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2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

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$24,945

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

SUV

Body style

25

Combined MPG

7

Seating capacity

185.1” x 66.3”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(61 reviews)

The good:

  • Responsive steering
  • Crisp handling
  • Highway stability
  • Responsive transmission
  • Premium interior
  • First- and second-row comfort

The bad:

  • Modest high-speed passing power
  • Gas-pedal lag when starting off
  • Ride quality with 20-inch wheels
  • Third row uncomfortable for adults
  • Hard plastic dash trim not great for resting knee
  • Some functions needlessly complex

5 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best SUVs for 2024

Notable features

  • Newly standard active safety features
  • Compact SUV seats five or seven
  • Front- or all-wheel drive
  • Turbo four-cylinder, eight-speed automatic
  • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that can seat five or seven people, depending on the model. It’s powered by a 184-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front- and all-wheel-drive versions are offered, and competitors include the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4.

What’s New on the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?

New standard active safety features include forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. Volkswagen’s Car-Net telematics system is also standard and includes features like remote start, vehicle location and remote locking and unlocking free of charge for five years. There’s also a standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot (data plan required).

The Tiguan now has a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty instead of last year’s six-year/72,000-mile warranty, but it gains a two-year/20,000-mile free scheduled maintenance program.

What Features in the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Are Most Important?

A choice of touchscreen multimedia systems is offered, one with a 6.5-inch screen and one with an 8-inch display. Both include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Available features include leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, keyless access, push-button start, wireless device charging, a digital instrument panel and a Fender premium stereo. Available active safety features include adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights and lane-keeping assist.

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Vs. 2020 Honda CR-V: How Do They Compare?

The CR-V is more efficient than the Tiguan — its combined rating is 6 mpg greater (with all-wheel drive), according to EPA estimates — but that’s not the whole story. While the CR-V scores high when it comes to in-cabin storage, cargo space and rear-seat comfort, it’s modestly powered, and ride quality is firm. The Tiguan, by comparison, drives better while also delivering good room in its first and second rows of seats. The VW’s available third row is small, but the ability to carry a few extra kids in a pinch may make it worthwhile to some shoppers.

Should I Buy the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan?

The Tiguan is a well-rounded compact SUV that’s comfortable to sit in and engaging to drive, and in a recent compact SUV comparison test, it finished first in a field of seven.

Consumer reviews

(61 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.8
  • Interior 4.8
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value 4.7
  • Exterior 4.8
  • Reliability 4.7
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Most recent consumer reviews

Love the Tiguan S, except for the spound system.

This car is far superior to my previous 2021 Toyota RA4. In my distant youth I use to do some racing and handling is highest priority. Suspension, steering, 17" alloy wheels vs 15" steel wheels with hubcaps, full spare tire vs doughnut, 3 row seating vs 2 rows, 400 lbs heavier therefore more stable in windy conditions and roads that are not level, and much more. Only downside is the general Volkswagen issue with poor sound systems. Not only that, the after market is almost non-existent for the Tiguan.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
7 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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This Tiguan have no power. Poor peformance

I've bought this Tiguan used from Hyundai of El Cajon. It's have 56k miles and it already having issues. I wouldn't recommend to no one

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
8 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Tiguan saved my life.

I've always absolutely loved this car for ALL of its awesomeness, but I decided to write this review today because my Tiguan saved my life. I've owned it for 5 years and enjoyed all of it - for its reliability, performance, comfor, style - you name it. But today, thanks to this car and its safety (airbags performance in particular), I am still alive, so I wanted to write this review because this car truly deserves it. Thank you to all the people who've made this car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
53 people out of 54 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 61 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
5
Overall side crash rating
5
Risk of rollover
16.8%
Rollover rating
4
Side barrier rating
5
Side barrier rating driver
5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Volkswagen
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
48 months/50,000 miles
Corrosion
84 months/100,000 miles
Powertrain
48 months/50,000 miles
Maintenance
24 months/20,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
MY 2016-MY 2017 vehicles/75,000 miles; MY 2018- MY 2019 vehicles/72,000 miles; MY 2020 and newer vehicles/75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
Vehicles purchased on or after 1/5/21: MY 2017 & older, 2 yrs/24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2018-19, 1 yr/12,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2020 & newer, 2 years/24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty
Dealer certification required
100-plus point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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Latest 2020 Tiguan stories

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