When it comes to cars, I’ve always appreciated those that know exactly what they are meant to be. A rugged Jeep Wrangler built for off-roading, a nimble Nissan 240SX designed for drifting, or even a luxurious Rolls-Royce Phantom with its opulent features – each of these vehicles excels because of its focused purpose. Generic, inoffensive cars? Not so much. This philosophy led me to ponder about our family car, the Volkswagen Tiguan SE, which we purchased a year ago. Does it stand out with a clear identity, or is it just another unremarkable SUV in a crowded market?
Volkswagen Tiguan: Basics and Initial Impressions
Let’s skip the detailed specification sheets – you can find those on Volkswagen’s official website. Our Tiguan is the eye-catching habanero orange metallic version. We opted for the front-wheel-drive model to keep costs down and didn’t see the need for all-wheel drive in our daily driving. It also has the fold-away third-row seating, which, admittedly, we haven’t used, but it’s there if needed. Inside, the synthetic leather seats, Apple CarPlay integration, and a panoramic sunroof elevate the Tiguan’s feel beyond its price point, giving it a touch of near-luxury. For those interested in the specifics, our model came with Giti Comfort XA1 tires, and we’ll touch upon their performance later.
Conquering the Suburban Jungle: The Tiguan in Daily Driving
Our daily environment presents typical suburban challenges: potholes, heavy traffic, and those long stretches of highway to reach our favorite spots. This is where a crossover SUV like the Tiguan makes perfect sense.
Ride Comfort and Handling
The Tiguan’s suspension, while not overly sophisticated, effectively absorbs bumps and imperfections on poorly maintained city roads. Its higher ride height offers a sense of confidence and better visibility. While it’s no sports car, the Tiguan handles surprisingly well for its size. The steering is light and responsive, avoiding feeling overly boosted or artificial. Body roll is controlled and braking is adequate for typical driving scenarios. Engaging the transmission’s sport mode does sharpen things up noticeably, offering a more engaging driving experience when desired. And yes, even in an SUV, pushing the engine to its redline can be occasionally enjoyable, and the Tiguan’s 2.0-liter TSI engine, familiar to Volkswagen enthusiasts, provides a pleasing note as it revs.
Fuel Efficiency and Practicality
Fuel economy is rated at a reasonable 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, which is competitive for this class. The automatic stop/start system, often annoying in sportier vehicles, is actually quite seamless and appreciated in the Tiguan for saving fuel during city commutes. The inclusion of Apple CarPlay, displayed on the eight-inch center touchscreen, is a significant advantage. It’s far superior to built-in navigation systems and seamlessly integrates smartphone functionality, making daily driving much more convenient and enjoyable.
Interior and Cabin Experience
Stepping inside, the Tiguan’s interior quality feels a cut above its price tag. The use of imitation leather and soft-touch materials in key areas creates a more premium tactile experience than expected. The design is clean and contemporary, suggesting the cabin will remain stylish for years to come. Space is abundant, making everyday tasks like commuting, running errands, and trips to the hardware store effortless. The interior has proven durable enough to withstand the rigors of daily life, including pets, gear, and even home improvement supplies. While I did learn that a full sheet of plywood doesn’t quite fit inside without a trip to the store’s cutting station, the Tiguan offers impressive cargo versatility for its class.
One feature that truly enhances the Tiguan experience is the panoramic sunroof. While it’s an optional extra, the $1,200 investment is well worth it. It floods the cabin with natural light and significantly improves the sense of spaciousness, making the interior feel airy and open. It transforms the driving experience, making you feel more connected to the surroundings.
Road Trip Ready: Tiguan on the Open Road and Beyond
The Tiguan has also proven itself as a capable road trip vehicle. We’ve taken it on several longer journeys, including a memorable ski trip from Texas to Taos, New Mexico.
Long-Distance Comfort and Refinement
Driving across the vast expanses of West Texas is a true test of a car’s long-distance comfort. The Tiguan performed admirably, earning high marks for seat comfort and low cabin noise. It made those long highway stretches enjoyable and fatigue-free.
Unexpected Snow Performance
Reaching the mountains of New Mexico brought a different set of challenges: snowy roads and winter conditions. And this is where the standard-fit Giti Comfort XA1 tires surprised us. Despite being a brand I was unfamiliar with, these tires handled remarkably well in snow. We even navigated a mile-long, unplowed, and snowy road to our rental house – a task I was initially apprehensive about – but the Tiguan powered through without any issues. The next morning, we drove to Taos Ski Valley in the continued snowfall, again without needing chains. A parking attendant at the ski resort, accustomed to seeing vehicles struggle, even commented on the Tiguan’s surprising capability in the snow, noting its front-wheel-drive configuration amidst a sea of Audis, Subarus, and pickups. This unexpected winter performance was a testament to the Tiguan’s all-around competence.
The Verdict: Is the Volkswagen Tiguan a Good Car?
After a year of ownership, it’s clear that the Volkswagen Tiguan is more purposeful than it initially appears. It’s not trying to be something it’s not. If you’re seeking a hardcore off-road SUV, a high-performance SUV, or a true luxury SUV, the Tiguan isn’t your best choice. However, if you value a comfortable, refined, and well-built SUV that offers a premium feel without a premium price tag, then the Tiguan is definitely built for you. It excels as a versatile daily driver, a comfortable road trip companion, and even handles unexpected challenges like snowy conditions with poise. Therefore, with a year of real-world experience, I can confidently say that the Volkswagen Tiguan is indeed a good car and earns my wholehearted recommendation.
