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2012 Volkswagen Tiguan review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Volkswagen Tiguan highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Comfortable ride and agile handling
  • Powerful turbocharged engine

Cons

  • Mediocre EPA-estimated fuel economy
  • Smaller trunk than rivals

Mileage (EPA estimate)

18 city, 26 highway, 21 combined

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2012 Volkswagen Tiguan pairs premium feel with performance

The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is a five-passenger compact SUV that offers better-than-average all-around performance and a premium interior. While other compact SUVs pack in a bit more practicality, the Tiguan stands out from the crowd with upscale interior materials and a comfortable, sophisticated ride. The Tiguan's powerful turbocharged engine is another differentiator in the class, but it won't deliver the best gas mileage.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.3 out of 5

19 customer reviews
The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is praised for its turbocharged power, responsive handling, and solid safety features, but criticized for its high maintenance costs, limited cargo space, and fuel efficiency requiring premium gas. Customers appreciate its European styling and comfortable interior, though reliability concerns and upkeep expenses may deter some buyers.

RepairPal reliability rating

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

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

SEL 4D Sport Utility 2WD

Standard Features

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

Optional Features

  • Leather Seats
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear View Camera
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Dynaudio

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

200

Torque (ft-lbs)

207

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

16.8

Wheelbase

102.5"

Overall length

174.3"

Width

71.2"

Height

66.4"

Leg room

F 40.1"/R 35.8"

Head room

F 39.1"/R 39"

Front tires

P235/40R19

Rear tires

P235/40R19

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

330/2200 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2012 Volkswagen Tiguan FAQ

Volkswagen Tiguan articles

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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

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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