[7] The first generation Tiguan was initially shown as a concept vehicle at the LA Auto Show in November 2006.

[14][15] The production form of the Tiguan was revealed online in June 2007[16][17] following a prototype preview in Namibia,[18] before being officially launched at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2007.

In Russia and other markets, trim levels included Trend & Fun, Sport & Style, and Track & Field.

Features included six airbags, ESP, Trailer Stability Program integrated with the ESP, ISOFIX child seat anchorages on the rear bench and electronic parking brake with auto hold function, RCD 210 radio with integrated CD player, semi automatic climate control system, four electric window lifts, electrically adjustable and heated outside mirrors, trip computer, RF remote control of central locking and various storage compartments and bins.

The Track & Field package featured a redesigned front module, with a 28-degree approach angle (instead of 18-degree),[24] hill descent assistant, modified driving pedal characteristic, EDS adaptation (electronic differential locks are activated at the slightest slip), ABS adaptation (which aids with braking on loose substrates), hill ascent assistance, automatic transmission gear level pre-selection (including optimal engine braking effect), 16-inch alloy wheels, tire pressure indicator, black roof rails, engine underbody protection, compass display, special door impact guard strips and seats with adjustable lumbar support.

[27] Imported from Germany, Volkswagen of America had positioned the first generation Tiguan as a niche product due to its high price tag impacted by a crippling dollar-euro exchange, with annual sales of 20,000 to 25,000 units.

[35] The second generation Tiguan was unveiled at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September 2015 for the 2016 model year, now built on the Volkswagen Group MQB A2 platform.

As a result, VW claimed interior space has been improved, with rear passengers having 29 mm (1.1 in) more knee room.

The LWB version is manufactured in Mexico to supply worldwide markets (except China), with some countries importing them as knock-down kits.

[47] The updated Tiguan features newly designed headlamps, radiator grille, and broader bumper intakes similar to the Mk8 Golf, along with a new bonnet, LED tail lights, and rear diffuser.

[48] A new multifunction 'digital' steering wheel is offered and a redesigned centre dashboard incorporates a new touchscreen display with VW’s latest MIB3 software.

Released in 2020 alongside the facelifted model, the Tiguan R is powered by a new 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 that delivers 320 PS (235 kW; 316 hp) and 420 N⋅m (310 lb⋅ft), shared with the Arteon R and the Mk8 Golf R. The engine is mated to an all-wheel-drive system which has the ability to split torque between the axles and between the rear wheels.

A driving mode selector is included complete with a “Race” setting which can be prompted by a dedicated button on the steering wheel.

The Tiguan was updated for the North American market in 2022, with similar exterior and interior changes as the short wheelbase European model.

The infotainment system was updated with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto being offered on all but the base model.

[57] The 2022 Tiguan has new standard safety features: blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and rear traffic alert.

Other safety features are available, for instance automatic high beam, parking assist, and dynamic road sign recognition.

[60] The locally-built Tiguan was later facelifted for the Mexican market on 9 September 2021 for the 2022 model year, discontinuing the Trendline Plus and Highline trim levels.

[62] The second generation Tiguan was first announced for the Australian market in October 2015, about one month after its debut in IAA.

The LWB Tiguan Allspace was announced for Australia in April 2018, with the pricing and specifications were later revealed in June 2018.

The launch of the Tiguan in the Indian market marks Volkswagen India's return to the SUV segment, since the Touareg was discontinued there in 2013.

The LWB Tiguan Allspace was showcased at the Auto Expo 2020 and was launched to the Indian market in March 2020.

The Malaysian-spec Tiguan is locally assembled at HICOM Automotive's plant in Pekan, front-wheel drive only and powered by a 1.4-litre TSI engine.

The LWB version will be imported from Mexico as HICOM Automotive only produces the SWB variant of the Tiguan.

It is now locally assembled at GMM's plant in Purwakarta, West Java as a medium knock down (MKD) unit to avoid large import tax.

[73] At the 2018 Moscow International Automobile Salon, Volkswagen unveiled the Tiguan Offroad for the European market, it features a characteristic off-road exterior design, compared to the normal Tiguan, including different bumper designs with skid plates, black chrome window trim strips, black roof rails and side mirror covers, and a special "OFFROAD" badge located on the B-pillar.

For the interior, it features comfortable front seats with the centre storage compartment wrapped in fabric leather, black headliner, multifunction steering wheel, gear knob wrapped in leather, aluminum trim, stainless steel pedals and rubber floor mats.

[74] In Mexico, a special exclusive limited edition model for the Mexican-spec Tiguan was launched there on October 15, 2019.