The Volkswagen Tiguan (2008-2016) receives strong praise for its solid build quality, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. However, some critics note that it can be pricier than competitors and that the rear visibility isn’t the best. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for families seeking practicality and a premium feel.
Read full reviewVolkswagen Tiguan (2008 - 2016)
2008 – 2016· 5 owner Q&As
Very good
The Volkswagen Tiguan (2008 - 2016) is back and electrified, capturing the spirit of its iconic predecessors while appealing to the modern eco-conscious commuter. With its practical design and cutting-edge technology, this retro SUV promises to deliver a blend of nostalgia and innovation. Let’s dive into how it holds up as an everyday vehicle for budget-savvy users!
At a glance
108
hp · Power
788
miles · Range / tank
11.5s
0–60 mph
£
Running costs
From £384/mo
Typical finance
Motoring.Today. verdict
Best for
- Spacious and well-designed interior with quality materials.
- Excellent safety ratings and a host of driver assistance features.
- Robust engine options providing a choice between performance and efficiency.
Consider alternatives if
- Rear visibility may be limited due to bulky pillars.
- Some might find the infotainment system less intuitive compared to competitors.
- The cost of optional extras can escalate quickly.
Finance snapshot
Typical monthly payment
£384/month
Based on PCP · 48 months · £2,300 deposit
Best suited for
- Company Car Drivers
- Petrol/Diesel Buyers
- High Mileage Drivers
- Families
Affordability
Very affordable
Great fit for most budgets.
Ratings breakdown
Theo's AI summary
In conclusion, the Volkswagen Tiguan (2008 - 2016) remains a highly recommended option for those seeking a reliable, dynamic, and stylish compact SUV. Its balanced mix of comfort, performance, and practicality ensures it caters well to families and individual drivers alike. With the exciting promise of the retro icon being reborn in an electric form, it solidifies Volkswagen's commitment to innovation while honouring the heritage that made the Tiguan a beloved choice amongst enthusiasts. If you’re in the market for an SUV that skilfully handles various driving conditions with style, the Tiguan should be on your shortlist.
Best match for
- Practical families
- Performance enthusiasts
- Budget-conscious buyers
Estimated ownership costs
Based on 10,000 miles per year
£105/month
£88/month
£13349/month
£60/month
Estimated total
£13602/month
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The Volkswagen Tiguan, produced between 2008 and 2016, boasts a refined driving character that seamlessly balances power and efficiency. Its turbocharged engines provide a robust yet economical performance. Designed for both city commutes and country escapades, the Tiguan's all-w
External voices
What the experts say
AutoCar highlights the Tiguan's stylish and functional design, with a well-interior layout that appeals to many buyers. Nevertheless, it mentions that the infotainment system can feel dated. Overall, the exterior styling impresses, providing a sense of prestige and robustness.
Read full reviewWhatCar notes that the Tiguan is generally reliable, with minimal issues reported by owners. It offers decent safety ratings and a good resale value, yet some report that maintenance costs can be high.
Ownership intelligence
The real cost of owning one
Financing options for the Volkswagen Tiguan can be flexible, with various contracts available to meet a range of budgets and needs. Buyers have the option to consider both leasing and purchasing plans, often with competitive interest rates. Additionally, the potential for retaining resale value makes financing a viable pathway for many eager buyers.
With a range of engines boasting efficiency, the running costs associated with the Volkswagen Tiguan (2008 - 2016) are notably competitive. Depending on the engine type and driving style, owners can expect respectable fuel economy figures. Regular servicing and maintenance are relatively straightforward and affordable, contributing to a lower total cost of ownership when compared to some rivals in the compact SUV market.
For petrol and diesel variants, owners will be pleased with the efficiency of the fuel consumption. The cost of fuel will vary depending on local prices, but the Tiguan's fuel-efficient models can help reduce the overall expense for daily commuting and long journeys. Should you consider the transition to an all-electric model—rumoured in the retro icon reborn series—the costs associated with charging will also become a critical aspect of overall expense management.
Heritage
Milestones & history
2008
Launch of the first-generation Volkswagen Tiguan.
2011
Facelift introduced with updated technology and styling.
2016
Production ends for the first generation, setting the stage for the new model.
Read full launch story
The Volkswagen Tiguan was designed to fill the gap in the compact SUV market, with a focus on family-friendly features while retaining a fun-to-drive character. Its development aimed at providing practicality without sacrificing driving enjoyment, appealing to a wide range of consumers. Over its production span from 2008 to 2016, the Tiguan evolved significantly, incorporating advanced safety enhancements, improved fuel efficiency, and continually updated technology to meet changing consumer expectations. The model's reputation grew as Volkswagen worked to blend the traditional values of reliability and quality with the demands for modern features.
Compare with alternatives
The Volkswagen Tiguan (2008 - 2016) competes effectively with its main rivals by offering a comfortable, high-quality interior and ample space, but may trade off some driving engagement for this comfort.
Ford Focus Hatchback
Popular for its engaging driving dynamics and well-rounded performance.
- vs features
- The Focus offers a sportier driving experience with responsive handling, while the Tiguan tends to focus on comfort and practicality. In terms of tech, the Focus features Ford's SYNC infotainment system, which can be user-friendly but is generally considered less advanced than the Tiguan's technology options. Cabin quality in the Tiguan is usually rated higher, offering a more premium feel.
- vs price
- The Focus is typically less expensive than the Tiguan, appealing to buyers looking for budget-friendly options without sacrificing quality.
Honda Civic Hatchback
Known for its reliability and solid all-around performance.
- vs features
- The Civic provides a more spirited driving experience and has a reputation for longevity. While the Tiguan offers more space and a premium interior, the Civic excels in driving feel and efficiency. In terms of tech, the Civic offers a well-integrated infotainment system that rivals the Tiguan’s features.
- vs price
- Generally, the Civic is priced similarly to the Tiguan but can vary based on trim levels and options.
Mazda CX-5
Competitive in the compact SUV segment, often praised for its stylish design and sporty handling.
- vs features
- The CX-5 enhances the driving experience with responsive handling and an upscale interior. It comes equipped with similar tech features but may not match the cabin quality of the Tiguan in all trims. The driving feel leans more towards sporty compared to the comfort-oriented Tiguan.
- vs price
- The CX-5 often has a price point similar to or slightly lower than that of the Tiguan, making it an appealing option for those seeking value.
Available now
Volkswagen Tiguan (2008 - 2016) for sale on Motoring.Today
Gallery
(15)Specs by trim
2.0 TDi BlueMotion Tech S (110bhp) (2WD) 5dDiesel Manual · 2011–2016
- Power
- 108 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 11.5 s
- Top speed
- 111 mph
- Torque
- 280 Nm
- Economy
- 56 mpg
- Range
- 788 mi
- CO₂
- 130 g/km
- Insurance group
- 16
- Road tax
- £160 - £190
- New price
- £23,005
2.0 TDi BlueMotion Tech S (150bhp) (2WD) 5dDiesel Manual · 2015–2016
- Power
- 147 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.5 s
- Top speed
- 123 mph
- Torque
- 340 Nm
- Economy
- 56 mpg
- Range
- 788 mi
- CO₂
- 130 g/km
- Insurance group
- 21
- Road tax
- £160
- New price
- £23,555
2.0 TDi BlueMotion Tech S (150bhp) 5d DSGDiesel Automatic · 2015–2016
- Power
- 147 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.5 s
- Top speed
- 117 mph
- Torque
- 340 Nm
- Economy
- 49 mpg
- Range
- 689 mi
- CO₂
- 150 g/km
- Insurance group
- 20
- Road tax
- £210
- New price
- £26,675
2.0 TDi BlueMotion Tech S (150bhp) 5dDiesel Manual · 2015–2016
- Power
- 147 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.5 s
- Top speed
- 120 mph
- Torque
- 340 Nm
- Economy
- 53 mpg
- Range
- 746 mi
- CO₂
- 140 g/km
- Insurance group
- 20
- Road tax
- £190
- New price
- £25,195
2.0 TDi BlueMotion Tech Escape (150bhp) 5dDiesel Manual · 2015–2016
- Power
- 147 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.5 s
- Top speed
- 120 mph
- Torque
- 340 Nm
- Economy
- 53 mpg
- Range
- 746 mi
- CO₂
- 140 g/km
- Insurance group
- 21
- Road tax
- £190
- New price
- £27,880
2.0 TDi BlueMotion Tech Escape (150bhp) 5d DSGDiesel Automatic · 2015–2016
- Power
- 147 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.5 s
- Top speed
- 117 mph
- Torque
- 340 Nm
- Economy
- 49 mpg
- Range
- 689 mi
- CO₂
- 150 g/km
- Insurance group
- 21
- Road tax
- £210
- New price
- £29,360
+ 7 more trim variants
FAQs
- What makes the Volkswagen Tiguan (2008 - 2016) a good compact SUV?
- The Tiguan is praised for its spacious interior, practicality, and good safety ratings, making it ideal for families. Its blend of reliability and modern features ensures it caters to budget-conscious commuters.
- How do the running costs of the Tiguan compare to other SUVs?
- Running costs are generally fair, particularly with electric variants that offer lower maintenance and fuel savings, making it a cost-effective choice in the compact SUV segment.
- What are the main driving impressions of the Tiguan in urban settings?
- In town, the Tiguan excels with smooth handling, responsive steering, and excellent visibility. Its compact size enhances parking ease, although rivals may provide a more engaging drive.
- What safety features does the Volkswagen Tiguan offer?
- The Tiguan boasts a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, incorporating advanced safety features to ensure a secure driving experience for all passengers.
- How has the Volkswagen Tiguan evolved since its launch?
- Since its debut in 2007, the Tiguan has evolved through two generations, enhancing comfort, performance, and efficiency, solidifying its reputation among UK motorists.














