2009 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Slotting in under the bigger Touareg, the equally athletic-looking new 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan represents the German automaker's first foray into the crossover market. The compact SUV competes with the likes of the RAV4 and CR-V, but adds a level of ruggedness both in its looks and its driving performance. The front-wheel drive Tiguan seats up to five in two rows, and all but the base trim can be equipped with automatic all-wheel drive designed for expert soft-roading. Lacking low-range gearing, and with a ground clearance of only 7.3 inches, the CUV is not intended for the truly backroads experience offered by the Touareg, but it can tackle uneven, slippery, and tricky surfaces better than most CUVs in its class.
The new 2009 Tiguan comes in S, SE, and SEL trims. European and U.S. versions carry different engine choices. Europeans get a 1.4-liter Twincharger inline-four engine and 6-speed manual that deliver 168 hp. An Offroad Mode is also available, featuring Hill Descent and Hill Climb, and a Track and Field package boosts offroad performance by offering a 28-degree approach angle up front. In the U.S., the Tiguan will carry the GTI's 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder, which puts out 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy averages 18/25, about normal for this class. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed DSG automatic.
The 4Motion all-wheel drive system comes standard in Tiguans equipped with the automatic transmission. It defaults 90% of torque to the front wheels, but automatically distributes it to the rear wheels when needed. The CUV shares its platform components with both the Rabbit and GTI, and its Macpherson strut front and four-link rear suspension give the Tiguan a car-like feel on the road, with good cornering and road grip.
The 2009 Tiguan comes in slightly smaller than the CR-V, but feels spacious and airy on the inside, thanks to a high greenhouse. An optional panoramic moonroof, which measures 13 square feet, opens up the cabin considerably. Rear seats split-fold 60/40 and also slide forward and aft six inches, to accommodate longer legs or more cargo. Both rows have a reclining feature. As such, head and legroom easily satisfies passengers over six feet tall, even in models equipped with the sunroof. Along with the folding rear seats, the front passenger seat also folds flat in case you need to carry longer objects such as skis or plywood. The cargo bay, equipped with tiedowns, starts out at 16.6 cubic feet, but expands to 56.
A Prevent and Preserve Safety system consists of 45 different safety features and includes ABS brakes, traction and stability control, and dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows. The 16-inch wheels can be replaced with 17- or 18-inch ones. The 2009 Tiguan is also the first SUV to offer optional parking assist that automatically parallel parks for you. Another nice option is the electronic parking brake with hill holder function, that helps prevent rollback in Tiguans equipped with the manual transmission.
Early test drivers come back impressed with the energetic handling dynamics of the 2009 Tiguan, which exhibits a tight turning radius, precise steering with good driver feedback, a smooth and quiet ride, and supportive seats well-suited for long road trips. The light weight of the CUV (under 3400 pounds) makes good use of the engine, and the firm chassis feels solid and safe on the road. Simple and convenient ergonomics, attractive athletic looks, and high-quality Volkswagen cabin materials lend an upscale feel to the Tiguan. Complaints include the low ground clearance, lack of a third row option, and the need for premium gas. Some reviewers don't feel the 2009 Tiguan stands out from the pack enough to justify its much higher pricetag.
User reviews for 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
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repair or buy another vehicle
I have a 2009 vw Tiguan dealer will charge 10,000 for new complete motor is it cheaper to sell car or to have a used one put in
High oil pressure message
Daughters 2009 tiguan has an error code on the info screen. She went about 6k on an oil change. After that the message "high oil pressure turn off engine". Any ideas?
EPC light on 09 Tiguan
I have a 2009 Tiguan. The EPC light randomly comes in and when it does, i either lose power at about 2500 RPM or completely. I restart the car and it usually clears but always comes back. It seems to be temperature related because it comes it a lot more when it's warm out. I've read a lot about what it COULD be, but have not been able to find a definitive answer as to what it is and cost of repairs. Has anybody actually fixed this problem?
Fan keeps running why?
Just brought used 09 VW Tiguan, the fan keeps running even after I turn off the engine. Why?
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2009 Volkswagen Tiguan Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · MP3 auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 30GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 2
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power panoramic
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · MP3 auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 30GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 2
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power panoramic
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 30GB · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Dynaudio premium brand · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 600 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: cornering
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system
Tires
Type: all season
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 30GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Dynaudio premium brand · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 600 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 0.98 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.47 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.7 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system
Tires
Type: all season
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent

