Compact Only in Size – Volkswagen Tiguan

The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan has grown over the years and is now one of the largest SUVs in the compact segment, and one of the few with three rows of seats.

The Tiguan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with an eight-speed automatic transmission. On the road, the 184-horsepower engine feels powerful enough to get the job done. The overall ride seems slightly biased toward comfort than off-road performance. The steering has a nice feel, with good driver feedback at all speeds.

Like all Volkswagen products, the interior has the appearance of a much more expensive vehicle. The controls are generally easy to use and include smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The large touch screen works well, and there’s a nice mix of buttons to go with the digital display. The system isn’t perfect though; it’s easy to accidentally “swipe” the control panel and change a radio station.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of head and legroom. With all three rows in use, cargo storage is a tight 13 cubic feet but expands to 65 feet with all seats folded.

The Tiguan is a very competent SUV – while it doesn’t stand out in any one area, as an overall package it’s worth considering.

Looking for a new ride? Check out more car reviews at AAA.com/TestDrive.