2009 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$23,200 to $32,940

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(21 reviews)
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan Preview summaryImage

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.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

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User rating:
by Anonymous
Dec 16, 2022
I run the car at 60 ml per hour and was shaking Dec 16, 2022
by Jeff T
May 01, 2021
Nice car. My daughter did not like the silver colorMay 01, 2021
by Eric H
Apr 27, 2015
All in all this is a great car. Very comfortable ride. Great premium sound. The turbo helps a lot with acceleration and gas millage. Love the mpg. All the bells and whistles you could ask for for this size and price.Apr 27, 2015

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan Pricing

Original MSRP
$23,200 to $32,940
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

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

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