Tiguan alters the exterior look by revising the front and rear end design for the 2012 model year. The other substantial mid-cycle change is a boost in fuel economy--jumping from 25 mpg highway to an estimated 27 mpg for automatic transmission-fitted models. The 6-speed automatic transmission’s 2012 model year modifications include adding a second overdrive gear to lower engine revs at highway speeds and having shifts occur at slightly lower revs when not in the sport mode. Tiguan is a peppy compact SUV that puts on accent on the fun factor with responsive steering, a panoramic sunroof for first and second row occupants (a standard feature on the SEL model), and plenty of front and rear seat roominess.

From a cargo perspective, Tiguan offers flexibility. With the 40/20/40 split rear seat in the upright position, the storage space tallies 23.8 cubic feet. But with rear seat folded, the cargo space expands to slightly more than 56 cubic feet. For driving trips that include hilly terrain, the SUV’s 28-degree approach angle is truly appreciated. Power source for the SUV is a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower at 5100 rpm and 207 pounds- feet of torque starting at 1700 rpm. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the S trim, while the SE and SEL trims are fitted with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan SEL all-wheel drive with automatic transmission has a MSRP of $35,930 and estimated mpg of 21 city and 27 highway.