As a former VW Beetle owner and lover, I was excited to drive the 2012 Tiguan.  Accustomed to well-made German engineering and peppy motoring, as soon as I arrived behind the wheel, I was let down.  Not that the Tiguan suffers any in good looks, it still carries the VW exterior styling, however the overall driving and interior design has moved in a different direction.

Let’s start with the interior.  Some have claimed it to be upscale and modern.  To me it was about as exciting as a manilla folder. Ok, should we just say bland?  Everything was there, but hardly noticeable.  I will say though, that the front seats have good lumbar support and the back seat is nice and roomy.  Generous space for baby seat and plenty of elbow room for an impromptu backseat diaper change.   Latches on VW’s tend to work easily, and the Tiguan is no exception.  My last interior gripe is the trunk.  Kind of a shoebox look that fits stroller or groceries.  Not both.

Ok, now let’s talk driving.  The 2.0L Turbo charged engine has received good reviews.  I think it would be great were it not in such a heavy vehicle.  Weighing in at 3,489 lbs., the Tiguan either needs to drop a few pounds to reach its fighting weight or drink a protein shake for a powerboost.   Going up a steep hill at 40mph, the automatic transmission struggled to shift gears.

Driving the 2012 Beetle a few months back, I was in heaven.  Fun, agile, playful…..same engine, totally different animal.   So, perhaps my loyalty is to the Beetle and any other suitors pale by comparison.   The Tiguan had a tough act to follow.

Some Basics
MSRP: $22,840 – $35,930
engine: 2.0L, I-4 Turbo
hp/torque: 200hp / 207 ft.lbs.
drivetrain: FWD/AWD
fuel economy: 18 city / 29 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:   Good. Top Safety Pick
 

drivermom summary

Three words to describe this car
practical, functional, affordable

What’s the best thing about it?
roomy backseat

What’s the biggest drawback?
small cargo area

Mom-friendliness score: B

If this car could talk, what would it say?
“What’s a Tiguan?”