The Volkswagen Tiguan: Frequently Asked Questions
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV with something to offer everyone. In a competitive market filled with cars emitting a generic vibe, the Tiguan stands out for offering a uniquely German flair to both its exterior styling and its interior appointments.
In addition to the excellent gas mileage and exceptional handling that SUVs in the compact market are known for, the Tiguan breaks the mold by offering third-row seating and impressive technology features. Drivers in the San Juan Capistrano, California, area are often dazzled when they take a look at a Tiguan, but that doesn't mean they're not left with questions.
At Capistrano Volkswagen, we want to help answer some of the most common questions we get about the Tiguan. Although the Tiguan has been available in the United States since 2009, there's still a lot to learn about this sleek and sophisticated SUV.
What Does Tiguan Mean?
Because Volkswagen is a German company, it's easy to assume that the word “Tiguan” is a German word. That assumption would only be partially correct. The truth is that “Tiguan” is a combination of two German words — “tiger” and “leguan.” “Tiger” is, of course, the same word in English. “Leguan,” on the other hand, is the German word for “iguana.” So technically speaking, Tiguan is a portmanteau combining the words for a fearsome and stealthy mammal and a slinky, cold-blooded reptile.
The next question you might be asking yourself is, “Why?” Why did Volkswagen choose to combine these two animals to create the name of their SUV back in 2009? The answer to this question has to do with a marketing campaign that Volkswagen launched leading up to the debut of its compact crossover SUV.
In an effort to include the public in the naming of their latest vehicle, Volkswagen teamed up with a German auto magazine to poll readers on the name they liked the best. The other options included Namib, Rockton, Samun, and Nanuk, but Tiguan was the clear winner.
How Reliable Is the Tiguan?
Reliability is important when you're looking to buy a car. After all, no driver wants to invest in a new vehicle only to find out it's a money pit that's in constant need of repairs. For decades, Volkswagen has proven itself to be a brand you can count on to produce quality vehicles known for their longevity. The Tiguan is no exception. With a J.D. Power reliability score of 73, you can rest easy knowing that your Tiguan will spend far more time on the road than at the repair shop.
What Is the Passenger and Cargo Capacity of the Tiguan?
The Tiguan is a rare find — a compact SUV that has third-row seating. That means that most Tiguans are capable of carrying up to seven passengers. For drivers who opt for all-wheel drive, the third row is eliminated, reducing the seating capacity to five passengers.
When it comes to cargo space, the Tiguan has more than enough room to transport your groceries around town or your luggage on your next road trip. Tiguans with standard third-row seating have 12 cubic feet of space in the rear cargo area and 65.3 cubic feet of space if both rows of seats are folded. The two-row models have 37.6 cubic feet of space when the seats are up and 73.4 cubic feet of space if the rear seat is folded down.
What Are the Standard Safety Features of the Tiguan?
Volkswagen takes safety seriously, and the standard safety features of the Tiguan prove that you can have access to advanced features no matter what trim level you buy. Standard driver assistance features across all trim levels include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and pedestrian detection. The top two trim levels come equipped with a few extra standard features, including adaptive cruise control, travel assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency assist.
Is the Tiguan Being Discontinued?
The Tiguan is still a relatively new addition to the American SUV market, and it shows no signs of being discontinued in the near future. In fact, the 2024 model is expected to receive quite a facelift, with enhanced exterior styling, as well as a multitude of new and improved interior features that will help give the Tiguan a more luxurious feel. Although Volkswagen is tight-lipped about exactly what's in store for the 2024 model, keen observers have been able to catch a glimpse of test models, and what they've reported is promising.
The 2024 Tiguan is expected to get a smoother and sleeker look, replacing the current sharp, angular edges with a more rounded, curvier look. The result is an SUV that looks less boxy and more sporty, making it perfect for family adventures.
The inside of the 2024 Tiguan will get a new look, too, including a massive touch-screen tablet infotainment system to operate such features as climate control, seat heating, and music. A new digital display cluster will further help to rocket the Tiguan into the future, as it appears its run in the United States is still just getting started.
How Much Does the Tiguan Cost?
Cost is usually one of the biggest factors when it comes to buying a new car. Volkswagen has always produced a variety of cars to match any shopper's budget; the Tiguan comes in four trim levels, so you can choose the option that works best for you. The trim levels and their MSRPs are:
- S: $26,950.
- SE: $30,580.
- SE R-Line Black: $33,310.
- SEL R-Line: $37,680.
Ready To Learn More About the Volkswagen Tiguan?
At Capistrano Volkswagen, our team is happy to help answer any other questions you might have about the Tiguan. Don't hesitate to reach out and contact us if there's anything else you'd like to know about this excellent compact SUV. Additionally, be sure to check out our latest inventory to see if we have anything you'd like to check out in person. We're confident that you'll be pleased with what the Tiguan has to offer.