2010 Volkswagen Tiguan: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
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.
About the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan
1st generation (US first-gen Tiguan), second model year in the US market; no major refresh.
Volkswagen positioned the Tiguan as a compact SUV for shoppers who wanted SUV usefulness without the size and heaviness of a larger utility vehicle. The pitch centered on “just enough SUV,” mixing a strong turbo four-cylinder engine, tidy dimensions, flexible rear seating, and a more upscale cabin feel than many mainstream rivals. Its main draw was that it felt more like a well-finished German hatchback on the road while still offering cargo room, towing ability, and optional all-wheel drive.
The 2010 Tiguan ranges from the straightforward cloth-seat S to the leather-trimmed SEL, with every version using a 200-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The Wolfsburg Edition sits in the middle with synthetic leather, heated front seats, Bluetooth, and a touchscreen audio system, while 4Motion versions add all-wheel drive. The SEL has the richest cabin, including leather, dual-zone climate control, adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights, and a memory driver’s seat.
What changed, by category
2010 Volkswagen Tiguan specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Tiptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Tiptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg | 18 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 200 hp | 200 hp | 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 | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2200 lb | 2200 lb | 2200 lb | 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 | 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 | 35.8 in | 35.8 in | 35.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The biggest change is the addition of the Wolfsburg Edition. It builds on the SE’s comfort and technology equipment with synthetic leather seating, and a Wolfsburg Edition 4Motion adds all-wheel drive.
Was the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan redesigned?
No, the 2010 Tiguan was not redesigned. Its body, structure, turbocharged engine, and basic lineup carried over, with the updates centered on new trims and cabin equipment.
Did the 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan get a new engine?
No, the 2010 Tiguan kept its 200-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. There was no major change to the main transmission or drivetrain layout.
Which 2010 Volkswagen Tiguan trims gained standard Bluetooth and a touchscreen?
The SE, SE 4Motion, SEL, and SEL 4Motion gained standard Bluetooth and a touchscreen audio system for 2010. The SE and SE 4Motion also gained standard premium audio.
Is the 2010 Tiguan meaningfully different from the 2009 model?
Only slightly. The 2010 model adds the Wolfsburg Edition trims and S 4Motion, revises the instrument cluster, and makes Bluetooth and touchscreen audio standard on better-equipped trims, but it does not bring a redesign or major mechanical change.