2010 Volkswagen Tiguan Review

the 2010 VW Tiguan's appeal will depend on what your requirements are for a compact crossover and whether you think its higher quality is worth the higher MSRP.

The 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover SUV available in S, SE, Wolfsburg Edition and SEL trim levels. The SE adds 17-inch wheels, foglights, heated washer nozzles, a power driver seat, heated front seats, upgraded cloth upholstery, a multifunction steering wheel, a trip computer, Bluetooth and an upgraded stereo with a six-CD/MP3 changer and auxiliary audio jack. The SEL starts as an SE with the Leather package and adds 18-inch wheels, automatic bi-xenon headlights, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control and a premium Dynaudio stereo.

Every VW Tiguan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that produces 200 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. All trims come standard with front-wheel drive, while 4Motion all-wheel drive is optional on the SE and SEL. With all-wheel drive, the Tiguan returns 18/24/20.
Standard equipment on the VW Tiguan includes antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Rear-seat side airbags are optional.
the VW Tiguan 4Motion came to a stop from 60 mph in 126 feet -- an average performance. In government crash testing, the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan was awarded a perfect five stars in all front and side crash categories. In keeping with Volkswagen's reputation for upscale cabins, the interior of the Tiguan boasts high-quality materials and tight-as-a-drum build quality. The rear seat also slides fore and aft to improve either rear legroom or cargo space.
With all the seats in use, the VW Tiguan offers a maximum of 16.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, about the same as a large family sedan's trunk.

In corners, the VW Tiguan body remains poised. Most compact SUVs tend to skate over rough surfaces, but the Volkswagen Tiguan remains firmly planted while tracking steadily. The 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan's electromechanically assisted steering does a decent job of imitating a traditional hydraulic setup.

The 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan ranks 5 out of 24 Affordable Compact SUVs. A blend of the words "tiger" and "iguana," the interestingly named VW Tiguan is a sporty and appealing entry within its class. Its German driving dynamics and upscale feel set it apart from other SUVs, but its steep base price, low fuel economy and below-average cargo space detract from its appeal.
With a starting price around $23,000, the VW Tiguan is one of the most expensive SUVs in its class. "Tiguan's prices are higher than most compact sport-utility competitors," writes Consumer Guide. In a class where many SUVs net 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway, the Tiguan’s fuel economy just can’t keep up. Its base rating, 19/26 city/highway, is one of the lowest in the class. If you’re willing to go without the