2009 Volkswagen Tiguan: Tester's Comments
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan ▼
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- MSRP: $23,200 - $32,940
- Invoice: $21,455 - $30,668
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. See if the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | S |
| Arrival Date: | 08/11/2008 |
| Engine: | Turbocharged dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | 6-speed manual |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 23,200 |
| Price as Tested: | 24,240 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 5386 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 6060 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 674 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 27.569 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 24.48 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Rear side airbags
From the Back Seat
Damon Bell
The Tiguan is an impressive entry into the compact SUV market, delivering ample passenger space, clever cargo versatility, competent road manners, and a pleasantly upscale feel. Even the base S model has a legitimate high-class vibe, despite being significantly down on standard features versus its pricier SE and SEL siblings.
Don Sikora
The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is an impressive compact SUV. Our basic front-wheel drive "S" model tester delighted with up-market details and a comfortable, user-friendly interior. Under the hood, a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission mated to VW's 2.0T 4-cylinder engine. This combination turned the practical little truckster into a surprisingly fun-to-drive machine, and returned better than 27 mpg over my 249 mostly highway miles. At about $24,000 as tested, Tiguan S strikes me as an excellent value and a must see for shoppers in this class.
Ed Piotrowski
Despite being late to the compact crossover game, Volkswagen has brought a very impressive entry into this increasingly crowded segment. Tiguan is long on refinement and interior comfort while delivering solid fuel economy, at least with the manual transmission. Prices are steep, but this little SUV is good, better than some models we classify as premium compacts--eg. the Acura RDX and BMW X3. The biggest question is if Volkswagen has finally gotten past the quality and reliability issues that have plagued recent products. We won't know the answer to that for a while yet, but give the company credit for offering free scheduled service during the warranty period. At least consumers can feel better about VW standing behind its products.
Rick Cotta
Tiguan quickly became my favorite compact SUV--of any price--and among my favorite vehicles of any kind. But questions about VW's unenviable repair record are only compounded by the fact that the company SHORTENED its warranty for 2009, leaving the Tiguan--like many other VWs--the best car I hesitate to recommend.
Tom Appel
Talk about your right place at the right time product launches. Tiguan's trim dimensions hide a practical cabin that fits four adults in reasonable comfort. And it's a nice cabin, with high-grade materials and an open feel thanks to lots of glass. Volkswagen's miracle 2.0T engine gets the job done just fine, hustling this little SUV around with enough verve to be fun, all while sipping gas with some restraint. Forget your shopping list, this vehicle is actually on mine.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | SE |
| Arrival Date: | 08/18/2008 |
| Engine: | Turbocharged dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | Yes |
| Base Price: | 28,875 |
| Price as Tested: | 33,165 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 5090 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 6389 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 1299 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 52.85 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 24.58 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
DVD navigation with rearview camera, power panoramic sunroof, rear side airbags
From the Back Seat
Don Sikora
Tiguan continues to impress. The base S model with the 6-speed manual is easily my favorite Tiguan, because it is one of those few vehicles that can turn just about any errand into a delightful outing. With the automatic transmission and 4Motion AWD, this midlevel SE tester came off a little more laid back and dignified, rather than outright fun. Overall performance and refinement remain excellent, the interior is handsome and comfortable, and the decent highway fuel economy is a pleasant surprise for an AWD SUV. Tiguan deserves serious consideration for compact SUV shoppers, including those looking at luxury nameplates.
Jennifer Geiger
Tiguan is a comfortable, composed, and polished compact SUV. All that combined with its peppy, yet fuel-frugal, 2.0 turbo makes this cute 'ute a long-haul all star. It can get a little pricey, but competes well with more costly premium compact SUVs.
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