Flash Drive

2016 Volkswagen Tiguan

June 17, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan SE 4Motion

The 2016 VW Tiguan is the company's smallest SUV. It boasts pleasant highway manners.
The 2016 VW Tiguan is the company’s smallest SUV. It boasts pleasant highway manners.

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 gas, 200 horsepower, 207 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 28 city, 26 highway, 23 combined

Base Price: $33,365

As Tested: $35,050

Performance:

Pleasant highway ride

Ample torque

Great size for city driving and parking

Electronic stability control

Sharp looking 18-inch alloy wheels

Minimal overhangs for good off-road approach angles

Short overhangs are good for off-road adventures, but cut in to cargo space.
Short overhangs are good for off-road adventures, but cut in to cargo space.

OK, not great fuel economy; we averaged 21.7 mpg

Comfort:

Stretch-out front row seating

Three temp heated front seats

Driver power lumbar adjustment

Lever for passenger lumbar adjustment

Large panoramic sunroof

Sunroof greatly lightens interior

B+ interior materials; leatherette seating surfaces

Great, very thick, contoured leather-wrapped steering wheel

OK auxiliary controls, but not very well marked

Snug back seat with front seats all back; too tight for adults

Tiguan front row space and amenities are excellent.
Tiguan front row space and amenities are excellent.

Adults do fit with front seats moved up

Tall floor hump

Very good front and rear headroom

Adjustable recline for rear seats

Wide rear armrest, but hard plastic

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Utility:

Cargo area behind seats on the small side

Split folding rear seats fold almost flat

4-5-inch gap between cargo deck and folded seats

Flat cargo floor

Cargo loops and cover

With the rear seats up cargo space is limited.
With the rear seats up cargo space is limited.

Small rear door bins

Two seatback pouches

Small, but deep console bin

Medium size locking glovebox

Medium front door bins

Four grab handles

Wow Factors:

Good infotainment system; gives local gas prices

Nice sound system

Front fog lights serve as corning lamps

Great panoramic sunroof

Whines:

Notably notched rear doors; wheelwell intrusion

The steering wheel is great, both in design and function. Interior materials are above average.
The steering wheel is great, both in design and function. Interior materials are above average.

Tight back seat with fronts all back

No 4×4 controls

Bottom Line:

The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan SE is a pleasant little compact SUV, but this iteration had been around for a while and that age shows when compared to newer competitors. Front seat room and comfort is excellent, but at the expense of back seat occupants. The short body hampers cargo space, but makes the Tiguan easy to park in urban environments.