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2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Review
Price Range: $12,675 - $26,998
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Average
7.3
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan impresses with its high-tech cabin and premium materials, both of which rank high in the ever-growing field of compact three-row SUVs. It doesn't falter in many areas, but its drawbacks — a thirsty engine and slow-to-react transmission — keep it from true greatness.
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- More driver safety features are standard equipment
- Volkswagen's Car-Net communication system comes standard this year
- SEL trim includes heated steering wheel and automatic wipers
- Part of the second Tiguan generation introduced for 2018
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.74 per gallon for regular unleaded in Texas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$136/mo for Tiguan S
Tiguan S
vs
$156/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#27 out of 29 among Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Volkswagen Tiguan from 2008-2022.$569/yr
vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.69x/yr
vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).12.7%
vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(53%)
4(14%)
3(8%)
2(6%)
1(19%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Better than all 3 Outback’s!!!
5 out of 5 starsJennifer D, 04/27/2020
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Very solid vehicle structurally. Nicely equipped at the SE level, I have the third row and the sunroof. This is a solid performer, the only complaint that I would say I have would be initial take off. This is easily remedied with manual shifting which provides excellent acceleration with the 180hp, which is very peppy, considering the weight of the car. The roominess in the car is … exceptional, especially in the backseat, but there is plenty of room all around so you do not feel cramped anywhere. The third row seating area is small but that is to be expected. The sunroof is panoramic, but only opens halfway that is very nice. The tint is very nice and dark, this is nice especially if you live in hot areas. The infotainment center is very easy to learn and is extremely easy to access while driving both on the dash and on the wheel. I like that you get a longer warranty and also the thing include two years worth of maintenance depending on your dealer you may also get some extended maintenance as well. One thing that I really love is the pushbutton feature for the start/stop engine function that is mandatory on all new vehicles. This is really convenient if you’re in a drive-through, if you’re like me you don’t like your engine stopping at a stop light however if you’re in a drive-through for a long period of time you can turn it on without turning your car off, very convenient. All in all, I would make this purchase again without hesitation or regret. Also, when looking back at all the mechanical issues I had with Subaru, and they were major issues, I believe this was the best choice in the class.
Affordable European Luxury
5 out of 5 starsDcisive, 03/12/2020
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
First and foremost perhaps my most important aspects of a car I would like to own is the seat comfort. Having test driven Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Ford, Chevy and Mazda before coming upon a SEL Tiguan, I was instantly struck with how inert my body felt in the seats of the Tiguan. It was as if it had been moulded to my back with NO pressure points and perfect positioning without fatigue. … There was NO equal that I'd driven and the love was beginning. The steering wheel feel was superb with the controls intelligently laid out. Speaking of intelligently laid out the Infotainment system needed NO manual to operate and was full with not just radio and CD features but a TON of adjustments which allowed one to customize the car to their needs or liking electronically. The climate control was also no brainer. I was quite impressed with the construction and material qualities. There were NO creaks or noises whatsoever to be heard when driving on less then perfect roads. The view outside the front, side and back windows was virtually unobstructed (unlike all the others). The suspension absorbed most all the imperfections in the road but the car still handled like a competent car not leaning when cornering at speed (taking a 25mph curve at 50 was no big deal). The car exuded solid construction, no wind noise at high speeds and it astounded me that after putting up for several years with a Nissan Rogue I couldn't even hold a conversation with my wife in at highway speeds could easily converse with her as well as listen to the highly competent entertainment system. The lights are exceedingly bright and the exceptional fog lamp system they use illuminates off to the sides of the vehicle as well not just forward vastly increasing ones view. The Panoramic Sunroof is a real treat as is the powered rear hatch with tons of storage space. Another thing that surprised me was the mileage. The rated highway mileage is only 27mpg. However I live in a fairly rural area where the highway to a town about 25 minutes away is at 60mph speed limit. I used the amazing cruise control that maintains my distance from the vehicle in front of me and if they start to slow down it adjusts accordingly with NO input needed........AMAZING! After a week of travel back and forth to the said town, I checked my mileage and noted I got 32mpg. If I take the interstate to the nearest large city it's at 80mph. Under a week of those conditions I would drop to 28mpg. Still not unreasonable. All in all both my wife and I have been truly enjoying all aspects of this vehicle. It conveys a very luxurious feeling when driving it. Glad I went this route and passed on all the competition, which in my experiences had more weaknesses then this model has. Highly recommended.
New to VW and Loving it!
5 out of 5 starsJames, 09/02/2020
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
This is a perfect, affordable, great looking SUV. Im new to the brand and I love how simple Volkswagens are yet they’re so practical and easy to use.
I opted for the grey SE AWD model and I’m glad I did. The white leatherette styled seating (with seat heaters) are so easy to clean. Im putting to good use the wireless phone charger. It’s also super useful to have the built in WiFi for … those long trips where phone service might be spotty (like camping which I’ve already taken it) Keep in mind that I’m in my late 20s and this is a vehicle I enjoy driving daily. As many vehicles are starting to get standard, this has Apple car play, hands free entry and start and all the safety gadgets like blind spot monitor. I also love the standard VW Car Net app where I can lock, unlock, locate and all that good stuff from my phone.
Ive only had it for a couple months, 3k miles, and no complaints. Sure, the acceleration could be slightly better, but honestly it does get up and go when it needs to without risking safety. I also purchased the VW cross bars and mud guards so it’s looking real good anywhere I take it.
Excellet mid-size SUV
5 out of 5 starsSoccerDad, 03/07/2020
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL Premium R-Line 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
The Edmunds review appears to be directed at those in the market for a CRV, CX5 or RAV4 and considering the base Tiguan S and SE models. In that case, maybe one of the Japanese models is the way to go. If your budget allows for the higher trim SELP R-Line, the CRV, CX5 and RAV4 don't have trims that come close in my opinion. The SELP R-Line's competition includes the X3 and Q5 and it … would hold its own regardless of prices against these German competitors if the engine was tuned a little more aggressively. I'm assuming VW made compromises for regular fuel and MPGs over acceleration. For at least $10k less and the addition of a third row for car-pooling little ones, my choice was the SELP R-Line over the Audi and BMW. I considered the less expensive SE R-Line wondering if a $5k tech package was worth the price of the SELP and was happy with my decision. Readers can check out the long list of tech features on the SELP R-Line which is basically everything including the digital cockpit.
Favorite features: luxurious interior, well-integrated tech, handling, fuel efficiency and sharp exterior. This SUV handles better than many sedans.
Room for improvement: tune the engine like the CX5 turbo where drivers who choose premium fuel are rewarded with additional hp and torque. Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats would be nice options, but maybe not worth the additional price.
2020 Tiguan Highlights
S
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $24,945 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $136/month |
| Seating | 7 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.0 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Tiguan models:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Warns if a front collision, including with pedestrians, seems imminent. If necessary, the system can apply automatic emergency braking.
- Blind-Spot Monitor
- Uses rear radar sensors to warn the driver of vehicles in adjacent lanes. Also illuminates an icon in the side mirror when a vehicle enters a blind spot.
- Lane Assist
- Warns the driver with flashing LED of a vehicle in a blind spot. Can also apply countersteering to nudge the vehicle back into its lane.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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