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2009 Volkswagen Tiguan Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan to write this comprehensive review. Our car experts also drove the Volkswagen Tiguan in Europe and in the U.S., to be able to deliver our definitive opinion on the car, to compare it with other cars in the class, and to give you the best advice when other reviews have conflicting opinions.

Likes:

  • Able turbocharged four-cylinder engine
  • Pert styling, inside and out
  • Good interior room
  • Comfortable front seats

Dislikes:

  • Manual transmission feels a little vague
  • Handling is more SUV than sportscar
  • Price premium over Japanese crossovers

Buying Tips:

It's the maiden year for the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan, so curiosity alone could keep sticker prices high for a year or more. But diesel fans will want to wait, anyway--TheCarConnection.com's been told a "clean" diesel version is due late in the model year.

The little brother of the Volkswagen Touareg, the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover vehicle in the vein of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

A derivative of the Volkswagen Rabbit platform, the 2009 Tiguan sports a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and a choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. A 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo four is for now the only engine in the lineup, though a version of the new 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder is expected later in the model year.

The new 2009 VW Tiguan is 173.2 inches long, 72.8 inches wide, and 66.5 inches high. A flexible interior package includes second-row split bench seats that can slide and tilt. The Tiguan's seats are both sporty and supportive, yet pleasantly easy to climb in and out of. There's no chintzing out on the back row, either, where even taller passengers can ride behind taller drivers without feeling cramped. VW has paid attention to storage, too: The cargo compartment has a small hidden storage bin underneath the load floor, and there's a twin glove box up front.

The 2009 Tiguan's an agile crossover, enhanced by a new electro-mechanical steering system and a multilink rear suspension. Even with the relatively sophisticated suspension, it can't escape its roots. The ride, steering, and braking are tuned for all-around capability, not ultimate precision--it rides far better than some larger crossovers like the BMW X3, for example.

Safety is comprehensive, with six airbags and stability control standard. The all-wheel-drive system on some versions sports an "offroad" mode, which, with the push of a dashboard button, will activate a raft of alternative safety features like hill descent control.

Visually, the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan hits a safe spot between the more daring Honda CR-V and Volkswagen's own compact Jetta lineup. The grille and headlamps are an interesting look for a small ute, and inside is a typically high-quality Volkswagen interior, with richer textures and finishes than you'd get in a rival crossover. This time, Volkswagen hasn't shorted itself on features, either--the Tiguan offers a navigation system, an iPod input, a music hard drive, and a huge panoramic sunroof.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan, also consider:

Reason Why:

The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan competes in a very crowded class of vehicles. Small crossovers like the Honda CR-V are perennial best-sellers because of their smooth rides, reputation for reliability, and flexible interiors. The CR-V, like the Tiguan, is only available in four-cylinder trim. Toyota's RAV4 has grown, though, and now offers a V-6 option as well as a third-row seat. Saturn's Vue was brand-new for 2008, and it's smaller than the CR-V and RAV4, with no third-row seat, but it can be ordered with a gas-electric hybrid powertrain or a powerful V-6 engine.

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan aims for the likes of the Honda CR-V and hits a little higher--in price and sophistication.

TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan to write this comprehensive review. Our car experts also drove the Volkswagen Tiguan in Europe and in the U.S., to be able to deliver our definitive opinion on the car, to compare it with other cars in the class, and to give you the best advice when other reviews have conflicting opinions. Likes:Able turbocharged four-cylinder enginePert styling, inside and outGood interior roomComfortable front seatsDislikes:Manual transmission feels a little vagueHandling is more SUV than sportscarPrice premium over Japanese crossoversBuying Tips:It's the maiden year for the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan, so curiosity alone could keep sticker prices high for a year or more. But diesel fans will want to wait, anyway--TheCarConnection.com's been told a "clean" diesel version is due late in the model year. The little brother of the Volkswagen Touareg, the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover vehicle in the vein of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. A derivative of the Volkswagen Rabbit platform, the 2009 Tiguan sports a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and a choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. A 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo four is for now the only engine in the lineup, though a version of the new 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder is expected later in the model year. The new 2009 VW Tiguan is 173.2 inches long, 72.8 inches wide, and 66.5 inches high. A flexible interior package includes second-row split bench seats that can slide and tilt. The Tiguan's seats are both sporty and supportive, yet pleasantly easy to climb in and out of. There's no chintzing out on the back row, either, where even taller passengers can ride behind taller drivers without feeling cramped. VW has paid attention to storage, too: The cargo compartment has a small hidden storage bin underneath the load floor, and there's a twin glove box up front. The 2009 Tiguan's an agile crossover, enhanced by a new electro-mechanical steering system and a multilink rear suspension. Even with the relatively sophisticated suspension, it can't escape its roots. The ride, steering, and braking are tuned for all-around capability, not ultimate precision--it rides far better than some larger crossovers like the BMW X3, for example. Safety is comprehensive, with six airbags and stability control standard. The all-wheel-drive system on some versions sports an "offroad" mode, which, with the push of a dashboard button, will activate a raft of alternative safety features like hill descent control. Visually, the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan hits a safe spot between the more daring Honda CR-V and Volkswagen's own compact Jetta lineup. The grille and headlamps are an interesting look for a small ute, and inside is a typically high-quality Volkswagen interior, with richer textures and finishes than you'd get in a rival crossover. This time, Volkswagen hasn't shorted itself on features, either--the Tiguan offers a navigation system, an iPod input, a music hard drive, and a huge panoramic sunroof. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan, also consider:Honda CR-VToyota RAV4Saturn VueReason Why:The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan competes in a very crowded class of vehicles. Small crossovers like the Honda CR-V are perennial best-sellers because of their smooth rides, reputation for reliability, and flexible interiors. The CR-V, like the Tiguan, is only available in four-cylinder trim. Toyota's RAV4 has grown, though, and now offers a V-6 option as well as a third-row seat. Saturn's Vue was brand-new for 2008, and it's smaller than the CR-V and RAV4, with no third-row seat, but it can be ordered with a gas-electric hybrid powertrain or a powerful V-6 engine. The Bottom Line:The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan aims for the likes of the Honda CR-V and hits a little higher--in price and sophistication. TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan to write this comprehensive review. Our car experts also drove the Volkswagen Tiguan in Europe and in the U.S., to be able to deliver our definitive opinion on the car, to compare it with other cars in ...

Other Choices:

The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan competes in a very crowded class of vehicles. Small crossovers like the Honda CR-V are perennial best-sellers because of their smooth rides, reputation for reliability, and flexible interiors. The CR-V, like the Tiguan, is only available in four-cylinder trim. Toyota's RAV4 has grown, though, and now offers a V-6 option as well as a third-row seat. Saturn's Vue was brand-new for 2008, and it's smaller than the CR-V and RAV4, with no third-row seat, but it can be ordered with a gas-electric hybrid powertrain or a powerful V-6 engine.

Next Steps:

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for a 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan near you

See the Volkswagen Tiguan in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

Comments (6 total)

  1. By PRH #1, Posted: 9/12/2008

    Tiguan is an ideal small crossover

    I have owned my Tiguan SE 4 motion for 3 months and it is an incredible car. It is extremely well built, has a high quality interior and handles like a GTI. I think the performance is actually better than what is stated above. The car is very fast and on the highway I typically get between 28.5 and 30 MPG with speeds of between 65-68 MPH.
    I highly recommend this vehicle.

  2. By adam rolfson #4, Posted: 4/28/2009

    sales associate

    I am a VW salesman at Hall VW / Mazda in Brookfield WI and every person that has purchased a Tiguan from us has had nothing but great things to say about their new VW.

  3. By adam rolfson #5, Posted: 4/28/2009

    sales associate

    I am a VW salesman at Hall VW / Mazda in Brookfield WI and every person that has purchased a Tiguan from us has had nothing but great things to say about their new VW.

  4. By aus_tig_owner #6, Posted: 6/21/2009

    Incredible car. It is straight 10/10 in my rating for everything (performance, handling, looks and technology). I compared this one to the BMW X 3 as well as the Subaru new forester - both are far below this car!! This car sets new standards for other manufacturers to follow. Even their own Golf, Jetta and Passat will have to try hard to match the Tiguan. Its an expensive car, after all the 'soft' charges. But, a great value for money (compare with BMW X 3, which is not even worth the new Subaru forester, in my opinion!!). Options are costly. Requires premium petrol (125 TSI, 4 motion, Auto).

  5. By calvin #7, Posted: 10/3/2009

    The question is, do the plastic interior fittings pop and break, surfaces dissolve into gel like scum, and smell like previous VWs I've owned?

  6. By Kerry #8, Posted: 10/19/2009

    Calvin....what on earth are you doing in that car?
    Dissolving interiors, gel like scum.....and smell???
    Are interior painted surfaces peeling as well? Maybe it's your cologne.

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