2015 Volkswagen Tiguan Navigation Manual
The is an appealing compact, one aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts. Smaller than competitors like the, and, it zips through traffic thanks to a standard 200-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine; sadly, the manual transmission has been dropped. With Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system it's even capable of light-duty off-road work, meaning you can enjoy the drive to the mountains, as well as your campsite. However, the Tiguan's fun doesn't come cheap, with the base model clocking in higher than its competition, and topping out at close to $40,000 when fully loaded. The Tiguan's small size works against it when it comes to cargo hauling, and its fuel economy also trails much of its competition.
With a 200-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and entertaining driving dynamics, there's some merit to VW's claim that the Tiguan is the GTI of the compact crossover-SUV class. However, it's still tallish and heavy, so don't expect actual GTI agility from behind the wheel. The rest of the VW Tiguan lineup gets a 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual control, and while it works well, it's no match for the fuel economy one gets with the continuously variable automatic (CVT) in the, Nissan Rogue or Subaru Forester.
Like the Forester, though, the Tiguan's available 4Motion offers performance in foul weather and light-duty off-road situations that's superior to the competition's part-time systems. The smooth ride gets offset by a somewhat noisy cabin, and some found the intrusive head restraints an uncomfortable coda to the otherwise supportive seats. EUROPEAN STYLE The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan is a fresh face, even after being on the road for the better part of a decade now. The minimalist design is obviously Volkswagen even without the 'VW' logo on the nose, and the same is true for the comfortable and upscale-feeling interior. FLEXIBLE INTERIOR Speaking of that interior, Volkswagen makes do with its relatively limited space with clever packaging.
The rear seats fold in a 3-way 40/20/40 split, and the Tiguan's rear seat slides six inches to accommodate cargo or people. Vehicle Details. The VW Tiguan's interior offers straightforward controls, with the kind of tight fit and finish we expect from Volkswagen.
Beyond just looking good, everything feels good to the touch. The steering wheel's built-in buttons for audio and phone functions have a satisfying tactile nature.
2015 Volkswagen Tiguan Front Bumper
On models so equipped, the navigation screen is within easy reach. While the Tiguan's cargo area isn't as big as some of its competitors, it makes the most of it with a rear seat that folds in a 3-way 40/20/40 fashion, allowing long items like skis to fit between two passengers. The 2015 Tiguan offers up tidy exterior dimensions, small even in a compact-SUV class. The overall length is just under 175 inches, meaning only tiny entries like the and are smaller. Nearly eight inches longer, a Nissan Rogue is a relative giant. The smooth, uncluttered lines and horizontal grille combine to give the little Tiguan a squat appearance.
Although it bears a familial resemblance to its bigger brother, the, the Tiguan's small size and lower ground clearance make it appear more cute than tough. A base 2015 Tiguan S comes with Bluetooth wireless connectivity, 8-speaker AM/FM/CD player with auxiliary input, black cloth seats, single-zone climate control, 16-inch steel wheels and four 12-volt power outlets. Newly standard this year is a rearview camera, iPod cable for Volkswagen's Media Device Interface, and a touch-screen audio system. If you opt for the mid-level SE models you'll get additional features like heated front seats with Leatherette upholstery plus 18-inch wheels. Top-dog R-Line models have leather seating, dual-zone climate control, keyless start, 12-way power seats, Fender audio, rain-sensing wipers, LED running lights, plus unique R-Line trim and 19-inch wheels. The only engine available for the VW Tiguan is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This year, the only transmission choice is a 6-speed automatic transmission.
2015 Volkswagen Tiguan Review
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard and AWD is available. The 6-speed automatic has manual shift and sport modes.
The Tiguan's towing capacity is rated at 2,200 pounds. There are two downsides to the Tiguan's drivetrain, though.
First, fuel economy lags many of its competitors, and adding insult to injury, premium gasoline is recommended (but not required). 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 200 horsepower @ 5,100-6,000 rpm 207 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700-5,000 rpm EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/26 mpg (FWD), 20/26 mpg (4Motion AWD). Base prices for the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan compact crossover SUV hold pretty steady. A Tiguan S with front-wheel drive has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting about $26,800, while SE models begin a little below $29,000. The more luxurious SEL models begin at about $34,000, while the sporty R-Line runs nearly $38,000.
If you want 4Motion AWD, add roughly $2,000 to the price. That's definitely on the high side of the compact crossover-SUV market, and competitors such as the Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue all come in notably lower. However, there are bargains to be had, so check the Fair Purchase Price on KBB.com to see what others in your area are paying for the VW Tiguan. Down the road, we expect the Tiguan to have a fair-to-good resale price, depending on trim, with valuations that trail those of the CR-V, Sportage and Forester.
The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan is getting on in years, but it's still an appealing compact crossover SUV, particularly if you want one with an upscale character. Pros Refined ride and handling balance (except R-Line); quiet at speed; premium interior; punchy turbocharged performance. Cons Pricier than the norm; so-so fuel economy; limited cargo space; dated electronics; mediocre crash-test results. What's New for 2015 Several features are made standard for the entire 2015 Tiguan lineup, including a rearview camera, a 5-inch touchscreen, Volkswagen's Car-Net connected services and an iPod cable. Additionally, the entry-level Tiguan S loses its manual transmission, while the R-Line model gets a new rear bumper. Introduction The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan is past due for a full redesign, but this does happen to be one small crossover SUV that's aging pretty well.
As you might expect from Volkswagen, the Tiguan successfully bridges the gap between mainstream and upscale. True, it costs a little more than the everyday small crossovers, but in return you get above-average performance and refinement, along with a certain amount of exclusivity. One thing that definitely doesn't need updating is the way this VW drives.
'Ho-hum' doesn't translate to German, apparently, because the Tiguan's punchy turbocharged four-cylinder engine will keep you fully alert on the morning commute. The interior design and materials also are a noticeable cut above what you get in mainstream rivals, and the ride is smooth and composed aside from the tautly sprung R-Line. That said, many newer compact crossovers match or best the Tiguan.
2015 Volkswagen Tiguan 3rd Row
The 2015 Mazda CX-5 is an excellent all-arounder that is similarly fun to drive and also boasts a high-quality interior. We also like the 2015 Ford Escape because of its nimble road manners, strong turbocharged engine and leading-edge technologies. The refreshed 2015 Honda CR-V, meanwhile, won't be as fun to drive but it's got utility and value down to a science. Notably, all of the above offer significantly more cargo space than the Tiguan, too. But if you're looking for upscale, European character from a small crossover SUV, the 2015 Tiguan is certainly worth a look. Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan is available in five trim levels: S, SE, SE with Appearance, SEL and R-Line.