2011 Volkswagen Tiguan: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan is a simpler lineup built around S, SE, and SEL trims, with the Wolfsburg Edition dropped. It is otherwise a light update, led by standard voice-controlled Bluetooth and richer standard equipment on the SEL.
About the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan
1st-generation Tiguan, late pre-refresh year and last full model year before the 2012 exterior update.
Volkswagen sells the Tiguan as a compact SUV for drivers who want SUV space and flexibility without giving up turbo power or city-friendly size. The brochure leans on GTI-like engine spirit, a solid upscale-feeling cabin, flexible rear seating, and available all-wheel drive. Against CR-V and RAV4 rivals, the Tiguan's pitch is a more premium interior and more eager road manners, even if it gives up some cargo room.
The 2011 Tiguan is a compact SUV with a 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a flexible rear seat, and front- or all-wheel-drive versions. The SE emphasizes everyday comfort with heated front seats and synthetic leather, while the SEL adds leather, navigation, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive headlights, and dual-zone climate control.
What changed, by category
2011 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 |
| 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 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 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 |
| Max Towing | 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 |
| Rear Legroom | 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 |
| Doors | 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 | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan compared with the 2010 model?
The 2011 Tiguan mainly simplified its lineup by dropping the Wolfsburg Edition and organizing the range around S, SE, and SEL trims. It also gained standard voice-controlled Bluetooth across the lineup, received a mild front-end freshening, and added more standard equipment to the SEL.
Was there a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan Wolfsburg Edition?
No. Volkswagen dropped both the Wolfsburg Edition and Wolfsburg Edition 4Motion for 2011, leaving S, SE, and SEL as the three core trim levels.
Does every 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan have Bluetooth?
Yes. Voice-controlled Bluetooth hands-free calling became standard across the 2011 Tiguan lineup.
Did the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan get a new engine?
No. The 2011 Tiguan kept the 200-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, so this was not a powertrain overhaul.
What became standard on the 2011 Tiguan SEL?
The 2011 Tiguan SEL made its touchscreen navigation system and panoramic sunroof standard. It also included leather seating, adaptive headlights, a power driver’s seat with memory, keyless entry with push-button start, and dual-zone climate control.