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2009 Volkswagen Tiguan Quality Review

November 3, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

The middle rear seat is compromised somewhat by a raised cushion
Edmunds

The Tiguan features a high-quality interior full of rich plastics and tight tolerances
Motor Trend

Seats five, and third-row seating is not available
ConsumerGuide

Like many of its corporate siblings, the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan scores well with reviewers in terms of comfort, quality, and functionality.

Edmunds notes that although the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan offers seating for five, "the middle rear seat is compromised somewhat by a raised cushion." Fortunately, that's one of the few criticisms of the interior of the VW Tiguan. Most other reviewers agree with Motor Trend, which says that "6-plus footers get plenty of headroom and legroom whether up front or in back." Mother Proof loves how the seats "are molded for support without being hard," and while "they're not power adjustable, the eight-way manual seat adjustment worked just fine." Road & Track reviewers also praise the interior for being "comfortable, quiet and roomy, especially with the sliding rear seats."

Most of the reviews read by TheCarConnection.com praise the Tiguan VW for its ample cargo capacity. Motor Trend says "cargo space is more than adequate, and it doubles from 23.68 to 56.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down." Cars.com notes that the "rear seat can be folded flat from the cargo area, but moving it forward reveals a crevice in the load floor for storing small items." Inside the cabin of the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan, Mother Proof reviewers note "decent-sized bins in the front doors," as well as "two seatback pockets and a center console with a power outlet."

One of the highlights on the VW Tiguan is the superb quality level, both in terms of construction and materials. ConsumerGuide says "the dashboard deftly combines soft touch and hard plastics for a pleasing appearance." According to Motor Trend, the Tiguan VW "features a high-quality interior full of rich plastics and tight tolerances," while Cars.com notes that "being a Volkswagen, the Tiguan has a well-designed interior with high-quality materials." The Auto Channel contends that "the Tiguan's interior is attractive with fine materials, impeccable fit and finish and clean, efficient layout." Kelley Blue Book adds to the praise by reporting that the "up-level SE and SEL trims, with their contrasting materials and optional leather seating, are quite appealing."

One area where the high level of build quality shines through is in noise reduction. ConsumerGuide reports "there's a little wind noise on the highway, but the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is nearly silent at cruise." Mother Proof agrees and is impressed to find the 2009 VW Tiguan "pretty quiet on the inside."

Conclusion

The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan has a roomy and comfortable interior, along with ample cargo space and impeccable build quality.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:The middle rear seat is compromised somewhat by a raised cushionEdmundsThe Tiguan features a high-quality interior full of rich plastics and tight tolerancesMotor TrendSeats five, and third-row seating is not availableConsumerGuide Like many of its corporate siblings, the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan scores well with reviewers in terms of comfort, quality, and functionality. Edmunds notes that although the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan offers seating for five, "the middle rear seat is compromised somewhat by a raised cushion." Fortunately, that's one of the few criticisms of the interior of the VW Tiguan. Most other reviewers agree with Motor Trend, which says that "6-plus footers get plenty of headroom and legroom whether up front or in back." Mother Proof loves how the seats "are molded for support without being hard," and while "they're not power adjustable, the eight-way manual seat adjustment worked just fine." Road & Track reviewers also praise the interior for being "comfortable, quiet and roomy, especially with the sliding rear seats." Most of the reviews read by TheCarConnection.com praise the Tiguan VW for its ample cargo capacity. Motor Trend says "cargo space is more than adequate, and it doubles from 23.68 to 56.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down." Cars.com notes that the "rear seat can be folded flat from the cargo area, but moving it forward reveals a crevice in the load floor for storing small items." Inside the cabin of the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan, Mother Proof reviewers note "decent-sized bins in the front doors," as well as "two seatback pockets and a center console with a power outlet." One of the highlights on the VW Tiguan is the superb quality level, both in terms of construction and materials. ConsumerGuide says "the dashboard deftly combines soft touch and hard plastics for a pleasing appearance." According to Motor Trend, the Tiguan VW "features a high-quality interior full of rich plastics and tight tolerances," while Cars.com notes that "being a Volkswagen, the Tiguan has a well-designed interior with high-quality materials." The Auto Channel contends that "the Tiguan's interior is attractive with fine materials, impeccable fit and finish and clean, efficient layout." Kelley Blue Book adds to the praise by reporting that the "up-level SE and SEL trims, with their contrasting materials and optional leather seating, are quite appealing." One area where the high level of build quality shines through is in noise reduction. ConsumerGuide reports "there's a little wind noise on the highway, but the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is nearly silent at cruise." Mother Proof agrees and is impressed to find the 2009 VW Tiguan "pretty quiet on the inside." ConclusionThe 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan has a roomy and comfortable interior, along with ample cargo space and impeccable build quality. 2009 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN STYLING [8 out of 10] Cars.com: "Looks like a smaller version of VW's Touareg 2 midsize SUV" Edmunds: "Bold chrome grille and swoopy headlamp treatment" The Auto Channel: "Clean, graceful, modern and attractive" The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is another fresh ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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.

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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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