Buyers looking for a compact SUV have plenty of choices. The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan separates itself from its uninspiring rivals, thanks to its exceptional handling, sporty ride, and generous list of standard technology features. Rancho Cucamonga area Volkswagen shoppers are impressed with the Tiguan’s excellent fuel efficiency and the optional third row of seating, something you won’t find in most competing vehicles.
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most popular models that VW shoppers are looking for. Rancho Cucamonga Volkswagen dealerships tell us the Tiguan seats up to seven passengers with the available third row. Otherwise, there’s seating for five. There are five trim levels on offer: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line. Front-wheel drive is standard, and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is optional. Front-wheel-drive models come with three rows. With all-wheel drive, the Tiguan gets two rows, with the third-row available as an option.
The 2021 Tiguan employs a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine that achieves 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft, matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. A fuel-saving start/stop system helps the Tiguan deliver an outstanding EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway for models with front-wheel drive* With all-wheel drive, the Tiguan gets 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway.
The automotive media gives the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan great reviews, with Kelley Blue Book writing: “With all the compact-crossover SUVs from which to choose, one might wonder what the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV has over the competition. Well, to start with, there’s that marvelous German ride and handling only a VW can offer, as well as an ample dose of high-tech wizardry borrowed from the Audi division. The Tiguan’s standard turbocharged engine, while not as powerful as some competitors, does provide a nice balance between fuel economy and performance.”
The base Tiguan S trim comes with alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, an infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a USB port, Bluetooth and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Active safety features that come standard include a rearview camera, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking. The latter can detect an imminent collision and apply the brakes to diminish residual kinetic energy, keeping further damage at a minimum. The Tiguan’s Intelligent Crash Response System keeps passengers safe after particular kinds of collisions. It will shut off the fuel pump, unlock the doors, and turn on the hazard lights.
At the top of the trim-level ladder, the Tiguan SEL Premium R-Line includes genuine leather upholstery, automatic high-beam headlights, a hands-free liftgate, a surround-view parking camera system, and a Fender audio system with nine speakers.
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan gets great safety scores. The IIHS named the Tiguan a Top Safety Pick, with the highest score of Good in all crash tests. As of this writing, the NHTSA has yet to test the 2021 VW Tiguan.
* All vehicle mileage based on 2021 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.