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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 | 23 / 30 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 343 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $31,971–$38,731 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.6/10, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.5/10. 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. We rate the Volkswagen Tiguan's reliability at 8.5/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 8.1/10: 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 7.6/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.0/10 — 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 $31,971–$38,731, 26 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Tiguan sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.6/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 3 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.
Bottom line: Think of the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. 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 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $31,971 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 11%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.6 — 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 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $31,971 | |
| 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 | 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 campaign has 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.
| Back over prevention / Software 12/02/2025 · 25V082000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Tiguan, 2023 Arteon, and 2024-2025 Audi Q3 vehicles. An error may occur in the camera control unit at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as… |
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Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan's reliability 8.5/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #737 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 70% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan starts at $31,971 and ranges up to $38,731 across trims (MSRP when new). At 26 MPG, expect roughly $2,019/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Volkswagen models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.