2010 Volkswagen Tiguan: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan lineup will undergo a reorganization during the model year. This 4-door wagon seats five and is powered by a turbocharged 200-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. At the start of the 2010 model year, Tiguan will offer S, SE, and SEL trim levels. Later in the model year, the SE is slated to be replaced by the Wolfsburg trim level, which will have similar equipment levels. All are available with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is offered on the SE/Wolfsburg and SEL. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the S. Optional on that model and standard on all others is a 6-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, rear side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Other available features include a navigation system with rearview camera, sunroof, and a 30-gigabyte hard drive to store data and digital audio files. Leather upholstery is standard on the SEL; it's optional on the SE and versions so equipped are priced as separate models.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles; some offer seating for seven.

Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Mitsubishi Outlander.