tiguan is by far the better choice because it offers upgrades across the board. Even though it costs more than the 1st gen model, the differences are so big that it kind of makes sense to pay more. The second-generation post-facelift is the best, but the 2nd gen post-facelift is indeed expensive.
As such, the 2nd gen pre-facelift model does seem to offer the best value of them all as it is the perfect balance between price, features, and an overall sophisticated experience.
Is the Audi Q5 better than the VW Tiguan?
It’s no secret that the Audi Q5 and the VW Tiguan share the same platform and that they share most of their engines and many other components. However, the Q5 is more refined, quieter, offers more powerful engines, and is the clear winner in this comparison.
You can certainly tell that these two are similar if you put them head-to-head, so much so that some people would argue that it makes no sense to pay more for the Q5. However, if you compare higher-end models, the Q5 is leagues above the Tiguan.
Is the VW Tiguan a safe car?
The VW Tiguan is a really safe car just as every other modern-day VW is. This means that it comes with all the necessary features you’d expect from a modern-day car. VW is aware that the Tiguan is predominantly being used by families which means that they should take extra care while designing family cars.
All in all, you should not worry about safety, but most high-end software safety features are optional.