The redesigned Volkswagen Tiguan, now in its third generation is a major upgrade over the previous one.
The standard 201 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is energetic with a healthy midrange torque.
The eight-speed automatic is not the smoothest, however.
Handling is more agile than the class's norm and the cabin is among the quietest in the segment.
The ride has an underlying firmness but it absorbs most bumps well.
The front seats are very comfortable and supportive and the rear is super spacious.
The controls take some getting used to from the column shifter to the wiper control that's on the left stalk to temperature controls that are done through the large infotainment screen.
The screen is vivid but many common tasks take a multi-step process to execute.
The customizable instrument panel is a bit fussy but at least the steering wheel controls used to interact with it are physical buttons.
There's a multifunction knob in the center console for volume and drive modes.
Fit and finish is above the class's standards.
A full complement of active safety features is standard and includes Emergency Assist, which slows a vehicle to a stop and turns on the hazard lights if the driver becomes unresponsive.
Notable Changes
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2018-2024
2018 Model 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.
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.
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