4.4

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen
Starts at:
$25,245
Choose Trim
Compare trims 2.0T S FWD 2.0T S 4MOTION 2.0T SE FWD 2.0T SE 4MOTION 2.0T SE R-Line Black FWD 2.0T SE R-Line Black 4MOTION 2.0T SEL FWD 2.0T SEL 4MOTION 2.0T SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION Shop options
New 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
Choose trim
Compare trims 2.0T S FWD 2.0T S 4MOTION 2.0T SE FWD 2.0T SE 4MOTION 2.0T SE R-Line Black FWD 2.0T SE R-Line Black 4MOTION 2.0T SEL FWD 2.0T SEL 4MOTION 2.0T SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION Shop options
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Key specifications

Highlights
1,500 lbs
Towing Capacity
Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
Engine Type
23 City / 29 Hwy
MPG
184 hp
Horsepower
Engine
221 @ 1600
SAE Net Torque @ RPM
184 @ 4360
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
2.0 L/121
Displacement
Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
Engine Type
Suspension
Multi-Link
Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
Strut
Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
Multi-Link
Suspension Type - Rear
Strut
Suspension Type - Front
Weight & Capacity
N/A
Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
15 gal
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
1,500 lbs
Maximum Trailering Capacity
150 lbs
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
Safety
Standard
Stability Control
Standard
Automatic Emergency Braking
Standard
Backup Camera
Standard
Blind Spot Monitor
Entertainment
Standard
Bluetooth®
Electrical
N/A
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
360
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)
Brakes
N/A
Drum - Rear (Yes or )
12 in
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
13 in
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or )
See specifications list

Notable features

Compact SUV seats five or seven
Front- or all-wheel drive
Turbo four-cylinder, eight-speed automatic
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard
Automatic emergency braking standard

Engine

221 @ 1600 SAE Net Torque @ RPM
184 @ 4360 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
2.0 L/121 Displacement
Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 Engine Type

Suspension

Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
Strut Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
Multi-Link Suspension Type - Rear
Strut Suspension Type - Front

Weight & Capacity

N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
15 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
1,500 lbs Maximum Trailering Capacity
150 lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
1,500 lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
150 lbs Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
1,500 lbs Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
N/A Maximum Payload Capacity
N/A Curb Weight - Rear
N/A Curb Weight - Front
3,735 lbs Base Curb Weight
N/A Curb Weight
0 lbs Total Option Weight

Safety

Standard Stability Control
Standard Automatic Emergency Braking
Standard Backup Camera
Standard Blind Spot Monitor

Entertainment

Standard Bluetooth®

Electrical

N/A Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
360 Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

Brakes

N/A Drum - Rear (Yes or )
12 in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
13 in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
4-Wheel Brake ABS System
4-Wheel Disc Brake Type

Photo & video gallery

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The good & the bad

The good

Responsive steering
Crisp handling
Highway stability
Transmission response
Premium interior

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
See all specifications

Expert 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?

The 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 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?

SE and higher trim levels get adaptive cruise control and an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with multiphone pairing and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. 

What Features in the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Are Most Important?

Standard features include: 

  • 17-inch wheels 
  • 6.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Cloth upholstery
  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Blind spot warning
  • Reverse automatic braking

Available features include: 

  • 19- or 20-inch wheels
  • Adaptive LED headlights
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Hands-free power liftgate
  • Remote start
  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Fender premium stereo
  • Wireless device charging
  • Digital instrument panel
  • 360-degree camera system
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane keep assist
  • Automatic high-beam headlights

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Vs. 2021 Honda CR-V: How Do They Compare?

The CR-V is more fuel-efficient than the Tiguan — its combined EPA rating is 5 mpg greater with AWD — but that’s not the whole story. While the CR-V gets high marks 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 space in its first and second rows. The VW’s available third row is small, but the ability to carry a few extra kids in a pinch may make it worthwhile for some shoppers. 

Should I Buy the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?

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

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?

The 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 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?

SE and higher trim levels get adaptive cruise control and an 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system with multiphone pairing and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. 

What Features in the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Are Most Important?

Standard features include: 

  • 17-inch wheels 
  • 6.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Cloth upholstery
  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Blind spot warning
  • Reverse automatic braking

Available features include: 

  • 19- or 20-inch wheels
  • Adaptive LED headlights
  • Panoramic moonroof
  • Hands-free power liftgate
  • Remote start
  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system
  • Fender premium stereo
  • Wireless device charging
  • Digital instrument panel
  • 360-degree camera system
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane keep assist
  • Automatic high-beam headlights

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Vs. 2021 Honda CR-V: How Do They Compare?

The CR-V is more fuel-efficient than the Tiguan — its combined EPA rating is 5 mpg greater with AWD — but that’s not the whole story. While the CR-V gets high marks 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 space in its first and second rows. The VW’s available third row is small, but the ability to carry a few extra kids in a pinch may make it worthwhile for some shoppers. 

Should I Buy the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?

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

Available cars near you

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Volkswagen incentives for 20149

  • Automobility discount
    $1,000 Volkswagen US Driver Access Program
    Best cash offer on Volkswagen Tiguan 2021 2.0T S SUV
    See details
    Expires 01/05/2026

Safety review

Based on the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
16.8%
Risk of rollover
16.8%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
7 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Maintenance
2 years / 20,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

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
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
100-plus point inspection
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

84% of drivers recommend this car
4.4 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.5
Value 4.3
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

By Anonymous from Auburn, WA
Used to own this car
November 19, 2023

Engine Issues

I owned the car for 2 years. With in the first six months of owning the car I got a bad door harness. Then a year later I had the steering making a weird nose and I took it in and the part just needed to be greased up. Then the second year owning the car I noticed a lot of white smoke coming out from the tailpipe. At first I noticed it during winter and thought it might be from the cold starts but then it continued in to spring/ summer that’s when I knew something was wrong. I took my car in on August 1st to get it checked out and about 3 weeks later they told me my car was critically failing. They said that they would need my car for a while. They would first start off by checking the turbo charger and take it from there. Then I finally got a call on September 22 that my car was ready to be picked up and on the 23rd I picked up my car and found out that they had to replace the 3rd cylinder and head gasket. Then on the 24th (the following day) I was driving on the freeway and my car started making a lot of noise and a weird ticking noise from the engine and it started to slow down and not pick up speed. I was lucky that I was able to pull over and not get in an accident. So then I had my car towed back to the dealership to get it checked out again. Since the 24th was a Sunday it went in to service on Monday the 25th. This time they said that something at the bottom of the engine went bad and that they had to replace the whole engine. While all of this was going on I contacted VW of America to buyback my car and they denied my claim because it was pass the buyback window by 1 month and they said they couldn’t do anything besides offer me a trade in assistance of 5k for another VW. So on October 11th I finally had enough time of waiting around for my car to get fixed that it took the trade in offer and got a 2023 Tiguan just so I could get rid of my 2021 and not have to deal with the issues. I got lucky the dealership offered be enough for my trade in to pay it off and use the 5k for a down payment.
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 4.0
Value 3.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 2.0
18 people out of 19 found this review helpful. Did you?
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By wp82 from birmingham, al
Used to own this car
July 19, 2023

Very Uncomfortable, Several issues

Uncomfortable seat for anyone larger than a 80lb girl, center console extends over the gas pedal so you pretty much always have it digging in your leg. Nowhere to rest your arms unless the seat is on the floor. This is the most uncomfortable car I've ever driven. Lurching at stops combined with takeoff lag make city driving a pain. Infotainment bugs like radio decides not to work today or backup camera doesn't come on till after you've pulled out and driving down the road are common. Issues with the adaptive cruise control stopping the vehicle when someone in the lane next to you is stopping ahead and you can't turn it off. Performance and mpg are mediocre at best around the same performance of a Honda CRV with much worse fuel economy
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
Comfort 1.0
Interior 1.0
Performance 2.0
Value 1.0
Exterior 3.0
Reliability 1.0
8 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No
See all reviews

Latest news from cars.com

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is available in 5 trim levels:

  • S (2 styles)
  • SE (2 styles)
  • SE R-Line Black (2 styles)
  • SEL (2 styles)
  • SEL Premium R-Line (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan offers up to 23 MPG in city driving and 29 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan owners.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. 84.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.4

Volkswagen Tiguan history

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