2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

With the Mitsubishi Outlander’s third-row option on hiatus this year, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan suddenly finds itself in a category of one: compact crossovers offering seating for up to seven. While some elements of the Tiguan’s design are aging, and a refresh is due in 2022, it’s still a solid choice for shoppers seeking interior space and seating versatility in a modestly sized footprint. 

Though the Tiguan is the smallest crossover in Volkswagen’s stable, it stretches past compact competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V by 3 to 4 inches. When it entered its second generation in late 2017, Volkswagen intentionally made the Tiguan larger and longer to fit the optional third row, raising its seating capacity to seven. Many crossovers in the next size up, like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Ford Edge, still only seat five.

The Tiguan’s ‘tweener sizing gives it an edge in cargo capacity as well, though not as much as you might think. Opt out of the third row and maximum total cargo is 73.5 cubic feet, placing it a scoche behind smaller segment leaders like the CR-V (75.8) and Subaru Forester (76.1). The three-row Tiguan will haul substantially less, maxing out at just 67.7 cubic feet—though that still beats the capacity of the Ford Escape (65.4 cubic feet max) and Mazda CX-5 (59.6).  

Most of the Tiguan’s volume is socked into passenger space, and interior comfort is certainly a high point. While the teensy third row is only suitable for children, the forward rows are surprisingly spacious. The sliding second row is particularly expansive with its 36.6 inches of legroom, with wide window openings and an optional panoramic sunroof contributing to a sense of airy openness. Seats are similarly comfortable up front, with optional power adjusts and seat warmers but no available ventilated seats.

There are some corners cut, as well, on styling and materials. The Tiguan’s is a plain-jane, utilitarian interior in the mold of the Golf and Jetta. Although the available contrast upholstery adds visual interest, the default black makes for an austere-looking cabin. Traditional touches like a proper mechanical gearshift are welcome at a time when competitors are increasingly turning to gimmicky electronic shifters. Still, other controls can feel flimsy, and surfaces are swathed in plastic. A faint interior rattle over rough surfaces hints at an only so-so finish quality. 

Where the Tiguan doesn’t lag is in its infotainment electronics. A 6.5-inch screen is standard and includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional 8-inch screen pops with crisp graphics and adds satellite ratio and navigation. More impressive still is the optional Digital Cockpit, a 12.3-inch cluster screen that can be configured to display different gauge information as well as blown-up views of maps and navigation.

All Tiguans are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 182 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. While adequate on paper, it struggles at times to motivate the hefty crossover, which is about 200 to 400 pounds heavier than many of its rivals, particularly when passing on the highway. The Sport mode firms up steering nicely, but it also sharply exaggerates throttle response in a way that takes some getting used to. 

Road manners are mixed as well. Nimble handling hints at the agility of the Tiguan’s platform, a distant relative of the Golf, but this heavier vehicle can feel overburdened under hard driving. The ride can be harsh over poor surfaces, particularly with the 20-inch wheels. Beyond Sport, the Tiguan offers three additional drive modes to optimize for various driving conditions and preferences—including one that allows you to adjust the behavior of steering and powertrain individually.

On the fuel economy front, the EPA estimates a Front-wheel drive Tiguan will get 23 mpg in the city, 29 on the highway, or 21 city / 27 highway with all-wheel drive (AWD), which are hardly remarkable figures. However, observed fuel economy seems much better, with even the AWD returning close to 30 on the highway. Also, unlike some competitors, the Tiguan drinks regular gas. 

The Tiguan starts at $26,440, including a $1,195 destination fee, for a base S. That’s a lower starting price than either the RAV4 or CR-V. AWD can be added for $1,300, though doing so makes the third row a $595 optional upgrade—it’s standard on front-wheel drive models only. Other trims include the SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL and SEL Premium R-Line—the latter starts at $40,290 and includes AWD as well as the bounty of creature comforts and tech features described above.

The Tiguan’s active safety suite is competitive, with standard forward collision alerts, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and blind spot monitoring. Some rivals go further, with Honda, Toyota and Subaru adding standard lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control to the above, but adaptive cruise is now standard on all but the base Tiguan. It doesn’t always do a great job of responding to changes in traffic, however, tempting you to intervene frequently. The Tiguan hasn’t yet been fully evaluated by NHTSA, but it scored a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.

While not the most inspiring or fastest compact crossover, the Tiguan undeniably appeals to drivers who want the option to seat seven people in a small-ish footprint. It’s practical and relatively thrifty, with solid tech features and a roomy, straightforward interior, which helps compensate for its lack of pace.