Used 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

#8 in Best Compact SUVs of 2020

With all the compact SUVs from which to choose, one might wonder what the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan has over the competition. Well, to start with there’s that marvelous German ride and handling only a VW can offer, as well as an ample dose of high-tech wizardry borrowed from the Audi division.

The Tiguan’s standard turbocharged engine, while not as powerful as some competitors, does provide a nice balance between fuel economy and performance. The Tiguan is also one of the few compact-crossover SUVs to offer the option of a small but still usable 3rd-row seat. The Tiguan is larger than the Mazda CX-5 and more luxurious than the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue, although upper-end models do cost a bit more than most similarly equipped competitors.

The Tiguan also holds only average resale values, something to consider when cross-shopping against the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

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VW’s 2020 Tiguan’s excellent steering and pedal response — expected attributes of any VW — contribute to an overall driving feel that’s among the best in the segment. Highway ride is firmer than that of some other small compact SUVs, but excellent seats, a quiet cabin and superior steering feel qualify the new Tiguan as an excellent long-haul companion.

While the Tiguan’s turbocharged engine generates impressive horsepower and torque, a base Tiguan is a whopping 450 pounds heavier than a base Honda CR-V. City scooting and highway cruising are barely impacted, but the added mass is evident in highway merging and passing situations. Although the Tiguan is a bit longer than most compact SUVs, good outward visibility and a decent turning diameter combine to make it a breeze in parking lots.

The Tiguan also offers a host of available technologies that make parking maneuvers even easier. Rear cross-traffic alert with emergency braking will warn you of cars coming down the aisle you’re backing into, and can automatically stop the car if necessary. The Overhead View Camera provides a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings, an increasingly common feature that remains among our favorites.

Always a strong point in VW cars and SUVS, the interior of the 2020 VW Tiguan compact SUV excels in design, execution and quality of materials. The seats are firm yet supportive on long trips, covered in a choice of cloth, faux-leather or genuine leather, depending on trim. There are clever storage areas galore, including in the doors, dash and beneath the large center armrest. The handsome dash contains a large touch-screen infotainment setup, and on SEL and Premium trims, a cool digital instrument cluster.

In back, the 2nd-row seat slides and reclines, divided in a 40/20/40-split for maximum versatility. AWD models can be equipped with a small 3rd-row seat. Useful for small children, the seat also pretty much eats up most of the Tiguan’s cargo space. If you need a 3-row SUV, you should look to the larger Atlas.  In 2-row Tiguan models, cargo space is a generous 37.6 cubic feet, more than in a Subaru Forester or Ford Escape, on par with the Honda CR-V but still less than in a Nissan Rogue.

The Tiguan’s distinctive and well-tailored look is sure to be among its bigger draws. Although the Hyundai Santa Fe is nearly two inches longer, few other compact SUVs come close to the Tiguan’s size. VW’s creased design is reserved but attractive, with a set of sophisticated LED taillights that exude a premium look and feel.

SEL Premium models feature LED headlights and cool daytime running lights, while the available R-Line package gives the Tiguan a sportier look that includes unique, larger wheels. A motion-activated rear tailgate is triggered by waving one’s foot under the bumper and will automatically close itself after detecting the key fob has moved out of range.

VOLKSWAGEN DIGITAL COCKPIT
One of the coolest features offered on the Tiguan compact SUV is its fully digital instrument cluster. Similar to Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, the cluster simulates an analog speedometer and tachometer, plus displays readouts for various functions and even a map for the available navigation system.

APPLE CARPLAY AND ANDROID AUTO
With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can integrate the best features of your smartphone with the Tiguan’s infotainment system. Whether using Google Maps, streaming audio from your favorite music app or just having text messages read aloud so you can respond in kind, this feature will always have your car’s infotainment system up to date with the latest smartphone technology.

While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are finally starting to become more common in the category, in the new Tiguan they’re included as standard equipment as part of the Car-Net App-Connect package. Also included in the Tiguan’s base price are a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 6.5-inch touch-screen infotainment system, Bluetooth and USB smartphone connectivity, a rearview camera, and a 40/20/40-split/sliding/reclining/fold-flat 2nd-row seat.

Standard safety equipment includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert with emergency braking. SE trims gain automatic climate control, heated front seats, wireless charging, keyless access and push-button start.

In addition to a range of active-safety technologies and traditional upgrades like leather seats and premium audio, Tiguan option highlights include a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, a bird’s-eye parking camera, a hands-free liftgate with walk-away closing, 480-watt Fender audio and a 12.3-inch customizable digital instrument panel.

As for VW’s Car-Net infotainment system, the subscription-based Security & Service group adds capabilities like remote vehicle lock/unlock, automatic crash notification and last parked location. It’s free for the first five years of ownership. New this year is an app for smartwatch users. The parent-friendly Family Guardian includes remote speed and boundary alerts. The range-topping Guide & Inform group includes built-in navigation plus the subscription-based SiriusXM Travel Link that includes traffic and weather info, plus local fuel prices, sports scores and movie information.

The front-wheel-drive (FWD) Volkswagen Tiguan for 2020 weighs in at a hefty 3,777 pounds, qualifying it as the heavyweight champion of the category. As such, its EPA fuel economy ratings are on the low side, but for most drivers it works out to just an extra gallon or two per month. The added mass also takes a toll on acceleration, even with 221 lb-ft of torque on tap from 1,600 rpm.

The Tiguan’s available 4Motion all-wheel-drive (AWD) system features a mechanical center differential and electronic differential locks, allowing it to transfer power front-to-back and side-to-side. The system also includes a variety of driver-selectable modes, including On-Road, Snow, Off-Road and Custom Off-Road. Within the On-Road mode are four additional settings: Normal, Sport, Eco and Custom. Combined with 7.9 inches of ground clearance, a 4Motion-equipped Tiguan should deliver as much foul-weather and off-road capability and confidence as most anything in the segment.

The sole transmission is an 8-speed automatic, and towing capacity is 1,500 pounds.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
184 horsepower @ 4,400-6,000 rpm
221 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/29 mpg (FWD), 20/27 mpg (AWD)