*Starting MSRP of $26,950 for a 2023 Volkswagen
Tiguan S with 8-speed automatic transmission. Price
excludes destination, taxes, title, other options, and
dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Pros
Sporty handling doesn't come at the expense of a comfortable ride quality (except Sport trim)
Engine offers punchy turbocharged performance
Interior materials feel premium
Cabin is quiet at highway speeds
Cons
Limited cargo space and rear seat legroom
Subpar fuel economy
Lackluster crash test results
No high-tech accident avoidance features available
What’s new
For 2017, Volkswagen has discontinued the Tiguan's midlevel SE and R-Line trims and replaced them with essentially equivalent Wolfsburg Edition and Sport models. The 6.3-inch touchscreen is now standard, along with VW Car-Net apps and HD and satellite radio.
Vehicle overview
How does an all-new Volkswagen crossover sound, one that is lighter than the vehicle it replaces, is powered by stronger, more fuel-efficient engines, and has a greater amount of interior space? You get it with the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan ... if you live outside of the United States, that is. Overseas, the Tiguan is new from the ground up, but for now the American Tiguan continues to soldier on, having first been introduced way back in 2009. All of the Tiguan's competitors have been redesigned at least once since then.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) 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 $3.92 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Even so, the Tiguan has some good traits. Its premium price point makes it one of the more expensive compact crossovers, but the cost is justified in part by the Tiguan's high-quality cabin materials and peppy turbocharged engine. Volkswagen's latest infotainment system is now standard on every trim level, featuring an intuitive menu structure and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tiguan is also a pretty decent handler. But from the dated dashboard layout to the lack of the latest safety-oriented driver aids, you definitely get the sense that the Tiguan is getting on in its years.
If something newer or less expensive is more your speed, there is no shortage of appealing alternatives. The Mazda CX-5 hits the mark if you want a sporty SUV that's also roomy and full of high-end features, while the fully redesigned Kia Sportage offers a strong value statement. The Ford Escape boasts several engine choices, including a turbocharged 2.0-liter as the Tiguan does, but it's more fuel-efficient and powerful. Then there's the Honda CR-V, which continues to be one of the best all-round vehicles in the segment. Given the varied strengths of its competition and a new model set for release in the near future, we suggest considering your options before settling on the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan.
The Tiguan comes standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a rearview camera. Unlike most competitors, there are no accident avoidance technology features available. VW Car-Net Safety and Security is standard on the Wolfsburg Edition and above, and includes automatic crash notification, remote vehicle access, stolen vehicle location and geo-fencing (which allows parents to set boundaries for teenage drivers).
In government crash testing, the Tiguan received four out of five stars for overall crash protection, with three stars for total front-impact protection and five stars for total side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Tiguan its top rating of Good in the moderate-overlap front-impact, side-impact and roof strength crash tests, but in the small-overlap front-impact test, the Tiguan received a Marginal rating (second worst).
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is worth checking out if you want your compact crossover to be rewarding to drive. But be aware that it comes up short in many key areas compared to top rivals.
Driving
We're impressed by the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan's 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It's plenty powerful for commuting and passing on a highway, and its six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly. Unfortunately, it's the only engine available. We're guessing many shoppers would happily trade some of its power for fuel economy figures closer to those of base four-cylinders offered by its rivals.
The standard Tiguan feels secure but not particularly athletic when you're driving around turns. Still, there's plenty of poise, which is remarkable given how smoothly and quietly this VW rides. The Sport upsets that equilibrium a bit, thanks to firmer suspension tuning and larger wheels that transmit additional impact harshness into the cabin. In general, though, the Tiguan provides an enjoyable driving experience.
Interior
One of the Tiguan's interior highlights is the now standard infotainment system. Its easy-to-master menu layout and controls are among the best in the class, and it even incorporates Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. You can even sync two phones via Bluetooth simultaneously, so a pair of passengers can play DJ. The rest of the Tiguan's cabin doesn't look as good as the segment's leaders, however. It definitely lacks the contemporary looks of competitors, but to be fair it's still attractive and restrained in that classic German way, with first-rate materials quality and construction. You also sit pleasingly high and upright in the firm, supportive front seats, which should satisfy those searching for that tall, commanding view of the road ahead.
There is an abundance of headroom all around, but rear occupants will find their legs a little more pinched (especially with taller folks up front) than they would in most rivals. The reclining rear seat is certainly welcome, as is its sliding functionality that allows you to bring kids a little closer to the front or free up more cargo space.
That last bit is key, though, because there isn't that much cargo space available for the segment. Even with the seats slid forward, there are only 23.8 cubic feet available — an average-sized competitor such as the Mazda CX-5 has 34 cubes. Putting the rear seats down yields only 56.1 cubic feet, making it one of the smallest compact crossovers. It's barely more capacious than subcompact SUVs like the Jeep Renegade.
2017 Volkswagen Tiguan models
The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover SUV that seats five people. It is available in S, Wolfsburg, Sport and SEL trim levels.
Standard equipment on the Tiguan S includes 16-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, heated mirrors, automatic headlights and wipers, keyless ignition and entry, a rearview camera, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control, heated front seats, a manual height-adjustable driver seat (with power recline), a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, a driver information display, a 40/20/40-split sliding and reclining backseat and V-Tex premium vinyl upholstery. Entertainment features include a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, a USB port, two SD card slots, HD radio, satellite radio and smartphone integration (VW's Car-Net App-Connect that features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink).
The Wolfsburg Edition adds 17-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, silver roof rails, additional power driver seat adjustments including power lumbar, a power reclining front passenger seat, and VW Car-Net Security and Service emergency communications
The Sport trim comes with 18-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, foglights, cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, body-colored exterior panels, a sport-tuned suspension, power-folding mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, additional passenger seat adjustability including power lumbar, driver memory settings, leather upholstery and a navigation system.
The SEL includes all above features (minus the Sport's colored panels), along with 19-inch wheels, an enhanced rearview camera and a premium Fender audio system.
A trailer hitch is the only option available.
The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is only available with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 200 hp and 207 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard. All-wheel drive is optional.
In Edmunds performance testing, a front-wheel-drive Tiguan accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, which is a quick time for a compact crossover.
EPA-estimated fuel economy for city/highway is 20/24 mpg regardless of whether you get front- or all-wheel drive, though the combined estimates do vary slightly: 22 mpg with FWD and 21 mpg with AWD. These are considerably lower than the base four-cylinders of competitors.
*Starting MSRP of $26,950 for a 2023 Volkswagen
Tiguan S with 8-speed automatic transmission. Price
excludes destination, taxes, title, other options, and
dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
*Starting MSRP of $26,950 for a 2023 Volkswagen
Tiguan S with 8-speed automatic transmission. Price
excludes destination, taxes, title, other options, and
dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan.
2017 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4Motion 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
This car is for my daughter for use at college and to get home on holidays. We checked out all the standard SUVs and test drove: Honda CRV, RAV4, Mazada CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, and Kia Sportage. Our selection criteria was all wheel drive, good acceleration, elevated seating view, heated car seats and decent gas mileage. Each of the cars tested had it pro's … and con's. We finally selected the 2017 Tiguan despite it's aged design; 2018 will have a major update. This review is based on the first two thousand miles. Pro's: all wheel drive, high quality leatherette, heated seats, XM radio, Apple Car Play, rain sensing wipers, acceleration (turbo), and lots of standard features in base model. Con's: uses premium fuel, gas mileage not as good as competitors, and limited cargo space (although decent with seats down). Sticker price was around $28K and you should easily get one for at least $3K off.
4 out of 5 stars
Loving my VW Tiguan Sport!
Rich G, 04/18/2017
2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Traded my VW Passat in for a 2017 VW Tiguan Sport in Black. I choose the FWD since I live in Florida and so far I have been very happy with the vehicle. My commute is 33 miles round trip which is fairly light and the Tiguan is averaging 21-22 mpg on premium fuel. I am not thrilled about the premium fuel requirement however the performance from the 2.0 TSI engine is great! If there … is a downside to the vehicle I would say the ride quality with the Sport can be harsh over rough payment on the highway. Overall I am very happy with my Tiguan and I plan to keep it for many years. I think it is interesting how an 8 year old design still gets compliments from folks at the gas station etc. Great job VW and I will be back for another when the time comes!
5 out of 5 stars
Hang On Cowboy (update)
RobBob F, 07/04/2020
2017 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I’m really quite pleased with my Tiguan. I like how it looks. It’s got a nice sound system and you can hear it because cabin noise is low. It handles better than most, doesn’t drive like a family hauler. And wow. If you put your foot all the way into the gas you better hang on. And that’s just the S model.
The factory tires were crappy and flatted easily. When the factory battery went … weak it seemed like a major electric failure with idiot lights flashing everywhere. But it was only the battery and still in warranty.
Heated seats are lovely. Oh, and my very short wife has no problem getting the seat where she wants it. And I at 6’1” can too.
Update: 60k miles it’s worth more than it was a couple of years ago when I wrote the first review. Crazy world huh? Still running great too. Average 26 mpg after recent road trip. The low rpm torque of this engine makes this so fun to drive. Punch the gas and it pulls strong in immediately - no downshifting nonsense.
5 out of 5 stars
I am sold on this Tiguan!!
Beth, 06/25/2017
2017 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 4Motion 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I loved my 2001 Jetta with almost 190,000 miles on it, but had trouble getting out of my long and very h
illy driveway when it snowed. I made up my mind I needed fwd, but didn't want to let go of my Jetta. That decision was made for me when I was rear-ended in February and the Jetta was totaled. I wanted to stay with VW as I love their turbo engine. I found a 2017 Tiguan SEL fwd with … 6,000 miles on it. Basically a new car at a used car price! I love this SUV - going up the gravel drive is already much better and can't wait wait for the snow and ice. The small cargo area does not bother me as that was low on my list but am pleasantly surprised at the back seat room. Love the cornering lights, the rain sensor windshield wipers, the automatic headlights, and heated seats. The control layout is great and of course the fuel injection turbo is awesome. Good thing I didn't heed the bad reviews, it's a great vehicle!