Overview
The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan marked the entry of the German manufacturer into the compact crossover segment for the North American market. Sharing its platform architecture with the fifth-generation Volkswagen Golf, the Tiguan was engineered to provide a more refined, car-like driving experience compared to its competitors. Volkswagen positioned the vehicle as a premium alternative in the class, emphasizing build quality, interior ergonomics, and the performance characteristics of its turbocharged powertrain.
At the heart of the 2009 model was the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which provided a balance of efficiency and torque. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, developed by Haldex, allowed for variable power distribution, enhancing stability in adverse weather conditions. Manufactured primarily in Wolfsburg, Germany, the Tiguan was designed to appeal to urban professionals seeking utility without sacrificing the handling dynamics associated with European sedans. Over its production cycle, the vehicle established a reputation for its sophisticated cabin materials and solid road manners, cementing its status as a core component of Volkswagen’s global SUV strategy.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tiguan 4motion |
| Model Year | 2009 |
| Generation | 1st Generation (Typ 5N) |
| Trim | S, SE, SEL |
| Body Style | 5-door SUV |
| Vehicle Segment | Compact Crossover |
| Vehicle Class | Sport Utility Vehicle – 4WD |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | PQ46 |
| Assembly Plant | Wolfsburg, Germany |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Production Start | 2007 |
| Production End | 2017 |
| VIN Identifier | WVW |
| Base MSRP | $28,900 |
| Destination Charge | $720 |
| Total MSRP | $29,620 |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Engine Family | EA888 |
| Engine Name | 2.0 TSI |
| Engine Code | CCTA |
| Engine Configuration | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 2.0 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | 82.5 mm x 92.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Delivery | Direct Injection |
| Valve Train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Engine Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 4.9 qts |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | VW 502 00 / 5W-40 |
| Horsepower | 200 hp @ 5,100 rpm |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Final Drive Ratio | 3.68:1 |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 91 AKI |
| EPA City MPG | 18 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 24 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 20 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 11.8 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 16.8 |
| Estimated Driving Range | 336 miles |
| Annual Fuel Cost | $2,450 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 445 g/mile |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | 3 |
| Smog Rating | 5 |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | 2.8 s |
| 0-60 mph | 7.8 s |
| 0-100 mph | 22.1 s |
| Quarter Mile | 16.1 s |
| Top Speed | 125 mph |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 128 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.81g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.057 hp/lb |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 174.3 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 72.4 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | 82.0 |
| Height (in) | 66.3 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 102.5 |
| Front Track (in) | 61.8 |
| Rear Track (in) | 61.7 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 6.9 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3,591 |
| GVWR (lbs) | 4,850 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | 2,200 |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | 1,259 |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | 96.0 |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) | 23.8 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft) | 56.1 |
| Turning Circle | 39.4 ft |
| Approach Angle | 28 degrees |
| Departure Angle | 25 degrees |
| Breakover Angle | 20 degrees |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | – |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | – |
| NHTSA Side Crash | – |
| NHTSA Rollover | 4/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | Top Safety Pick |
| Small Overlap Front | – |
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| Side Impact | Good |
| Headlights Rating | – |
| Front Crash Prevention | – |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | 6.5-inch Touchscreen |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog with Multi-Function Display |
| Apple CarPlay | No |
| Android Auto | No |
| Navigation System | Optional |
| Audio System | 8-speaker AM/FM/CD |
| Speaker Count | 8 |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | No |
| OTA Updates | No |
| Digital Key | No |
| Warranty & Ownership | |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 12 years / unlimited miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Salzgitter, Germany |
| Transmission Supplier | Aisin |
| Gear Ratios | 1st: 4.15, 2nd: 2.37, 3rd: 1.56, 4th: 1.16, 5th: 0.86, 6th: 0.69 |
| Differential Type | Electronic Locking |
| Cooling System Capacity | 8.5 qts |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | 165 |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | 15,275 |
Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The 2009 Tiguan is recognized in the used market for its premium interior quality and driving dynamics that outperform many of its contemporaries. Prospective buyers should prioritize vehicles with documented service histories, specifically regarding the timing chain tensioner, which is a known point of failure in early EA888 engines. Carbon buildup on the intake valves is another common maintenance item due to the direct-injection fuel system. While the Tiguan offers a more engaging experience than Japanese competitors of the same era, owners should anticipate higher maintenance costs associated with European engineering. Today, it remains an appealing choice for those who value handling and cabin refinement over absolute cargo capacity or low-cost ownership.
