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2016 Volkswagen Tiguan review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

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

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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 similarities

S

R-Line

SE

SEL

5 reasons to buy the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan

1. Great performance

2016 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: Engine | CarMax

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

2016 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: External View | CarMax

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

2016 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: Front Seat | CarMax

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

2016 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: Cargo | CarMax

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

2016 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: Dashboard | CarMax

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.

Image of Chevrolet Equinox

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

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.8 out of 5

8 customer reviews
Based on customer reviews, the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan is a great car with a lot of features that make it a good family car.
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

S 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 Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • 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

P215/65HR16

Rear tires

P215/65HR16

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

220/2200 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2016 Volkswagen Tiguan FAQ

More about the 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan

2016 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: Top Colors | CarMax

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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