2009 Volkswagen Tiguan: Road Test
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan ▼
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- MSRP: $23,200 - $32,940
- Invoice: $21,455 - $30,668
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Our road test for the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan help you decide if a 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| S, manual | AWD SE | 2WD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.7 |
In most situations Tiguan has ample power, but some turbo lag is noticeable--particularly when exiting a slow corner. The manual transmission has smooth shift and clutch action. The automatic shifts smoothly in automatic or manual mode.
FUEL ECONOMY
| S, manual | AWD SE | 2WD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission S averaged 24.5 mpg. AWD Tiguans averaged 18.1-18.8 mpg in city/highway driving and 24.6 with mostly highway use. VW recommends premium-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| S, manual | AWD SE | 2WD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Tiguan has a firm, stable ride that is well composed and quite comfortable with good bump absorption. Little difference among trim levels and tire sizes, though some testers say SE doesn't absorb bumps as well as the S.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| S, manual | AWD SE | 2WD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
The steering feels a bit light at low speeds, but it is accurate on the road with little need for correction. Corners are handled with modest lean, and to its credit, Tiguan's road manners are more like a car than an SUV. Brakes offer strong stopping power and good pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| S, manual | AWD SE | 2WD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
Tiguan is fairly quiet, but wind rush is evident at highway speeds, and road noise becomes more noticeable on coarse surfaces. The refined turbo-4-cylinder engine is nearly silent at cruise and is never intrusive, even in rapid acceleration.
CONTROLS
| S, manual | AWD SE | 2WD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 8 | 6.2 |
The gauges are clear and well marked. The controls are easy to reach and use. Standard climate control system is refreshingly simple with only three knobs and two buttons. SEL has automatic dual-zone climate control that is also easy to operate. The optional navigation system is a new design that has fewer buttons and is easier to learn than the system found in some other VW models.
DETAILS
| S, manual | AWD SE | 2WD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.1 |
Tiguan's well-assembled cabin is a handsome combination of soft-touch and textured hard plastics. The SE model's cloth interior rivals that of class leaders such as Saturn VUE for appearance. Leather upholstery is optional on the SE and standard on the SEL, and it adds further class to the ambiance.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| S, manual | AWD SE | 2WD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.2 |
Even larger adults will be very comfortable. Headroom is generous, even under the panoramic sunroof that was on all vehicles tested. Note that some testers found the mesh sunroof shade inadequate in blocking the sun on clear days. Standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel helps fine-tune a comfortable driving position, as does the multi-adjustable driver and passenger seats. Entry and exit are easy.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| S, manual | AWD SE | 2WD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.3 |
Outstanding for the class. Deceptively spacious for two adults. Tall riders will find ample headroom, even beneath the sunroof housing. Under-seat foot space is also quite good. The rear seat slides fore and aft six inches to favor passenger or cargo room.
CARGO ROOM
| S, manual | AWD SE | 2WD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.1 |
Tiguan is one of the smaller compact SUVs, but there is good room behind the 2nd row. The split rear seat folds nearly flat to increase cargo room. In-cabin storage is good with numerous cubbies and bins, but most are uncovered. Additional covered storage is found under the center armrest, but that area is largely occupied by the CD changer on navigation-equipped Tiguans.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| S, manual | AWD SE | 2WD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 5 | 5.8 |
The Volkswagen Tiguan is assembled in Germany, and the strength of the euro versus the US dollar may be its biggest hurdle in the American market. Tiguan's prices are higher than most compact sport-utility competitors. Sporty-for-the-class road manners, a comfortable interior, and three years of no-cost scheduled maintenance offset the difference enough to earn it a Best Buy label. Don't overlook the basic front-drive S model, which has the fewest frills but the lowest price.
Total Score
| S, manual | AWD SE | 2WD SEL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 76 | 73 | 73 | 61.1 |
Total Score: 74
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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