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Used car guide
Used Volkswagen Tiguan: the years to buy and the years to skip
Every Volkswagen Tiguan from 2012 to 2025, across 2 generations: what each year typically sells for (about $6,000 to $31,500), its crash rating, and whether it's a year to target or skip. The best bets are 2012–2017, 2019–2025. Look harder at or skip 2018.
2018–2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
A longer, roomier compact SUV with a smooth ride and a turbocharged engine.
Years to target: 2019–2025. Look harder at or skip: 2018. It has an average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | $13,000 | Look harder | 5 of 5 | ~80,000 |
| 2019 | $14,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~70,000 |
| 2020 | $16,500 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~65,000 |
| 2021 | $18,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~55,000 |
| 2022 | $21,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~45,000 |
| 2023 | $24,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~35,000 |
| 2024 | $27,500* | Target | 5 of 5 | ~25,000 |
| 2025 | $31,500* | Target | 5 of 5 | ~15,000 |
* Estimated from nearby years, since few were listed for sale.
Worth knowing
- 2018: owner complaints spike (282, mostly the engine).
- Acceleration is modest and fuel economy is mediocre. The optional third row is only suitable for small kids.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Target the SE: it adds keyless access, heated seats and upgraded infotainment over the S. Check for adaptive cruise and blind-spot monitoring, which vary by year.
On the test drive
Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: standard from the start of this generation (2018).
- Adaptive cruise control: optional from 2018, never standard in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: standard from the start of this generation (2018).
Also worth comparing at this price
- Toyota Corolla Cross 2022 · $24,500
- Toyota RAV4 2018 · $19,500
- Lexus NX 2016–2018 · $20,000–$24,000
Find one near you
2012–2017 Volkswagen Tiguan
A compact SUV with a punchy turbo engine, a solid feel and a premium-feeling cabin.
Years to target: 2012–2017. It has a below-average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | $6,000* | Target | 4 of 5 | ~120,000 |
| 2013 | $6,500 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~110,000 |
| 2014 | $7,000 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~100,000 |
| 2015 | $7,500 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~95,000 |
| 2016 | $8,500 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~85,000 |
| 2017 | $9,500 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~80,000 |
* Estimated from nearby years, since few were listed for sale.
Worth knowing
- Premium fuel is recommended and running costs are high. Earlier engines can suffer timing chain tensioner failure, so ask about repairs.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Target the SE: it adds a touchscreen, heated front seats and nicer trim over the S. 2016 and newer bring Apple CarPlay, and 4Motion AWD helps in snowy areas.
On the test drive
Pay for an inspection at an independent shop that specializes in the brand. Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: not offered in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: not offered in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Toyota RAV4 2010–2011 · $7,500–$8,000
- Honda CR-V 2010 · $8,000
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2013 · $7,000
Find one near you
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Prices are typical dealer and private asking prices from used listings, collected in September and October 2026, for an average-mileage car. Years with too few listings are estimated from nearby years. Crash ratings, recalls and owner complaint counts come from NHTSA public records. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy. Spot something off? Let us know.