With so many compact crossovers to choose from, it’s difficult for one model to rise to the top of the pack. The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan pulls this feat off, thanks to its exceptional handling and great ride. Customers of the Santa Cruz area Volkswagen dealerships tell us they also appreciate the vast array of technology features the Tiguan brings to the table, as well as Volkswagen’s generous two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance visits.
The Tiguan’s turbocharged four-banger delivers a great combination of performance and fuel economy. According to the Volkswagen dealer near Santa Cruz, the 2021 VW Tiguan is one of the only compact crossovers to offer a third-row seat.
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan seats up to seven passengers. It’s offered in five trim levels: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line. All models get standard front-wheel drive. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available. Buyers who order the Tiguan with front-wheel drive get three rows as the standard configuration. All-wheel-drive models come with two rows, with the third row offered as an option.
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 184 horses and 221 lb-ft of torque, teamed to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. This engine includes a start/stop system that increases fuel efficiency. The Tiguan gets EPA-estimated fuel economy rated at 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway for models with all-wheel drive.*
The automotive press gives the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan high marks, with Car and Driver writing: “The compact SUV segment is full of good options, but one of our favorites is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, which is one of the most well-rounded choices. It’s handsomely styled, well-equipped, and practical. Plus, the VW is one of only two compact SUVs that offer an optional third row of seats (the other is the Mitsubishi Outlander).”
Standard features on the Tiguan’s base S trim include a 40/20/40 split sliding and reclining second-row seat that folds flat, a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot and USB smartphone connectivity,
Several active and passive safety systems work to keep the Tiguan’s occupants safe. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, six airbags, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert with emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, automatic emergency braking and a rearview camera.
Volkswagen’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System also comes standard. If this system detects a collision is imminent, it can apply the brakes to reduce residual kinetic energy, helping to prevent further damage. The Intelligent Crash Response System keeps the vehicle’s occupants safe if it’s involved in certain types of collisions. It will turn on the hazard lights, shut off the fuel pump, and unlock the doors.
* All vehicle mileage based on 2021 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.