Overview
The 2013-2014 Volkswagen Tiguan represents the first generation of the brand’s compact crossover, built on the versatile PQ46 platform shared with the Passat and Golf of that era. Introduced to the North American market to compete against established rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Tiguan distinguished itself through a focus on driving dynamics and interior refinement. Its design language mirrored the conservative, clean aesthetic prevalent across the Volkswagen lineup during the early 2010s, emphasizing a premium feel that was often absent in the segment at the time.
Under the hood, the vehicle utilized the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This powerplant provided a balance of efficiency and torque, positioning the Tiguan as a more engaging driver’s vehicle compared to its naturally aspirated competitors. The inclusion of a manual transmission option for the base trim level was a rarity in the small SUV class, appealing to enthusiasts who prioritized mechanical engagement. Manufacturing for the North American market primarily took place at the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg, Germany.
Throughout its production cycle, the Tiguan earned a reputation for solid build quality and high-grade cabin materials. While it offered less cargo space than some of its Japanese counterparts, it compensated with a sophisticated chassis and a composed ride quality. The model remains a notable entry in the compact crossover segment for its attempt to bridge the gap between mainstream utility and European driving characteristics.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tiguan |
| Model Year | 2013-2014 |
| Generation | 1st Generation |
| Trim | S |
| Body Style | 4-door SUV |
| Vehicle Segment | Compact Crossover |
| Vehicle Class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | PQ46 |
| Assembly Plant | Wolfsburg, Germany |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Production Start | 2007 |
| Production End | 2017 |
| VIN Identifier | WVW |
| Base MSRP | $23,300 |
| Destination Charge | $865 |
| Total MSRP | $24,165 |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Engine Family | EA888 |
| Engine Name | 2.0L TSI |
| Engine Code | CCTA/CBFA |
| 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 @ 5100 rpm |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Redline | 6500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Manual 6-spd |
| Final Drive Ratio | 3.65 |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 91 |
| EPA City MPG | 18 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 26 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 21 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 11.2 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 16.9 |
| Estimated Driving Range | 355 miles |
| Annual Fuel Cost | $2,400 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 420 g/mile |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | 4 |
| Smog Rating | 5 |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | 2.8 s |
| 0-60 mph | 7.5 s |
| 0-100 mph | 21.2 s |
| Quarter Mile | 15.8 s |
| Top Speed | 125 mph |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 128 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.81g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 16.8 lb/hp |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 174.3 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 71.2 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | 81.0 |
| Height (in) | 65.6 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 102.5 |
| Front Track (in) | 61.8 |
| Rear Track (in) | 61.7 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 6.9 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3362 |
| GVWR (lbs) | 4630 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | 2200 |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | 1268 |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | 96.1 |
| 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 | 4 Stars |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | 4 Stars |
| NHTSA Side Crash | 5 Stars |
| NHTSA Rollover | 4 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 | 5.0-inch touchscreen |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog with Multi-function display |
| Apple CarPlay | No |
| Android Auto | No |
| Navigation System | Optional |
| Audio System | 8-speaker |
| 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 / 120,000 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 | Volkswagen |
| Gear Ratios | 1st: 3.77, 2nd: 2.09, 3rd: 1.32, 4th: 0.98, 5th: 0.76, 6th: 0.65 |
| Differential Type | Open |
| Cooling System Capacity | 8.5 qts |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | 165 |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | – |
Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The 2013-2014 Tiguan is recognized in the used market for its premium interior feel and engaging driving dynamics, though it requires diligent maintenance to remain reliable. 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 intake valves is another common issue due to the direct-injection system, often requiring walnut blasting service. While the Tiguan offers a more refined experience than many mass-market competitors, its fuel economy is lower than average for the class, and it mandates premium fuel. Today, it serves as an attractive option for buyers seeking a European-engineered crossover at a lower price point, provided they are prepared for the higher cost of ownership associated with German engineering.
