Looking for a nice, dependable family car? A used Volkswagen Tiguan may just be the answer. A compact crossover SUV, the Tiguan has plenty of seating, an automatic transmission, a powerful turbocharged engine, and essential safety features.

But why buy it used? It’s no secret that a brand-new car can depreciate by up to 20 percent in the first year. So why not invest in a used car in good condition for less? At Echo Park, that’s pretty much the motto. You can find reliable, tested used vehicles, including the Volkswagen Tiguan.

About Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen is the name of a world-known German car manufacturer that has been on the market since 1937. From its humble beginnings, this company grew to become one of the world’s largest car manufacturers dedicated to producing economical but reliable vehicles for mass consumption. Its flagship vehicles include the Beetle, Golf, Passat, Scirocco, and many others.

The Volkswagen Tiguan was released for sale in 2008 in the compact crossover SUV class and is currently in its third generation. Since the very first generation, it has featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.

Although not wildly successful initially, the Tiguan has gained popularity over the years and became the best-selling Volkswagen model in 2020. The second generation, released in 2016, offered a more spacious interior.

The Volkswagen Tiguan has four trim levels: S, SE, SE-R Line Black, and SEL R-Line. Front-wheel drive is standard across the trims, and all-wheel drive technology from 4MOTION® is available. The SE, SE-R Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims feature 18-inch, 19-inch, and 20-inch alloy wheels, respectively.

The Volkswagen Tiguan’s handling is on par with that of sporty vehicles. Although it doesn’t have a sporty look, the Volkswagen Tiguan’s handling, thanks to its suspension and AWD, is on par with that of sporty vehicles. You also have the option of third-row seating, essentially making it a seven-seater. Plus, there are plenty of technology features, such as a wireless charger, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless access, adaptive cruise control, and more.

Volkswagen Tiguan Key Features

Most of the differences between the available trims of Tiguan are in the interior. Some features, however, are consistent across all trims and make it stand out:

Turbocharged Engine

The Tiguan has a four-cylinder turbocharged engine that provides strong performance and acceleration. The Tiguan has a four-cylinder turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 184 horsepower and 221 max torque, providing strong performance and acceleration. This has been the case since the very first generation of models. Although the engines have changed over the years, the capacity has been consistent with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine across the trims.

This has been the case since the very first generation of models. Although the engines have changed over the years, the capacity has been consistent with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine across the trims.

While exact horsepower may vary slightly by year, all Tiguans offer a turbocharged engine for a zippy ride. If you’re buying a used Volkswagen Tiguan with decent mileage, you can expect the engine to be reliable.

Driver Assistance Features

The Tiguan offers a suite of driver assistance features as standard equipment across all trims. These features double as safety features, helping drivers and passengers stay safe on the road by avoiding potential hazards and having more control.

The Tiguan's driver assistance features include:

Automatic emergency braking
Forward collision warning
Blind-spot monitoring
Lane departure warning

More advanced features are available, but those are add-ons you may not necessarily find in a used Tiguan Volkswagen.

Infotainment System

All Tiguan trims come with an infotainment system that's modern and easy to use. The system typically includes features such as a touchscreen display (on all trims), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio (on all but base trim).

While the exact screen size or available features may differ slightly between trims, all Tiguans offer a central information system and quality speakers. Typically, the base trim has the smallest screen (6.5-inch).

Performance

The drive of the vehicle is noticeably smooth. Though it features a turbocharged engine, the Volkswagen Tiguan is admittedly not the fastest car. But SUVs in this class are rarely performance-oriented.

As for performance on challenging terrains, look for a used Volkswagen Tiguan with an all-wheel drive addition if you plan to drive it on snowy roads.

The fuel economy of the Volkswagen Tiguan is comparable with other compact SUV crossovers, with 23 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway, according to the EPA ratings for the 2023 model. It’s not the most fuel-efficient, but it makes up for that with its impressive steering, spacious interior, and technology.

Safety

Since 2022, the Volkswagen Tiguan has featured IQ.DRIVE, a group of driver assistance features available on all trims except the base. However, with the third generation, this suite of features is now standard across all trims.

The IQ.DRIVE features include:

Travel Assist
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Active Blind Spot Monitor
Rear Traffic Alert
Front Assist
Emergency Assist
Lane Assist

Other notable safety features on Tiguan include a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), stability-enhancing systems, and a wide-lens rear-view camera. Overall, safety features are comparable with those found in models in Tiguan’s class and are suitable for a family car.

Alternatives to the Used Volkswagen Tiguan

The good news is that compact SUV crossovers are hugely popular among both urban and suburban drivers. So, if you think a Volkswagen Tiguan isn’t really for you, there are plenty of other options.

Honda CR-V: The Honda CR-V is a practical small SUV that is a strong competitor to the Tiguan. It offers a spacious interior with five seats and ample cargo room. Because it's a popular model, it also has good resale value. The only downside is that there’s no optional third-row seating, and the CR-V doesn’t really have the sporty handling of the Tiguan.
Toyota RAV4: If it’s fuel economy you’re after, a used RAV4 is a better choice than the Tiguan. Its combined city and highway ranges from 28 to 30 miles per gallon for gas trims. There are also hybrid options with fuel economy as high as 40 miles per gallon. That’s why the RAV4 has been consistently a top seller in the compact SUV class. While the interior design might be slightly conservative compared to Tiguan or CR-V, the RAV4 prioritizes functionality and efficiency.

You can find both these options on Echo Park.

Where Can You Buy a Used Volkswagen Tiguan

Search for ‘Volkswagen SUV Tiguan used’ on EchoPark Automotive and find tested used models at attractive prices within seconds. You can find all the trim and spec information, and if you’re in the area, you can even take the vehicle for a test drive.

At Echo Park, we help first-time buyers or those looking for new rides find great-value used vehicles that look and run just as new. So, waste no time and begin your search today!

¹ Vehicle must be in the same condition as described. If you sell to us within 48 hours of receiving our offer, we'll tack on an extra $250, and if not, our offer is still good for 7 days or 500 miles, whichever comes first.

Scheduling a test drive does not reserve the vehicle. It will remain in our inventory and may be sold prior to your scheduled test drive. An Experience Guide will contact you to confirm your appointment.

Fuel efficiency actual rating will vary with options, driving conditions, habits and vehicle condition. All fuel efficiency estimates are supplied by the original manufacturer or other reliable sources. Payment estimator calculations are for reference purposes only.

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Vehicles may be subject to unrepaired manufacturer recalls. Please contact the manufacturer or a dealer for that line make for recall assistance/questions or check the national highway traffic safety administration website for current recall information before purchasing.