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2021 Volkswagen Tiguan towing capacity

Max tow rating

1,500lb

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Trailer check

Yes. 1,200 lb is within 80% of the rating.

Tow rating
1,500 lb
80% rule
Up to 1,200 lb
Margin
300 lb (20%)
Hitch class needed
I, up to 2,000 lb
Share of curb weight
32% of 3,735 lb

Within the 85% curb weight guideline.

Expect 20-40% lower mpg when towing: 15-20 mpg.

05,00010,00015,000Teardrop camperUtility trailerPop-up camperBoat on a trailerSmall travel trailerMid-size travel trailerCar on a car haulerLarge travel trailerFifth wheel80%: 1,200 lbRating: 1,500 lb
Pounds. Blue: fits under 1,200 lb, 80% of the rating. Orange: lighter ones fit. Grey: too heavy.

What it can pull

Rule: keep the trailer at 80% of the rating or less.

Max tow rating
1,500 lb
80% of the rating
1,200 lb
Hitch class at max
I, up to 2,000 lb
What it can pull at 1,200 lb
TrailerLoaded weightFits
Teardrop camper1,000 to 2,500 lbSome, up to 1,200 lb
Utility trailer1,000 to 3,000 lbSome, up to 1,200 lb
Pop-up camper1,500 to 3,000 lbNo
Boat on a trailer2,000 to 6,000 lbNo
Small travel trailer3,000 to 5,000 lbNo
Mid-size travel trailer5,000 to 7,500 lbNo
Car on a car hauler5,500 to 7,500 lbNo
Large travel trailer7,500 to 10,000 lbNo
Fifth wheel10,000 to 16,000 lbNo

Trailer weights are typical loaded weights.

Tow rating by trim

Cheapest at 1,500 lb: S FWD, $25,245.

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan tow rating by trim
TrimEngineDrivetrainTow ratingCurb weightMSRP
S FWD2.0L 4cylFWD1,500 lb3,735 lb$25,245
S 4MOTION AWD2.0L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,825 lb$26,545
SE FWD2.0L 4cylFWD1,500 lb3,735 lb$27,395
SE 4MOTION AWD2.0L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,825 lb$28,695
SE R-Line Black FWD2.0L 4cylFWD1,500 lb3,735 lb$30,595
SE R-Line Black 4MOTION AWD2.0L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,825 lb$31,895
SEL FWD2.0L 4cylFWD1,500 lb3,735 lb$32,545
SEL 4MOTION AWD2.0L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,825 lb$33,845
SEL Premium R-Line 4MOTION AWD2.0L 4cylAWD1,500 lb3,825 lb$39,095

Max rating by year

05001,0001,5002,0002,5002009201220152018202120242026
Highest rating each year, 2009 to 2026. Pounds.
  • Changed in 2019: 2,200 lb to 1,500 lb.
  • Changed in 2025: 1,500 lb to 1,800 lb.

Rivals: max tow rating

2021 rivals by max tow rating
ModelMax tow ratingCheapest trim at maxMSRP
Ford Escape3,500 lbSEL AWD$33,205
Jeep Compass2,000 lbSport 4WD$25,995
Mazda CX-52,000 lbSport FWD$25,370
Volkswagen Tiguan (this car)1,500 lbS FWD$25,245
GMC Terrain1,500 lbSL FWD$25,000
Honda CR-V1,500 lbLX 2WD$25,350
Subaru Forester1,500 lbAWD$24,795

Lists by trailer weight

Other models rated for these weights.

What this cannot tell you

Ratings need the right hitch and tow package.

Passengers and cargo count against the payload.

How values are checked