New for 2017

Volkswagen reshuffled the Tiguan lineup for 2017, making the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine standard on all models, adding Wolfsburg Edition and Sport trim levels, and eliminating the R-Line and SE trim levels.

The Volkswagen compact SUV rolls on

Volkswagen is known for its well-designed cars, but the German automaker only began dipping its toe into the SUV pond in the last decade or so. VW was able to transfer much of its car expertise to SUVs, as evidenced by the 2017 Tiguan. This compact crossover utility vehicle has all of the capabilities buyers in this segment demand, but with that unmistakable Volkswagen character.

Performance

Volkswagen boasts that the 2017 Tiguan puts the “sport” in “sport-utility vehicle.” To back up that claim, VW gave the Tiguan car-like handling, and a responsive turbocharged engine.

While multiple engine options have been offered in previous model years, the 2017 Tiguan is available with only one powertrain. It’s a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with standard front-wheel drive, or optional 4MOTION all-wheel drive. The Tiguan achieves an EPA-rated 22 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 24 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive, and loses 1 mpg in the combined category with all-wheel drive.*

The engine also churns out a substantial 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Volkswagen notes that maximum torque is available from just 1,700 rpm, meaning drivers will be able to access it in almost all driving conditions. When not in sport mode, the six-speed automatic transmission also shifts at lower revs to further optimize available torque. The transmission has a second overdrive gear, which reduces revs at cruising speeds, helping to cut noise and improve efficiency.

The Tiguan features strut-type front suspension and a four-link rear setup, the latter devised to balance handling characteristics with the packaging needs of the available 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. Steering features a variable electric power-assist setup, which firms up the steering at highway speeds and adds assistance at lower speeds to make maneuvering through parking lots and other tight spaces easier.

Features

The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is a five-door, five-seat compact crossover SUV. It is available in four trim levels, priced starting at $24,995.**

Standard equipment on the base Tiguan S includes power-adjustable heated side mirrors, leather multifunction steering wheel, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, leatherette seating surfaces, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth®, and SiriusXM® satellite radio.

The Wolfsburg Edition model incorporates the applicable standard features from the Tiguan S and adds more equipment, including roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, and a power passenger’s seat.

In addition to those standard features, the Tiguan Sport model adds bi-xenon headlights with adaptive front lighting system, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights with cornering lamps, driver’s seat memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, Vienna leather seating surfaces, and navigation. Finally, the top SEL trim level adds an assist system to supplement the rearview camera that is standard on all models.

Design

Inside and out, the 2017 Tiguan adapts the automaker's clean, minimalist design language to SUV packaging. The Tiguan features the rugged styling many SUV buyers want, but in a classier, more restrained form.

The exterior features a raked-back windshield and upright rear pillar that call the popular VW Golf hatchback to mind, but with large, boxy wheel openings that give the Tiguan a definite SUV vibe. A rising beltline and short front and rear overhangs add a bit of sportiness to the mix. The short overhangs also make the Tiguan easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces.

The interior has a sensible design with premium touches, like soft-touch plastics and Anthracite Metallic trim on the air vents and shifter. The instrument panel includes an easy-to-read analog speedometer and tachometer, with a digital driver-information display in between that shows things like fuel consumption, trip distance, Bluetooth® status, and navigation directions.

The Tiguan is practical as well as stylish. The rear bench seat has a 40/20/40 split-fold configuration and can slide forward six inches to help increase cargo space. The Tiguan boasts 23.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear bench seat in place, and 56.1 cubic feet with the seat folded. The rear hatch also opens at a tall angle, making it easier to load large objects into the cargo area.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, automatic post-collision braking system, Intelligent Crash Response System, and a full array of airbags. The Intelligent Crash Response System automatically shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazards if the airbags deploy.

Verdict

The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is a smartly designed and well-packaged small utility vehicle.

For more information or to schedule a test drive of the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan, contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

*Where stated, fuel economy values (mpg) are EPA estimates. See www.fueleconomy.gov for details. Actual mileage will vary and depends on several factors including driving habits and vehicle condition.

**All prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and exclude destination, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges.  Dealer sets actual prices.

Image: Volkswagen