Used 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan

Get past the awkward name and you’ll find the 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan a rather appealing compact crossover SUV. Smaller than the CR-V, the Tiguan zips in and out of traffic with ease, and its 200-horsepower turbocharged engine comes standard. Capable of venturing lightly off-road, the Tiguan should appeal to those with a sense of adventure while its good fuel economy and fun-to-drive attitude make it a favorite of enthusiast drivers whose needs have grown. If the Tiguan has an Achilles’ heel, however, it can be found on the window sticker. With better-equipped models like the Honda CR-V EX, Subaru Forester 2.5 Premium and the new Nissan Rogue SV all priced at or below the base Tiguan S, VW clearly has an affordability problem.

VW boasts that the 2014 Tiguan crossover SUV is “the GTI of compact sport-utility vehicles.” As the same 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine powers both vehicles, there is some truth in this claim. However, the Tiguan can’t run through turns like the GTI, and it offers only a manual transmission on the base model. The Tiguan’s 6-speed automatic works fine, but it’s not as efficient as the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) found in the Subaru Forester or Nissan Rogue. VW’s optional 4Motion AWD, on the other hand, is as good in bad weather as the Subbie’s setup and better than most competitors’ part-time systems. The Tiguan’s ride is fairly smooth, but we did experience a bit more cabin noise than in the Honda CR-V. And while most found the Tiguan’s seats supportive and comfortable, the intrusive head-restraint angle had some test drivers complaining loudly.

The Tiguan has a well-finished, flexible interior. The front dash and its control modules are sleek and polished. Buttons for audio and climate control are straightforward and easy to use. Beyond just looking good, the steering wheel and its built-in buttons for audio and phone functions have a satisfying tactile nature. On models so equipped, the navigation screen is within easy reach. The 3-passenger rear seat splits in a 40/20/40 fashion, which allows longer items such as skis to fit between two passengers. Due to the Tig’s smaller size, rear cargo space is expectedly less roomy than that of many competitors.

As even “compact” SUVs become increasingly larger, the Tiguan remains small. At just 174.5 inches in length, only the Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport are shorter among the Tig’s major rivals. By contrast, a Nissan Rogue is nearly eight inches longer. Combined with its tall, airy cabin, the VW Tiguan has a rather squat appearance. This compact SUV has rounded lines similar to those of its big brother the Touareg, but the Tig’s small size and lower ground clearance make it appear more cute than tough.

TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
Other compact SUVs offer this sort of powerful engine as an option, but on the Tiguan it’s standard. The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder puts out a respectable 200 horsepower yet remains relatively fuel efficient.

FLEXIBLE INTERIOR
In addition to folding in a 40/20/40 split, the 2014 Tiguan’s rear seat slides six inches to accommodate cargo or people. For those who need to haul longer items such as surfboards or plywood, a front passenger seat is available that folds forward and flat.

A base 2014 Tiguan S comes with Bluetooth wireless connectivity, 8-speaker AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input, black cloth seats, single-zone climate control, 16-inch steel wheels, and four 12-volt power outlets. Mid-tier SE models add features such as a touch-screen audio system with HD, Car-Net and satellite radio, heated front seats, Leatherette surfaces and 18-inch wheels. Top-dog R-Line models have leather seating, dual-zone climate control, keyless start, 12-way power seats, rearview camera, Fender audio, rain-sensing wipers, LED running lights, R-Line trim and 19-inch wheels. All new 2014 Tiguans come with Volkswagen’s 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance program for services such as oil changes and tire rotation.

Tiguan models with automatic transmission can be had with AWD, which Volkswagen calls 4Motion. Other major features include panoramic sunroof, navigation system, Fender audio, trailer hitch, splash guards, side steps and roof spoiler.

All 2014 Volkswagen Tiguans use a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and AWD is available, but not with the 6-speed manual transmission. The 6-speed automatic has manual shift and sport modes. The Tiguan’s towing capacity is rated at 2,200 pounds. As with many other vehicles that have a turbocharged engine, premium gasoline is recommended in the Tig.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
200 horsepower @ 5,100-6,000 rpm
207 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg (manual), 21/26 mpg (automatic), 20/26 mpg (4Motion w/automatic)