Volkswagen Tiguan Review: How It Compares to Top Compact SUVs

Featured Snippet: The Volkswagen Tiguan offers engaging driving dynamics but falls short in fuel economy, cargo space, and value compared to class leaders like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Its turbocharged engine provides lively performance, while interior space trails competitors by several inches.

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In the competitive compact SUV segment dominated by the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape, the Volkswagen Tiguan presents an intriguing European alternative. While it delivers sportier handling than many rivals, does its compromised practicality and premium fuel requirement justify consideration? Our in-depth review examines every aspect to help you decide.

Exterior Design: Timeless or Dated?

The current-generation Tiguan maintains Volkswagen's signature styling language, featuring a streamlined grille and sleek LED-accented headlights. While the basic design dates back to its introduction, subtle refinements have kept it looking contemporary against newer competitors.

Notable exterior features include:

• Standard LED daytime running lights across all trim levels
• Distinctive chrome grille with horizontal slats
• Available Wolfsburg Edition with unique badging (replacing the previous R-Line)
• 17-inch alloy wheels standard, with 18-inch options

While not as aggressively styled as some Japanese counterparts, the Tiguan's clean Germanic design has aged better than expected. However, the upcoming next-generation model promises more contemporary proportions and styling cues.

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Driving Dynamics: The Tiguan's Strong Suit

Volkswagen Tiguan stands out in driving enjoyment, offering:

The turbo-four provides strong low-end torque, with minimal lag thanks to Volkswagen's refined forced-induction system. The transmission shifts smoothly yet responds promptly to throttle inputs. Where the Tiguan truly shines is in cornering stability and steering feel—attributes often sacrificed in this segment for comfort.

Fuel Economy: The Tiguan's Achilles' Heel

The Tiguan's fuel efficiency trails significantly behind class leaders, compounded by its requirement for premium gasoline. Over five years of ownership, this could add thousands to operating costs compared to rivals.

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Interior Space and Comfort: Tight Quarters

Where the Tiguan struggles most is interior packaging—a critical factor for compact SUV buyers. Key measurements reveal the shortcomings:

Passenger Space Comparison

• Front legroom: 40.1 inches (vs. 42.2 in CR-V)
• Rear legroom: 35.8 inches (vs. 40.4 in CR-V)
• Cargo volume: 23.8 cu-ft (vs. 39.2 in CR-V)

These deficiencies manifest in real-world use. Installing rear-facing child seats often requires front passengers to sacrifice legroom. The sloping roofline also reduces rear headroom for taller passengers.

Materials and Features

The cabin features:

• Predominantly hard plastic surfaces on lower trim levels
• Standard 6.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Available panoramic moonroof (Wolfsburg Edition)
• Simple, intuitive climate controls

While ergonomics are excellent, the interior feels dated compared to newer competitors with softer touchpoints and more premium materials.

Safety and Technology: Falling Behind

The Tiguan's safety credentials raise concerns:

Standard safety equipment includes:

• Backup camera
• Electronic stability control
• Six airbags

Notably absent are advanced driver aids like blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking—features increasingly common in this class. The Tiguan's crash test performance also trails segment leaders.

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Value Proposition: Hard to Justify

With a base price approaching $26,000, the Tiguan faces stiff competition:

The Tiguan commands a premium while offering less space, worse fuel economy, and fewer standard safety features. Its strongest appeal lies in driving enthusiasts willing to sacrifice practicality for engagement.

Who Should Consider the Volkswagen Tiguan?

The Tiguan makes the most sense for:

• Driving enthusiasts: Best handling in class
• Urban dwellers: Compact dimensions aid parking
• Volkswagen loyalists: Familiar Germanic feel

Most buyers will find better value in alternatives like the CR-V or RAV4, which offer superior space, efficiency, and safety. With a next-generation Tiguan imminent, shoppers might consider waiting or exploring certified pre-owned options.