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2020 Volkswagen Tiguan review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Volkswagen Tiguan highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Plenty of space
  • Optional third row
  • Easy-to-use multimedia interface

Cons

  • Low EPA-estimated fuel economy for the class
  • Slow-shifting transmission

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 27 highway, 23 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

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2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is a tech-forward compact SUV

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that can seat up to seven passengers when equipped with its optional third row, a rarity in this class. The Tiguan has generous space for both cargo and passengers, a premium-feeling interior, and easy-to-use technology. It also has an impressive level of standard equipment across all trim levels, including a mobile app that allows you to lock the doors, start the vehicle remotely, and help locate where you parked.

All Volkswagen Tiguan years

What is new for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?

  • The Tiguan is available in a new trim called the SE R-Line Black.
  • The SEL Premium, SEL R-Line, and SEL R-Line Jet Black trims have been discontinued for 2020.
  • The SEL Premium R-Line trim now comes with CD Audio as standard equipment.
  • The SEL trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
  • The SE trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
  • The S trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan trims

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

S:

R-Line:

  • Includes all features available on the S
  • 2.0L
  • Sunroofs
  • Power Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Parking Sensors
  • Smart Key
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Satellite Radio Ready

SE:

SE R-Line Black:

SEL:

  • Includes all features available on the SE R-Line Black
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Remote Start
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Navigation System
  • View our Volkswagen Tiguan SEL inventory

SEL Premium R-Line:

Volkswagen Tiguan photos

5 reasons to buy the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

1. The convenience of three-row seating

It cannot be understated just how convenient three-row seating is in a small SUV like the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. A rarity among similar-sized vehicles, the three-row seating arrangement is not just available but standard on the 2020 Tiguan with front-wheel drive—models with all-wheel drive sport two-row seating as standard, though there is still the option of available third-row seating. And that third row means there's space for up to seven passengers and their belongings inside this roomy little SUV.

2. Small on the outside, big on the inside

Volkswagen Tiguan: Backseats | CarMax

For a vehicle of this size, you can still expect plenty of space. A total of 123.2 cubic feet of passenger volume across those three rows of seats means even those in the smaller third row have more than enough room to sit comfortably. Additionally, 12 cubic feet of cargo volume in the standard configuration is plenty for things like groceries. But, if you need just a bit more space for luggage and other belongings, just fold those rear seats down and you get over three times the cargo volume—up to 37.6 cubic feet. Whether you prefer two extra seats or 25 cubic feet of extra cargo space, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is not only roomy on the inside but flexible with how you can use that space, too.

Volkswagen Tiguan: Trunk Cargo | CarMax

3. Plenty of features even from standard

No need to worry about missing out on certain features—the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan provides you with plenty, even from the base S model. From standard, you get a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and forward-collision warning. On the SE model, you can expect features like dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, and heated front seats, as well as the R-Line Black exterior-styling package. Then on the range-topping SEL (and SEL R-Line) trims, you get full leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, a powered rear liftgate, and a nine-speaker Fender® sound system. No matter what trim level you go for, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan has everything you need to make your time driving this vehicle as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

4. Intuitive & easy-to-use tech

Volkswagen Tiguan: Tech Dash | CarMax

It's one thing for a vehicle to offer tons of tech and equipment but another for that same tech to be easy to use. Thankfully, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan manages to do both very well. On the base model, you get a 6.5-inch touchscreen display to access in-car entertainment and tech, which goes up to an eight-inch touchscreen on the SE trim. Additionally, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration is seamless and included on the base model and upwards.

5. All-wheel drive available on any trim level

Being an SUV, you might expect the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan to offer the option of all-wheel drive for better handling and roadholding. And indeed that is the case—the 2020 Tiguan goes a step further by offering all-wheel drive at any trim level, not just top trims and configurations. And if you miss the standard third row of seating you lose when going with all-wheel drive, rear third-row seating is still available as an option!

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Chevrolet Equinox

With seating for five, the Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride, great handling, and plenty of cargo space. 2017-2021 models have 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which opens up to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Base trims are powered by a 170-hp 1.5L inline-four engine; a 252-hp 2.0L turbo-four and a 137-hp turbodiesel 1.6L engine are available as options.

Standard features on the 2017-2021 Chevrolet Equinox include:

  • Seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration

  • Rear-seat reminder

  • 17-inch alloy wheels

  • Heated side mirrors

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

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

SE R-Line Black 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Third Row Seat
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Remote Start
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

184

Torque (ft-lbs)

221

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

15.3

Wheelbase

109.8"

Overall length

185.1"

Width

72.4"

Height

66.3"

Leg room

F 40.2"/M 36.5"/R 27.9"

Head room

F 39.6"/M 39.1"/R 33.8"

Front tires

P255/40HR20

Rear tires

P255/40HR20

Seating capacity

7

Max towing capacity

150/1500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan FAQ

More about the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Color options

Exterior colors:

  • Deep Black Pearl

  • Platinum Gray Metallic

  • Pure White

  • Pyrite Silver Metallic

  • Silk Blue Metallic

  • Stone Blue Metallic

Interior details

  • 123.2 cubic feet of passenger volume

  • Seating for up to seven people—up to five on models with all-wheel drive and two-row seating

  • Up to 12 cubic feet of cargo volume in standard configuration

  • Up to 37.6 cubic feet of cargo volume either without third-row seating or with third-row seats folded down

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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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