2016 Volkswagen Tiguan review
Volkswagen Tiguan highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Refined comfortable handling
- Premium cabin materials
- Eager acceleration from the engine
Cons
- Trails rivals in EPA-estimated fuel economy
- Less cargo capacity than competitors
- No accident avoidance technology
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 26 highway, 23 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2016 Volkswagen Tiguan is for those who love to drive
The 2016 Tiguan is Volkswagen's compact SUV that seats five. The Tiguan stands out from its competitors by emphasizing performance, refinement, and interior quality. From behind the wheel, it drives like a more premium vehicle and its high seating position offers a great view of the road. The Tiguan's size also makes it easy to maneuver, though it doesn't offer as much passenger and cargo space as some other small SUVs.
All Volkswagen Tiguan years
What is new for the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan?
- The SE trim now comes with Panoramic Sunroof, Power Seat(s), and Navigation System as standard equipment.
- The R-Line trim now comes with Leatherette Seats as standard equipment.
- The S trim now comes with Front Seat Heaters, Leatherette Seats, and Smart Key as standard equipment.
- The SEL trim now comes with Leather Seats, Memory Seat(s), and Power Seat(s) as standard equipment.
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan trims
Curious how Volkswagen Tiguan trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesS
Includes cruise control, a five-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, and more.
R-Line
Adds Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity, a 6.3-inch touchscreen, automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle location, and geo-fencing.
SE
Includes LED running lights, a navigation system, a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch wheels, and more.
SEL
Unlocks dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, power-folding mirror, driver's seat memory functions, and more.
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
1. Great performance
The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan comes standard with a potent turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that generates 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain offers good acceleration, getting from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). Plus, it shifts smoothly shifts between gears, providing a pleasant and exciting driving experience.
2. Towing capacity
Though it's a compact SUV whose primary purpose is handling the lighter tasks of day-to-day life, the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan also has good towing capacity. The base trim is powered by a turbocharged 200-hp 2.0L four-cylinder engine that can tow an estimated 2,200 lbs, when properly equipped.
That means you can haul a small trailer, an ATV, a rowboat, or a motorcycle without a hassle.3. Comfortable and refined interior
Passengers in the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan are guaranteed a great ride, thanks to the comfortable interior. This SUV is equipped with plenty of convenience and entertainment features, as well as upscale materials. It comes standard with premium vinyl upholstery, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Bluetooth® connectivity is also standard, as is a five-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
4. Plenty of cargo space
When it comes to utility, the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan has a lot to offer. This compact SUV has ample cargo space in the trunk, as well as lots of small-item storage room inside the cabin. With 23.8 cu-ft behind the rear seats—which increases to 56.1 cu-ft when you fold them down—the Tiguan has plenty of room for your weekly groceries, a couple of suitcases for family vacations, sporting equipment, or other large items you need to carry around town.
5. Sporty R-Line trim
If you're interested in a sportier driving experience, take a look at the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line. The R-Line comes with special exterior and interior design elements, as well as performance-oriented features. With 19-inch wheels, a sport steering wheel, sport-tuned suspension, and power lumbar support, the Tiguan R-Line offers dynamic and fun performance.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
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
The Ford Escape is a versatile and practical SUV that's well suited to the role of a daily driver for large families. In addition to a refined interior and attractive exterior, a key benefit of the 2017-2021 Escape is its dynamic handling, thanks to an exciting lineup of available turbocharged engines. You'll also love the high cargo capacity, with 34 cu-ft behind the rear seats and a total of 68 cu-ft with those seats folded.
Standard features on the 2017-2021 Ford Escape include:
SYNC® connectivity system
Six-speaker stereo system
Bluetooth connectivity
USB port
The Toyota RAV4 is a good-looking and practical compact SUV. Model years 2017-2021 are powered by a standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine that produces 176 hp and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4 is equipped with lots of standard entertainment and driver-assistance features, providing a smooth ride for passengers in a roomy and comfortable cabin.
Standard features on the 2017-2021 Toyota RAV4 include:
6.1-inch touchscreen
Forward collision warning with brake assist
Adaptive cruise control
17-inch steel wheels
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.8 out of 5
8 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 6 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 2 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
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 TiguanVolkswagen Tiguan features and specs
Curious how Volkswagen Tiguan trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
R-Line 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leatherette Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Bluetooth Technology
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
200
Torque (ft-lbs)
207
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
16.9
Wheelbase
102.5"
Overall length
174.5"
Width
71.2"
Height
67.1"
Leg room
F 40.1"/R 35.8"
Head room
F 39.1"/R 39"
Front tires
P255/40HR19
Rear tires
P255/40HR19
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
220/2200 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan FAQ
Yes. A new, face-lifted Tiguan debuted in December 2021.
The Touareg is bigger than the Tiguan, with a wheelbase measuring 113.9 inches, compared to the Tiguan's 102.5 inches. The Touareg is also 14.3 inches longer than the Tiguan.
The word Tiguan was coined by combining the German words for "tiger" (tiger) and "iguana" (leguan).
More about the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
Exterior colors:
Deep Black Pearl
Night Blue Metallic
Panther Gray Metallic
Pepper Gray Metallic
Pure White
Reflex Silver Metallic
Wild Cherry Metallic
Interior colors:
Charcoal Black
Sandstone Beige
Two-Tone Beige/Black
Interior description
The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan seats five people. The front seats offer excellent support and have a sporty feel, while the back seats have a slide-and-tilt function, making the second row roomy and comfortable enough for taller passengers. Leatherette upholstery is standard, along with a power-adjustable driver's seat. There's one storage bin located under the floor, along with a two-compartment glove box.
Child seat details
The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan has two full sets of LATCH connectors. You can easily install infant car seats, rear-facing convertible car seats, forward-facing convertible car seats, and booster car seats in the 2016 Tiguan. The LATCH anchors are located in the outer rear seats and they are easy to access.
Manufacturer warranty
When new, the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan included 36-month/36,000-mile (whichever occurs first) basic coverage and 60-year/60,000-mile (whichever occurs first) powertrain coverage. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. See Warranty Information Booklet for complete details. The balance of this warranty may apply on some vehicles.
Performance
The base trim of the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, producing 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with front-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is optional. Models with front-wheel drive and the turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine get an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined, and can go from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new).
Emissions
According to EPA estimates, the FWD 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan with the turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine has tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions of 393 grams per mile, while the AWD model emits an EPA-estimated 395 grams per mile.
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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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