Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover SUV pitched squarely at families and urban commuters who want European refinement in a practical, five-or-seven-seat package. Competing against the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the Tiguan has carved out a niche with its upscale cabin and composed road manners. Our focus here is strictly on what the federal safety data says about protecting the people inside it.

Across the 2019 to 2025 model years, the Tiguan presents a mixed but ultimately cautious safety picture. Its best NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, achieved on the 2025 model, lands in the Strong band and represents a meaningful improvement over earlier years in our coverage window, which fell into the Average band. The crash-test star ratings tell a similar story of partial strengths: side protection is the clear highlight at a full 5 out of 5 stars, while frontal and rollover protection each settle at 4 out of 5, leaving room for concern in those disciplines. Twenty-three recalls across seven model years is a number that demands attention. That averages to more than three recall actions per year, which is above what a careful shopper should consider routine. The 825 owner complaints on file, including 20 alleged crashes and 20 reported injuries, are unverified allegations, but their volume adds to a pattern worth tracking. The Tiguan is not a safety disaster, and the 2025 edition shows the brand moving in the right direction. But shoppers considering earlier model years, particularly 2019 through 2022, should verify all open recall work is complete before purchase. The side-crash score is genuinely reassuring; the recall count is genuinely not.

WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Tiguan for its refined, car-like driving feel, a well-appointed interior that punches above its price point, and flexible seating options. Critics tend to flag its turbocharged four-cylinder as adequate rather than energetic and note that cargo space can feel compromised compared to some rivals, particularly when the optional third row is fitted.