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2017 Volkswagen Tiguan review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Volkswagen Tiguan highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Sporty but comfortable handling
  • Premium cabin materials
  • Powerful turbocharged engine

Cons

  • Mediocre EPA-estimated fuel economy
  • Trails competitors in cargo capacity
  • No accident avoidance technology

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 24 highway, 21 combined

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2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is for those who love to drive

The 2017 Tiguan is Volkswagen's five-seat compact SUV that hasn't been redesigned since its 2009 debut but still has many good traits. The Tiguan has a powerful 200-horsepower turbocharged engine and offers sporty handling without sacrificing comfort. It also has one of the more premium-feeling interiors in its class, plus an easy-to-use multimedia system that offers Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration. The Tiguan trails competitors in EPA-estimated fuel economy and cargo space but excels with a refined driving experience and an elegant interior.

All Volkswagen Tiguan years

What is new for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan?

  • The Tiguan is available in a variety of new trims, including the Sport and Wolfsburg Edition.
  • The R-Line and SE trims have been discontinued for 2017.
  • Tiguan trims have been upgraded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
  • Full Roof Rack, Running Boards, and Tow Hitch features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The SEL trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
  • The S trim now comes with Power Seat(s), Satellite Radio Ready, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan trims

Curious how Volkswagen Tiguan trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S

  • Includes keyless access with push-button start, leatherette seats, a 6.3-inch infotainment screen, heated front seats, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and more.

  • View all Volkswagen Tiguan S in stock

Wolfsburg Edition

Sport

SEL

Volkswagen Tiguan photos

5 reasons to buy the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan

1. Plenty of standard features

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: 5 Reasons to Buy #1 | CarMax

The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is available in four trims: S, Wolfsburg Edition, Sport, and SEL. The base model S is equipped with desirable features such as a 6.3-inch screen, HD radio, a pair of SD card slots, and the ability to handle two Bluetooth®-connected phones simultaneously. To make calls to your friends and loved ones, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto, and MirrorLink® connectivity are standard. Choose the Sport model for a comfortable ride, featuring Vienna leather seats with power adjustability in the front row.

2. New Wolfsburg Edition

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: 5 Reasons to Buy #2 | CarMax

The Wolfsburg Edition replaces the R-Line trim for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan. Its unique 17-inch wheels and exterior badges set it apart from other Tiguan models. There are more Wolfsburg badges on the inside, as well as special floor mats. A standard panoramic sunroof caps off the package, literally.

3. Available All-Wheel drive

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: 5 Reasons to Buy #3 | CarMax

The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan routes its turbocharged power through its front wheels as standard. But if you're looking for a little off-road action, all 2017 Tiguan trims are available with 4MOTION all-wheel drive. This makes the Tiguan an attractive option if you live in an area that regularly experiences rough weather.

4. Reclining rear seats

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: 5 Reasons to Buy #4 | CarMax

Passengers riding in the back row of the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan will appreciate how adjustable it is. The 40/20/40 split bench can slide six inches to help them get the right amount of legroom. Its backrests also recline to make road trips more comfortable which can be useful if you regularly ride with your family or friends.

5. Lots of cargo options

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: 5 Reasons to Buy #5 | CarMax

The flexibility of the second row helps make the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan a cargo-friendly SUV. Even if you're filled to the brim with passengers, you can free up some room behind them by sliding and tilting their seats forward a bit. If you only need room for two people, fold down the rear seats to max out the Tiguan's hauling capacity at 56.1 cu ft. Flattening the available folding front passenger seat allows you to carry items up to 98 inches long, which is great for bringing home piping for a home improvement project or an epic party-sized sub sandwich.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 offers lots of comfort and convenience, as well as a host of standard features. For 2017-2018, you'll get a standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 176 hp. For the 2019 model year, the RAV4 received refreshed styling and an upgraded 203-hp 2.5L engine as standard. With 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, you can bring a full load of passengers and their stuff. When you fold all the seats, you'll get 69.8 cubic feet of space.

Standard features on 2017-2019 Toyota RAV4 models include:

  • 3.5-inch touchscreen (6.1 inches for 2018; 7 inches for 2019)

  • Rearview camera

  • Apple CarPlay (2019+) and Android Auto connectivity (2020+)

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is a small SUV that is comfortable, has great features, and is easy to drive. Customers like the car because it is small, but tough and dependable.
3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Volkswagen Tiguan an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Volkswagen Tiguan 27th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan features and specs

Sport 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

200

Torque (ft-lbs)

207

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

16.9

Wheelbase

102.5"

Overall length

174.5"

Width

71.2"

Height

67.1"

Leg room

F 40.1"/R 35.8"

Head room

F 39.1"/R 39"

Front tires

P235/55HR18

Rear tires

P235/55HR18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

220/2200 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan FAQ

More about the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: Top Colors | CarMax

Exterior colors

  • Deep Black Pearl

  • Pacific Blue Metallic

  • Pepper Gray

  • Pure White

  • Reflex Silver Metallic

Interior colors

  • Beige/Black

  • Charcoal Black

  • Cornsilk Beige

Interior description

The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan offers room for up to five people and a versatile rear bench seat that accommodates passengers as well as cargo. To carry extra-long cargo, just lower the available folding front passenger seat and slide in objects up to 98 inches long—your skis, for instance, or a few fishing poles. The S and heritage-inspired Wolfsburg models have leatherette seating surfaces; opt for the Sport and SEL models if you want leather seats. Feel free to take the Tiguan on all your adventures, because this premium SUV is as resilient as it is elegant.

Child seat details

The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan offers seating for five and can fit up to two car seats in the second row. This includes LATCH car seats, infant car seats, rear-facing convertible car seats, forward-facing convertible car seats, and booster car seats. Thanks to its clearly marked top tether anchors and stable seat belt buckle bases, the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan can make it easier to buckle in small children.

Performance

The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. It dispatches the power and through the combination of a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive or 4MOTION all-wheel drive. Models with FWD and the 2.0L engine are capable of returning an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 22 mpg; AWD Tiguans can get up to 21 mpg combined.

Both versions of the Tiguan with the 2.0L engine have the ability to tow an estimated 2,200 lbs, when properly equipped.

Year comparisons

2009-2017 Volkswagen Tiguan (First Generation)

The Volkswagen Tiguan's first generation was available in S, SE, and SEL trims. You could pair its 2.0L four-cylinder engine with either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard; 4MOTION all-wheel drive was only available on the SE and SEL models. In 2016, near the end of its first generation, the Tiguan's trims morphed into the S, Wolfsburg Edition, Sport, and SEL. The Tiguan was no longer available with a manual gearbox, but 4MOTION was optional across the range.

2018-2021 Volkswagen Tiguan (Second Generation)

The second generation of the Volkswagen Tiguan traded in curves for straighter, more defined lines. The trim level lineup changed to S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium. Alterations to the Tiguan's interior were even more substantial, with an added third row of seats. While the Tiguan's engine size stayed the same at 2.0L, its output changed to 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The Tiguan also got a new eight-speed automatic transmission to go with the additional torque.

2022-Present (Third Generation)

Cosmetically, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan is an evolution of the second-generation model. The 2.0L four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission remain, with software tweaks under the hood to make the engine more responsive. The cabin features substantial tech changes, including touch controls on the steering wheel and Volkswagen's latest infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

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