Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
Independent review & score by Carivo
Price Range
$29,993–$38,995
Fuel Economy24 MPG
Seating5 passengers
CategorySUV
Est. Annual Fuel$2,188/yr
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 7.5/10 at Carivo, ranking #947 of 2454 suvs and an estimated $2,188/year fuel cost.
Scored by Carivo·Updated: September 8, 2026·How we score →
Key Specifications — 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
Engine
2.0L 4-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic (S8)
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Regular
City / Hwy MPG
23 / 29 MPG
Combined MPG
25 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost
$2,450
CO₂ Emissions
353 g/mi
Seating Capacity
5 passengers
Body Style
SUV
Base Price
$29,993–$38,995
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
Our scoring places the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.7/10, while Safety at 6.6/10 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. At 8.6/10, reliability is one of this suv's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. Safety is a notable gap at 6.6/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance scores 7.2/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.7/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $29,993–$38,995, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Tiguan sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.0/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is safety — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 2021 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 $29,993 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 17%.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Tiguan Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2021'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.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
Common Questions — 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable?
We rate the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan's reliability 8.6/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
Is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan worth buying?
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #947 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 61% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan cost?
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan starts at $29,993 and ranges up to $38,995 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Tiguan years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Tiguan years we've rated are 2017 (7.2/10), 2016 (7.2/10), 2015 (7.2/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.8/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Volkswagen Tiguan
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Representative photo — may show another model year