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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 22 / 29 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,700 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 356 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $29,004–$37,287 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.6/10, while Safety at 6.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.1/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a notable gap at 6.8/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.0/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.6/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $29,004–$37,287, 23 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Tiguan sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.8/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 6 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: Think of the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in safety are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 →
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $29,004 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 20%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.5 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $29,004 | |
| 2019 | 7.5/10 | $28,016 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.5/10 | $27,027 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $26,038 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.2/10 | $25,049 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $24,060 | Read review → |
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.
| Seats 26/08/2020 · 20V505000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen ) is recalling certain 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI and Tiguan and Audi Q5 and SQ5 and 2021 Volkswagen Atlas vehicles. Parts of the front seat frame and backrest adjuster may not have… |
|---|---|
| Seat belts 23/09/2020 · 20V579000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2020 Tiguan LWB vehicles. The third row seat belt anchor bolts may not have been properly torqued. |
| Structure / Body 06/04/2022 · 22V226000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan and 2018-2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. Due to incorrect installation instructions, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be insufficiently attached to the vehicle. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Volkswagen models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.