2011 Volkswagen Tiguan

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Rating7.3

Ranked #9 in 

Compact SUV
Write Review
$23,720 - $37,390
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Opulent interiors

Unappealing exterior

MP3 Player now comes as standard

An engine that is both lively and fuel-efficient

Cargo space leaves much to be desired

Front-wheel or All Wheel Drive option

Cabin with plenty of space

Low price to performance ratio

Slightly obvious turbo lag

Robust build quality

Responsive handling

Specs & Features

$26,775

price

200 hp @ 5100 rpm

horsepower

207 lb.-ft. @ 1700 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.0L 4cyl AWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The primary features are very appealing in the Volkswagen Tiguan as it comes with a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, front- or all-wheel drive, and either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Many customers will be drawn to a store that has an exceptional safety rating. 

Buying Advice

We recommend opting for the base S variation based on our observations. The base edition already comes with a comprehensive range of standard features that are sufficient for the majority of situations. Furthermore, while the Tiguan is more expensive than its competitors, opting for this trim would offer a better price to performance ratio.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The Tiguan's ride, steering, and brakes are calibrated for all-around ability rather than ultimate precision, which shows in the ride, steering, and brakes. The Volkswagen Tiguan stands out for its luxurious interiors, which are lacking in many of its competitors. The Volkswagen Tiguan base variant starts at $23,270. The 2011 variant now comes with an option of choosing between AWD or FWD. The Tiguan faces stiff competition from Honda CR-V SE, Kia Sportage LX, and Hyundai Tucson GLS.

Features
8.0/10

The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover SUV that comes in three trim levels: S, SE, and SEL. 16-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, keyless entry, cloth upholstery, eight-way manually adjustable front seats, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio input are all standard on the base S model.

The SE adds a host of other features such as heated washer nozzles, a power-adjustable driver seat, and an optional sunroof and navigation package. The SEL includes all the above features with some fancy features such as rain-sensing wipers, ambient interior lighting, and several other additional features.

Trim

S

SE

SEL

MSRP

$23,720

$28,215

$33,135

Key-features

16-inch alloy wheels

All features of S

All features of SE

 

Tilt and telescopic wheel

17-inch alloy wheels

Dual-zone climate control

 

A/C

Trip Computer

Rain sensing wipers

 

Cruise control

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Ambient Interior Lighting

 

Full Power accessories

Fog lights

Bi-xenon headlights

 

Cloth upholstery

Heated front seats

Leather upholstery

 

Manually adjustable seats

Chrome exterior trim

 

 

8-speaker stereo

 

 

Aside from a slight facelift, the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan features a few feature shuffles among versions, as well as the elimination of the Wolfsburg Edition trim. A trailer hitch, side steps, a ground-effects kit comprising body components, and 19-inch wheels are optionally available on all Tiguan trims.

We recommend

We recommend opting for the base S variation based on our observations. The base edition already comes with a comprehensive range of standard features that are sufficient for the majority of situations. Furthermore, while the Tiguan is more expensive than its competitors, opting for this trim would offer a better price to performance ratio.

Engine and Performance
7.0/10

The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine in the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan delivers 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trim levels, with optional all-wheel drive available on the SE and SEL. The Tiguan S comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while the SE and SEL come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive trim SEL accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds which is in the mid-league of the crossover segment.

Model

Volkswagen Tiguan S

Honda CR-V SE

Kia Sportage LX

Hyundai Tucson GLS

MSRP

$23,720

$22,595

$20,295

$21,995

Engine

2.0 Liter Inline 4

2.4 Liter Inline 4

2.4 Liter Inline 4

2.4 Liter Inline 4

Drivetrain

Front-wheel drive

Front wheel drive

Front-wheel drive

Front wheel drive

Transmission

6-speed manual

5-speed automatic

6-speed shiftable automatic

6-speed shiftable automatic

Power

200 hp @ 5100 rpm

180 hp @ 6800 rpm

176 hp @ 6000 rpm

176 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

207 ft-lbs. @ 1800 rpm

161 ft-lbs. @ 4400 rpm

168 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm

168 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm

Quarter-mile

16.0 sec

16.6 sec

16.3 sec

16.6 sec

0-60(mph)

8.4 sec

9.0 sec

8.7 sec

9.0 sec

Top Speed(mph)

133 mph

128 mph

128 mph

128 mph

From the above table of figures, it is evident that the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan offers the best power output among its competitors in this segment which makes it the most powerful option to consider. The Tiguan is followed by Honda CR-V which is not far behind especially in power output. The KIA Sportage LX and Hyundai Tucson share the last spot as they leave much to be desired when compared to the competition and share the same performance figures.

Fuel Economy
6.0/10

The 2011 Tiguan when compared to rival four-cylinder crossovers and even some V-6 models. The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan obtains EPA city ratings of 18 to 20 mpg and highway ratings of 25 or 26, putting it near the bottom of the pack in its class. Furthermore, the Tiguan necessitates the use of premium fuel. The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan has poor fuel efficiency and is everything but environment friendly or economical when compared to other small crossovers in the segment.

Model

Volkswagen Tiguan S

Honda CR-V SE

Kia Sportage LX

Hyundai Tucson GLS

MPG (City) (mpg)

18

21

22

22

MPG (Highway) (mpg)

26

28

31

31

MPG (Combined) (mpg)

21

24

25

25

Fuel Capacity (gallon)

16.8 gal

15.3 gal

14.5 gal

14.5 gal

Range (City/Hwy)

302 / 437 miles

321 / 428 miles

319 / 450 miles

319 / 450 miles

Both the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson are ranked highest in the segment for fuel-efficiency. The Honda CR-V is second, while the Volkswagen Tiguan is third. The Tiguan is the least fuel-efficient of the bunch. The Tiguan, on the other hand, has a large tank capacity of 16.8 gallons, giving it a range of 302 miles in the city and 437 miles on the highway. Despite its large fuel tank it still doesn't offer a high travel range due to its low fuel efficiency.

Interior
8.0/10

The interior of the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan is simple, adaptable, and comfy, which is just what compact crossover buyers want. Front-row seats are sporty and supportive, providing good comfort and a good driving posture, while the adaptable interior package includes second-row split-bench seats that slide and tilt. With the 60/40-split back seats folded, the cargo compartment has a small secret storage bin beneath the load floor, and there are 56 cubic feet of expanded cargo capacity. There are various small storage spaces around the vehicle, including a dual glove box upfront.

Model

Volkswagen Tiguan S

Honda CR-V SE

Kia Sportage LX

Hyundai Tucson GLS

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

39.1/56.2/40.1

40.9/56.9/41.3

39.1/56.7/41.4

39.4/57.1/42.1

Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

39.0/54.8/35.8

38.6/56.0/38.5

38.5/55.1/37.9

39.1/55.1/38.7

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft)

23.8 cu-ft.

35.7 cu-ft.

26.1 cu-ft.

25.7 cu-ft.

The Tiguan's interior has a polished, high-quality feel to it. The Tiguan's fit, finish, and build quality are excellent, and while there is some noise interference on the highway, the cabin is well separated from road and engine noise. Soft plastics are used in abundance which makes them more acceptable. Interior highlights include:

  • Cloth Upholstery
  • Bucket Seats
  • Climate Control
  • Adjustable steering wheel
  • Front reading lamps

How intuitive is the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan infotainment unit?

The Volkswagen Tiguan's entertainment system includes a single CD player, an iPod connector, and a voice-activated Bluetooth system. Auxiliary audio input and satellite radio are also included. A Navigation System, which has been updated for the model year, and an SD Memory card port are two more optional features. Some salient infotainment features of the Volkswagen Tiguan are as follows:

  • CD Player
  • MP3 Player SD 
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Satellite Radio Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Navigation System(optional)
  • Memory Card Slot(optional)

Exterior
7.0/10

The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan has the sleek but conservative style of a car that was developed from the inside out, as do many vehicles in this class; the smooth but conservative look appears more blandly current than athletic or daring. The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan stands apart from the crowd by being more carlike than tough, with a more luxurious interior. It has a length of 173.2 inches, a width of 72.8 inches, and a height of 66.5 inches, making it one of the taller, more upright vehicles in this tiny sector. The Tiguan has a robust build quality.

Model

Volkswagen Tiguan S

Honda CR-V SE

Kia Sportage LX

Hyundai Tucson GLS

Curb Weight (lbs)

3433 lb.

3386 lb.

3186 lb.

3203 lb.

Length (in.)

174.3 in.

179.3 in.

174.8 in.

173.2 in.

Width (in.)

71.2 in.

71.6 in.

73.0 in.

71.7 in.

Height (in.)

66.3 in.

66.1 in.

64.4 in.

66.3 in.

Ground Clearance (in.)

6.9 in.

6.7 in.

6.8 in.

6.7 in.

Wheelbase (in.)

102.5 in.

103.1 in.

103.9 in.

103.9 in.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is the heaviest car in the segment in terms of curb weight, weighing 3433 pounds. Second place goes to the Honda CR-V, followed by the Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sportage. The Volkswagen Tiguan, though, has the most ground clearance of all the SUVs featured, at 6.9 inches. Front and rear all-season tires are included on the wheels. There are also performance tires available, but they are more expensive. The following are some of the main exterior features:

  • 16-inch alloy wheels
  • Fog lights
  • Keyless entry
  • Heated washer nozzles(optional)
  • Sunroof(optional)

Safety
9.0/10

The Volkswagen Tiguan received a perfect five stars in front and side-impact categories in government crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Tiguan was rated one of the "Top Safety Picks” by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, receiving the highest grade of "Good" in frontal offset, side, and roof-strength testing. Antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, and side curtain airbags are all standard on the Tiguan. Stand out safety features:

  • Anti-lock disc brakes
  • Traction control
  • Stability Control
  • Front side airbags
  • Curtain side airbags
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring system

Final Verdict

The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan is a nice compact SUV choice in this segment. The car offers a roomy interior, with both the front and rear seats providing enough support and comfort. Soft plastics, which are commonly found in premium vehicles featuring opulent interiors, are also used in the interiors. The Tiguan, on the other hand, falls short in fuel efficiency.

Trims

    S
    $23,720 onwards
    • 16-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • AM/FM stereo
    • Climatic manual front air conditioning
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Front passenger Lumbar support
    • Heated mirrors
    • Remote keyless entry
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    SE
    $28,215 onwards
    • 17-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Front passengers heated-cushion
    • Leatherette Seat trim
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    • Sirius AM/FM/Satellite
    SEL
    $33,135 onwards
    • 18-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • Dual zone automatic front air conditioning
    • Leather Seat trim
    • Navigation system
    • Rain sensing windsheild wiper
    • Sliding and tilting glass Sunroof

Compare to similar cars

Price

$22,995- $30,320

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8

Horsepower

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

Torque

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$23,720- $37,390

Gasoline

7.32

200 hp @ 5100 rpm

207 lb.-ft. @ 1700 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,250- $31,400

Gasoline

7.75

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,825- $24,185

Gasoline

7.47

166 hp @ 5800 rpm

161 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

4

Read Review

$21,990- $33,340

Gasoline

7.78

161 hp @ 6000 rpm

161 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,845- $30,845

Gasoline

7.82

175 hp @ 6000 rpm

169 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,555- $29,065

Gasoline

8.33

171 hp @ 6000 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$19,295- $25,995

Gasoline

7.4

158 hp @ 6400 rpm

141 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

5

Read Review

$35,200- $42,500

Gasoline

7.64

211 hp @ 4300 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,240- $27,920

Gasoline

7.98

171 hp @ 6000 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

2011 Volkswagen Tiguan vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    7.3 sec15.5 sec-
    7.3 sec15.6 sec-
    2011 Audi Q5

    Ranked #2

    7.5 sec15.7 sec120 mph
    7.8 sec--
    8.4 sec16.4 sec113 mph
    8.6 sec--

    2011 Volkswagen Tiguan vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      20 mpg26 mpg21 mpg16.8 gal.302.4/436.8 mi.
      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg18 gal.396/576 mi.
      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg18.8 gal.413.6/601.6 mi.
      23 mpg29 mpg25 mpg13.6 gal.312.8/394.4 mi.Jeep USA
      23 mpg28 mpg25 mpg17.5 gal.402.5/490 mi.
      22 mpg28 mpg25 mpg15.9 gal.349.8/445.2 mi.

      2011 Volkswagen Tiguan vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        174.3 in.71.2 in.66.3 in.6.9 in.102.5 in.
        188.2 in.71.7 in.65.7 in.8.7 in.107.9 in.
        187.8 in.72.5 in.66.3 in.7.8 in.112.5 in.
        185.3 in.72.8 in.66.3 in.6.9 in.112.5 in.
        184.3 in.73.7 in.64.8 in.8.1 in.108.3 in.
        184.1 in.74.4 in.67.9 in.8.1 in.106.3 in.

        2011 Volkswagen Tiguan vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          23.8 cu.ft.95.3 cu.ft.56.1 cu.ft.
          35.7 cu.ft.103.8 cu.ft.72.9 cu.ft.
          29.3 cu.ft.45.4 cu.ft.75.6 cu.ft.
          31.4 cu.ft.99.5 cu.ft.67.1 cu.ft.
          34.2 cu.ft.108.3 cu.ft.78.2 cu.ft.
          36.4 cu.ft.108.2 cu.ft.73 cu.ft.

          2011 Volkswagen Tiguan vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            56.1 cu.ft.23.8 cu.ft.56.1 cu.ft.-
            78.2 cu.ft.34.2 cu.ft.78.2 cu.ft.-
            71.3 cu.ft.34.3 cu.ft.71.3 cu.ft.-
            5 cu.ft.17.2 cu.ft.5 cu.ft.-Jeep USA
            63 cu.ft.25.1 cu.ft.74.6 cu.ft.-
            14.3 cu.ft.29.3 cu.ft.66.3 cu.ft.-

            2011 Volkswagen Tiguan vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2200 lbs.1352 lbs.3433 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1150 lbs.3976 lbs.
              5000 lbs.881 lbs.4143 lbs.
              2011 Audi Q5

              Ranked #2

              4400 lbs.1047 lbs.4090 lbs.
              3500 lbs.1059 lbs.3335 lbs.
              3500 lbs.1150 lbs.4076 lbs.Jeep USA

              2011 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              3

              Recalls

              4

              Investigations

              160

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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