Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan offers a good public reliability verdict, but critical early-life powertrain and engine failures are a significant concern for used car buyers.
Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data pointsHow we score
2026 modelSpecifications by model year
Compare the stats that matter
Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.
Fuel economy
EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.
| Year | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | City L/100 km | Highway L/100 km | Combined L/100 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 25 | 32 | 28 | 9.41 | 7.35 | 8.4 |
| 2025 | 25 | 32 | 28 | 9.41 | 7.35 | 8.4 |
| 2024 | 23 | 30 | 26 | 10.23 | 7.84 | 9.05 |
| 2023 | 23 | 30 | 26 | 10.23 | 7.84 | 9.05 |
| 2022 | 23 | 30 | 26 | 10.23 | 7.84 | 9.05 |
| 2021 | 23 | 29 | 25 | 10.23 | 8.11 | 9.41 |
| 2020 | 22 | 29 | 25 | 10.69 | 8.11 | 9.41 |
| 2019 | 22 | 29 | 25 | 10.69 | 8.11 | 9.41 |
| 2018 | 22 | 27 | 24 | 10.69 | 8.71 | 9.8 |
| 2017 | 20 | 24 | 22 | 11.76 | 9.8 | 10.69 |
| 2016 | 21 | 26 | 23 | 11.2 | 9.05 | 10.23 |
| 2015 | 21 | 26 | 23 | 11.2 | 9.05 | 10.23 |
| 2014 | 18 | 26 | 21 | 13.07 | 9.05 | 11.2 |
| 2013 | 18 | 26 | 21 | 13.07 | 9.05 | 11.2 |
| 2012 | 18 | 26 | 21 | 13.07 | 9.05 | 11.2 |
| 2011 | 18 | 26 | 21 | 13.07 | 9.05 | 11.2 |
Engine, transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.
| Year | Body style | Cylinders | Displacement | Fuel type | Transmission | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | suv | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2025 | suv | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2024 | suv | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2023 | suv | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2022 | suv | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2021 | suv | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | Automatic (S8) | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2020 | suv | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | Automatic | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2019 | suv | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2018 | — | 4 | 2.0 | Regular | Automatic (S8) | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2017 | — | 4 | 2.0 | Premium | Automatic (S6) | FWD/Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2016 | suv | 4 | 2.0 | Premium | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2015 | — | 4 | 2.0 | Premium | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2014 | — | 4 | 2.0 | Premium | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2013 | — | 4 | 2.0 | Premium | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2012 | — | 4 | 2.0 | Premium | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive |
| 2011 | suv | 4 | 2.0 | Premium | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive |
Pricing & configuration
Original pricing and model configuration where available.
| Year | pricing | Trim | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | — | — |
| 2024 | Trim: SE R-Line Black | SE R-Line Black | — |
| 2023 | Trim: SE R-Line Black | SE R-Line Black | — |
| 2022 | Trim: S | S | — |
| 2021 | Trim: S | S | — |
| 2020 | — | — | — |
| 2019 | Base price: $26,695, Trim: 4Motion SEL Premium, 4Motion SEL Premium R-Line | 4Motion SEL Premium, 4Motion SEL Premium R-Line | $26,695 |
| 2018 | Base price: $24,595, Trim: S | S | $24,595 |
| 2017 | Base price: $34,500, Trim: SEL | SEL | $34,500 |
| 2016 | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — | — |
| 2014 | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — |
Space, dimensions & utility
Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.
| Year | Seats | Doors | Cargo (L) | Cargo (cu ft) | bodyAndInterior | mechanical | Keyless ignition | Seat rows | Steering location | Axles | Wheels | Wheelbase | Front wheel | Rear wheel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | — | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard | — | Standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2022 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2 | — | Standard | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021 | 7 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 109.8, Front wheel: 17, Rear wheel: 17 | Standard | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 109.8 | 17 | 17 |
| 2020 | 5 | — | — | — | Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 109.8 | — | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 109.8 | — | — |
| 2019 | 5 | — | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 109.8, Front wheel: 17, Rear wheel: 17 | Standard | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 109.8 | 17 | 17 |
| 2018 | 7 | 4 | — | — | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 3 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 109.9, Front wheel: 19, Rear wheel: 19 | Standard | 3 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 109.9 | 19 | 19 |
| 2017 | 5 | 4 | 615 | 23.8 | Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2 | Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 102.5, Front wheel: 17, Rear wheel: 17 | Standard | 2 | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) | 2 | 4 | 102.5 | 17 | 17 |
| 2016 | — | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | — | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | 5 | 4 | 395 | 13.9 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | — | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Safety ratings & driver assistance
NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.
| Year | Overall rating | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rated vehicle | abs | tpms | esc | tractionControl | adaptiveCruiseControl | autoBrake | forwardCollisionWarning | pedestrianAeb | blindSpotMonitoring | blindSpotIntervention | laneDepartureWarning | rearCamera | rearCrossTrafficAlert | parkAssist | adaptiveDrivingBeam | autoReverseSystem | rearAeb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2026 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN SUV N/A AWD | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2025 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2024 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard |
| 2022 | — | — | 5 | 4 | 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard |
| 2021 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | — |
| 2020 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | — | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | — |
| 2019 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | standard | optional | — | — | standard | — | — | standard | standard | — |
| 2018 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Later Release SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | standard | optional | optional | standard | optional | — | standard | standard | — | standard | standard | standard | — |
| 2017 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | standard | standard | standard | standard | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | standard | — | — | standard | standard | — |
| 2016 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2013 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD Later Release | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — | — | 4 | 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2011 | — | — | — | 4 | 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD | — | standard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Model year reports
2026
NewestThe 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan offers a good public reliability verdict, but critical early-life powertrain and engine failures are a significant concern for used car buyers.
2025
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan offers average reliability, with a significant concern regarding the **automatic emergency braking (AEB)** system's erratic behavior.
2024
The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is considered below average for reliability, with significant concerns regarding engine fire risk.
2023
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan presents a mixed ownership proposition with a "Below Average" reliability verdict, primarily due to concerns over powertrain control and engine oil consumption.
2022
Approach the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan with caution; its below-average reliability, particularly concerning engine hesitation and electrical system failures, makes it a high-risk used purchase.
2021
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan presents a below-average reliability outlook, primarily due to significant engine oil consumption and potential failure concerns.
2020
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is a practical SUV, but its below-average reliability verdict warrants careful consideration and thorough pre-purchase inspection, particularly for its forward collision avoidance system.
2019
Approach the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan with caution; its below-average reliability is primarily driven by significant electrical system failures that can occur early in its life.
2018
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is generally considered below average for reliability and should be bought carefully.
2017
The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan presents a mixed bag for used car buyers, with a 'Below Average' reliability verdict driven by significant safety concerns, particularly with the airbag system, and a need for thorough pre-purchase inspection.
2016
The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan is rated 'Below Average' for reliability, primarily due to significant safety concerns with its airbag and steering systems, compounded by a high volume of complaints and two recalls.
2015
The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant concerns with its airbag system.
2014
Approach with caution: the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan's primary concern is the **driver's airbag clock spring**, a well-known chronic problem that makes this a high-risk used purchase.
2013
Approach with caution: the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan's below-average reliability is primarily driven by significant safety concerns related to recurring airbag clock spring failures.
2012
The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant engine stalling and power loss concerns.
2011
The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant recurring issues with its engine and electrical systems.
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the best years for the Volkswagen Tiguan?
Carfocal currently has 16 published Tiguan reports, covering 2011 through 2026. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan offers a good public reliability verdict, but critical early-life powertrain and engine failures are a significant concern for used car buyers.
Published year coverage: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
Is the Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
There is no single reliability answer for every Volkswagen Tiguan. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2026 volkswagen tiguan offers a good public reliability verdict, but critical early-life powertrain and engine failures are a significant concern for used car buyers. and while the 2026 volkswagen tiguan generally receives a 'good' public reliability verdict, the documented instances of immediate, critical powertrain failures warrant extreme caution for used car buyers. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.
16 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.
What are common problems with the Volkswagen Tiguan?
Across Carfocal's published Tiguan guides, recurring problem areas include Engine (Cylinder 1 Misfire), Brake Pads, and Tires. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.
Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Engine (Cylinder 1 Misfire), Brake Pads, and Tires.
Supporting data
- Published guides
- 16
- Years tracked
- 16
- Data sources
- NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints