Volkswagen Tiguan

Name: 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
Brand: Volkswagen

CR MPG:

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Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The compact SUV class is chock full of worthy competitors, and judging them is similar to an Olympic event: Every entrant is at the top of their game, even if they don’t get a medal. In recent years, the Volkswagen Tiguan has wallowed far off the podium due to sluggish acceleration, iffy reliability, and below-average owner satisfaction from CR’s members.

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Volkswagen Tiguan

vs. Similar Cars

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Chevrolet Equinox

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Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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CR MPG

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

2-liter 4 turbo (268 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (201 hp)

8-speed automatic

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Basic 4 years/50,000 miles
Drivetrain 4 years/50,000 miles
Corrosion 7 years/100,000 miles
Roadside Aid 3 years/36,000 miles
Maintenance 2 years/20,000 miles

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Model History

2025-Present

Current Generation

The Volkswagen Tiguan has been redesigned for 2025, with an all-new exterior and a longer wheelbase. The small optional third-row seat has been dropped. The only engine available is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that now makes 201 horsepower, up from 184. Unlike many other compact SUVs, there's no hybrid version of the Tiguan. Most interior controls have been replaced by a central touchscreen, including touch-sensitive sliders for temperature. The steering wheel controls are still physical buttons, and there's a multifunction knob in the center console for volume and drive modes. Options include multicolored interior accent lighting, a head-up display, massaging front seats, heated rear seats, and real wood and leather trim. Every Tiguan comes standard with a full complement of active safety features, VW’s IQ.Drive active driving assistance system, and Emergency Assist, which slows a vehicle to a stop and turns on the hazard lights if the driver becomes unresponsive. A more powerful 268-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is offered on the 2026 Tiguan.

2018-2024

2018 Redesign Year

The second-generation Tiguan is one of the largest models in the small-SUV segment. That growth allows for an optional third-row seat (standard on FWD versions) and an enormous second-row seat. While the 184-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine feels responsive in daily driving, acceleration is rather slow: It takes more than 10 seconds to reach 60 mph from a stop. Fuel economy of 25 mpg on regular gas is good for the class. The transmission is mostly smooth. Handling is capable and secure, and the ride is comfortable. The cabin is among the quietest in the segment, with just a bit of engine noise when revved. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning are standard starting in 2020. Updates included with the 2022 refresh include a new infotainment system with available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

2009-2017

2009 Redesign Year

The Tiguan did well in our tests. Based upon the VW Golf and Passat, we like its quiet cabin, roomy rear seat, and excellent fit and finish. Handling is agile and secure, and the ride is comfortable. The 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers smooth and punchy performance and yielded 20 mpg overall in our tests. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available. For 2012, Tiguan's mild freshening improved fuel economy. Model year 2015 brought some equipment shuffling, including a standard rear camera.