Used 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan cost?

Prices have softened 11.26% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,324 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare on price and condition.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan a good car?

Yes — you’re looking at a 4.5/5 user-rated SUV with an expert score of 7.33/10. The standout strength is Form and function at 9/10.

Drivers consistently praise its comfort, safety features, and practicality, along with its spacious interior and good fuel economy. The Tiguan also earns credit for easy-to-use technology and family-friendly usefulness, which fits the way many shoppers use a compact SUV.

The trade-offs are familiar: performance can feel sluggish, and some owners mention frustrations with having only one key fob. In practical terms, the Tiguan makes the most sense if you want a roomy, straightforward family SUV rather than something sporty.

It also shows 35.5% good or great deals in the market, which suggests there are still worthwhile listings to find.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?

Owners rate it 4.5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. Drivers describe it as dependable in everyday family use, and the user feedback also points to comfort and practicality that support confidence over time.

The expert evaluation notes that the Tiguan’s powertrain is adequate for the task at hand, and Volkswagen’s Carefree Coverage plan includes free scheduled maintenance for two years or 20,000 miles. That kind of coverage can help reduce early ownership costs.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about finding a well-kept example with complete service history and no hidden wear.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check each listing carefully, because accident-free status does not guarantee perfect condition or consistent maintenance. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, confirm service records, and pay close attention to interior wear, electronics, and any signs of prior bodywork.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S trim is the most basic version, while SE adds more convenience and tech, and SEL brings additional comfort and safety equipment. The R-Line versions add sportier design and equipment upgrades, and the SEL Premium R-Line is the most fully equipped.
• Powertrain: Every model uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and 4Motion AWD is available on most models.
• Safety package: IQ Drive is standard and includes forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control starts with SE, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist starts with SEL, and automatic high-beam headlights are standard on SEL Premium R-Line.
• Infotainment: Starting with SE, MIB3 brings an 8-inch touchscreen, faster response times, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi for up to four devices, SiriusXM 360L, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and Car-Net connected services.
• Fuel efficiency: The Tiguan returns 25 mpg in combined driving with front-wheel drive and 24 mpg with AWD.

Which 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan trim should I buy?

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is offered in 5 trim levels: S, SE, SEL, SE R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the entry point, so it makes the most sense if you want the Tiguan’s space and core safety features at the lowest price. It gives you the basic formula, but you give up the added convenience and tech that make higher trims easier to live with.
• SE: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and adaptive cruise control. If you want the strongest mix of price, tech, and everyday usability, this is the trim to target.
• SEL: This trim adds lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation. It suits you if you want a more polished and confidence-inspiring daily driver.
• SE R-Line Black: This version adds sporty R-Line design and equipment upgrades, so it is mainly for shoppers who want a more distinctive look without moving all the way to the top trim.
• SEL Premium R-Line: This is the most fully equipped version, with standard 4Motion AWD, automatic high-beam headlights, a surround-view camera, and the nine-speaker Fender premium audio system. It is the right pick if you want the most features and the strongest safety and convenience package.

For safety-minded shoppers, note that the Top Safety Pick rating applies to SEL and SEL Premium R-Line specification thanks to their standard LED headlights.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully without rushing.

• Deal availability: 35.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,324 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.26% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $17,356, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan's resale value?

The current average of $17,356 sits slightly below last year's $19,558.

That decline suggests the market has become more favorable for buyers, but it also means sellers may need to price competitively to move a used Tiguan. If you plan to sell later, the current trend implies you should expect value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim.

Well-equipped examples with strong features and clean history should hold up better than rougher, higher-mileage listings. A well-maintained Tiguan can still appeal to shoppers who want space, practicality, and easy-to-use technology.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan safe?

The 2021 Tiguan earns a “Top Safety Pick” rating in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line specification thanks to the high-performing LED headlights that are standard for these trims.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Volkswagen’s IQ Drive suite is standard and includes forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control starts with SE trim, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist starts with SEL, and automatic high-beam headlights are standard on SEL Premium R-Line. Front and rear parking sensors are standard on all but the S and SE trims, and the surround-view camera is reserved for SEL Premium R-Line.

One caveat is that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not published complete crash-test results for this SUV.

Should I buy a 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 35.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.26% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines roomy packaging, easy-to-use technology, and strong practicality in a mainstream compact SUV.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $15,841, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $17,356 average.
• It emphasizes three-row seating and extra passenger capacity.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $20,334, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $17,356 average.
• It adds updated safety technology to the Tiguan formula.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, space, and features, the 2021 is the smart default. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 can save you money, while the 2022 makes sense if you want the newer safety updates and are willing to pay more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.