Volkswagen Tiguan Review

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL SUV Shown

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a relative latecomer to the compact crossover SUV market. While many competitors already have established small SUV models in their lineups, VW is hoping the Tiguan will lure customers away from a range of other options that have traditionally been somewhat bland.

Because of its compact car-based platform, the Volkswagen Tiguan crossover remains a manageable size. The Tiguan comes in both front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive versions and is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine -- the same engine used in sporty relatives such as the Audi A4 and the VW GTI.

Perhaps the Tiguan gets the most attention over its name. A figment of the VW marketing department's imagination, we're told it's a marriage of "tiger" and "iguana." Keeping with the animal theme, the fictitious mammalian reptile is built on the same chassis as the Jetta and recently resurrected Rabbit. To keep the small SUV from looking like a hopped-up version of the latter, the Tiguan uses styling elements similar to VW's larger SUV, the Touareg, which gives the Tiguan both a more aggressive and a more premium look than its competitors. The downside, however, is that the Tiguan comes with slightly less space -- and a higher price tag.

Current Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan debuted for the 2009 model year. The four-door, five-passenger compact crossover is available in the U.S. with only one engine choice -- the aforementioned 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo. It has roughly the same power rating as the version used in the GTI, which puts the Tiguan at 200 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. The front-wheel-drive version comes with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, but models with 4Motion AWD are available with the automatic only. Volkswagen estimates the Tiguan can go from zero to 60 mph in fewer than 8 seconds, which would make it one of the quickest four-cylinder compact crossovers available.

There is talk that a 2.0-liter diesel engine could eventually make its way across the pond. But unlike the recently reintroduced TDI Jetta, the heavier Tiguan would likely require additional tuning and equipment to make it comply with tough state emissions standards, which would make a diesel Tiguan too expensive for an already price-sensitive market.

The Volkswagen Tiguan comes in three trim levels, all of which come standard with a generous number of features, including full power accessories, an auxiliary audio jack, a CD player, cruise control and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, as well as a pass-through opening. Standard safety features include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags. Options include rear side airbags, a towing package, a panoramic sunroof and a navigation system.

What helps set the Tiguan apart from other small SUVs is its sleek European design and high-quality interior. Controls are large and well-placed and the cabin is nicely appointed. (Accent trim is genuine aluminum, not silver-colored plastic.) Unfortunately, the Tiguan lacks the cargo space of some of its competitors. With 16.6 cubic feet in the rear, the Tiguan offers about the same amount of space as a large family sedan. With the second row folded down, maximum capacity measures 56.1 cubic feet, about 17 cubes shy of class leaders such as the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4.

The Volkswagen Tiguan's well-built chassis and nicely done interior are matched with equally solid driving dynamics. The Tiguan offers plenty of power during acceleration, and its body remains poised through corners. And while most compact SUVs tend to skate over rough surfaces, the Tiguan's tires remain firmly planted on the pavement. The brake pedal delivers plenty of stopping power with a modest push. The Tiguan isn't the most powerful or most fuel-efficient crossover on the market, but it offers an agreeable balance of good looks, decent performance and driver comfort.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.