2009 Volkswagen Tiguan: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is an all-new model and Volkswagen’s first compact SUV for the US market. It launches with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a flexible rear seat, and S, SE, and SEL trim levels.

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About the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

1st generation Tiguan, first US model year (pre-facelift early phase).

Volkswagen positions the 2009 Tiguan as the compact SUV for drivers who want SUV usefulness without the size and heaviness of a larger utility vehicle. The marketing leans on sporty road manners, GTI-related turbo power, a flexible cabin, and a cabin design that feels more polished than many mainstream small crossovers. Its core appeal is “just enough SUV”: easy to live with every day, useful for people and cargo, and more premium in feel than the typical compact SUV of the time.

The S is the straightforward version, while the SE adds everyday comforts such as heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and upgraded audio. The SEL moves closer to entry-luxury territory with leather seating, memory for the driver’s seat, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, dual-zone climate control, and premium audio; SE 4Motion and SEL 4Motion pair their respective equipment with all-wheel drive.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The US lineup launches with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in every trim. SE 4Motion and SEL 4Motion use all-wheel drive for added traction.

Safety

Electronic stability control, traction-related brake controls, and front and rear curtain airbags are standard across the new lineup.

Structural

Volkswagen introduces the Tiguan to the US as a new compact SUV with a standard rear seat that slides, reclines, and folds in a 60/40 split.

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan specs and features by trim

Feature	2009 Volkswagen TiguanS0 in stock	2009 Volkswagen TiguanSE0 in stock	2009 Volkswagen TiguanSEL0 in stock	2009 Volkswagen TiguanSE 4Motion0 in stock	2009 Volkswagen TiguanSEL 4Motion0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Tiptronic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Tiptronic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Tiptronic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Tiptronic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Tiptronic
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	4WD	4WD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	19 mpg	18 mpg	18 mpg	18 mpg	18 mpg
MPG Highway	26 mpg	24 mpg	24 mpg	24 mpg	24 mpg
Horsepower	200 hp	200 hp	200 hp	200 hp	200 hp
Torque	207 lb-ft	207 lb-ft	207 lb-ft	207 lb-ft	207 lb-ft
Max Towing	2200 lb	2200 lb	2200 lb	2200 lb	2200 lb
Trunk/Cargo	56.1 cu-ft	56.1 cu-ft	56.1 cu-ft	56.1 cu-ft	56.1 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	35.8 in	35.8 in	35.8 in	35.8 in	35.8 in
Seats	5	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Automatic Headlights
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
Memory Exterior Mirrors
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Folding Exterior Mirrors
Privacy Glass
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Built-In Hard Drive
Front DVD Entertainment System
Navigation System
Premium Audio
SD Card Slot
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Memory Driver's Seat
Power Driver Seat

How the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan compares

The biggest change for the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan is the new Wolfsburg Edition, an upscale mid-level trim with synthetic leather seating. This is otherwise a light-update year focused on added trims and upgraded cabin technology, not a redesign or mechanical overhaul.

See the full 2010 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan a new model?

Yes. The 2009 Tiguan is Volkswagen’s first compact SUV for the US market and the first US model year of the first-generation Tiguan.

What engine is in the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan?

Every 2009 Tiguan has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, from the S through the SEL 4Motion.

Does the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan have all-wheel drive?

Yes. The 2009 Tiguan has all-wheel drive on the SE 4Motion and SEL 4Motion trims; the S, SE, and SEL are the corresponding non-4Motion versions in the lineup.

Which trims were offered on the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan?

The 2009 Tiguan lineup consists of S, SE, SE 4Motion, SEL, and SEL 4Motion. The SE focuses on added comfort and convenience, while the SEL adds leather, upgraded lighting, memory seating, dual-zone climate control, and premium audio.

How flexible is the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan’s rear seat?

The 2009 Tiguan has a standard 60/40 split rear seat that slides, reclines, and folds. This lets the cabin shift between more rear-passenger room and more cargo space.