Vehicle Type: Compact Crossover

History/Description: Competing with comparables from Honda, Ford and Toyota with an eye for German-engineered quality, refinement and luxury, the Volkswagen Tiguan crossover hit the market for model-year 2009, and has enjoyed a loyal following of owners ever since.

Targeting a shopper after handling, comfort and performance, Tiguan’s available feature content included a panoramic sunroof, heated leather, xenon lights, Bluetooth, navigation, up-level Dynaudio audio systems, power seats, keyless engine start and plenty more.

Engines/Trim: All Tiguan models are powered by the VW Group 2.0T engine—namely, a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with 200 hp and generous low-end torque compared to naturally-aspirated competitors.

Driving a Tiguan is badass partly since the turbo engine means you can dust CR-V’s and four-cylinder RAV4’s at stop-lights all day long, if you’re so inclined. Six-cylinder RAV4’s not so much, since those things go like the wind.

Anyhow, Tiguan has some pleasing acceleration to offer, and front or All-Wheel Drive (4Motion) models were available, as were automatic or manual transmissions.

Tiguan’s available Comfortline trim grade combined a slew of must-have feature add-ons at a highly appealing price, and will feature an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, Bluetooth, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, full multimedia connectivity with iPod hookup, a panoramic sunroof, premium stereo with CD changer, and more.

Helping connect with driving enthusiasts, the available Sport Package adds an exclusive wheel and tire package, advanced bi-xenon lighting system, silver roof-rails and a sport suspension calibration for improved handling and agility. Top-of the-line models were called Highline and features memory seating, a premium stereo, push-button start and plenty more.

Other trim grades were available to fine-tune the used Tiguan to your exact needs.

What Owners Like: Common owner praise-points for the Tiguan (AKA Tigger or Tiggy) include a quiet ride, comfortable cabin, taut handling, upscale interior trimmings and an overall feel of solid and dense quality. On models with the 4Motion AWD system, all-weather traction is rated highly, too. Your writer can attest to the other common praise point: the available bi-xenon headlamps. They’re magnificent.

What Owners Dislike: Common complaints include a high up-front price, sometimes-clumsy navigation interface, and a small cargo hold leading to limited cargo space available without folding the rear seats flat. Further, despite Tiguan’s sporty engine, some owners take issue with its requirement to be fed high-octane fuel, too.

Here are some owner reviews.

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The Test Drive: Tiguan appears a fairly solid used crossover bet, though a few checks are advised. Start with a scan of the engine’s computer at a VW dealer: this is a good idea on any used ride, though many Tiguan owners have reported issues with ignition coil packs, sensors or even a build-up of valve gunk causing poor performance, sporadic power delivery and other issues, most of which will either cause a check-engine light to illuminate, or a trouble code to be stored in the computer. A computer scan is fast, cheap, and can reveal a multitude of problems that might be waiting to surface.

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