2017 Volkswagen Tiguan — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $26,038–$30,772
Fuel Economy 20 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,625/yr

Key Specifications — 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan

Engine2.0L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePremium
City / Hwy MPG20 / 24 MPG
Combined MPG22 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$3,700
CO₂ Emissions412 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$26,038–$30,772

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan

With an overall Carivo score of 7.2/10, the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.6/10, while Value at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate the Volkswagen Tiguan's reliability at 8.6/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 7.1/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance lands mid-pack at 7.9/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $26,038–$30,772, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Tiguan sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology and value scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan ranks #1611 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 34% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $26,038 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 28%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Tiguan Year Should You Buy?

Across the Tiguan model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.8/10$33,948 Read review →
2025 7.8/10$33,948 Read review →
2024 7.7/10$32,960 Read review →
2023 7.6/10$31,971 Read review →
2022 7.6/10$30,982 Read review →
2021 7.5/10$29,993 Read review →
2020 7.5/10$29,004 Read review →
2019 7.5/10$28,016 Read review →
2018 7.5/10$27,027 Read review →
2017 (this review) 7.2/10$26,038
2016 7.2/10$25,049 Read review →
2015 7.2/10$24,060 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan

✓ What it does well

  • Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
  • Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 20 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan (4 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Unknown or other
16/05/2018 · 18V329000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015-2016 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 and 2017 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the…
Seat belts / Pretensioner
29/12/2016 · 16V955000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2017 Audi A7, A4, A6, Volkswagen Golf and Tiguan vehicles and 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf vehicles for driver frontal air bags, passenger frontal air bags or head air bags that may…
Air bags / Frontal
09/02/2018 · 18V102000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Tiguan Limited vehicles. The front driver air bag installed on these vehicles may not be intended for use in vehicles sold in the United States. As such, these vehicles fail to…
Unknown or other
05/05/2021 · 21V321000
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Touareg GP, Tiguan, Golf A6, E-Golf GP, CCF, 2016-2017 Passat GP, 2018-2019 Golf R GP, and 2018 Atlas vehicles. These internal-use vehicles were sold without confirmation that they…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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