Top-Rated Compact Crossover SUV Autobytel & AutoPacific Consumer Award

by Jeffrey N. Ross

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February 1, 2012

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2 min. Reading Time

Small crossovers are some of the most popular vehicles on the market right now, but the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan came out on top being named the top-rated compact crossover SUV in AutoPacific's 2012 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA). Tabulated by more than 75,000 customer surveys, these awards assess the owner satisfaction for new cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs in 26 vehicle segments to single out the 2012 Tiguan as the segment's best-rated compact crossover SUV. Since the VSA only looks at the ownership satisfaction of the vehicles, the 2012 VW Tiguan obviously provided the best overall owner experience by beating out eight other competitors to be named the highest-rated compact crossover SUV.

Top-Rated Compact Crossover SUV: 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan

Positioned in one of the most competitive vehicle segments, the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is most likely considered a top-rated compact crossover SUV due to plenty of luxury for a non-luxury price. Only since the Tiguan's introduction have other compact crossovers really started offering extensive luxury in the entry-level compact crossover SUV market. To keep up with the competition, the 2012 VW Tiguan has been updated with a new exterior and interior design which was a key factor in standing out as the best-rated compact crossover SUV. Although it isn't clear why buyers are satisfied with their 2012 Tiguan, a strong engine, advanced all-wheel drive system and a great interior are all likely contributors to making the Tiguan the highest-rated compact crossover SUV.

Top-Rated Compact Crossover SUV Winner: 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Competitors

Proving how diverse this segment is, the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan won the top-rated compact crossover SUV award over rivals like the Hyundai Tucson, MINI Countryman and the Kia Sportage. This segment is popular for the small size of the vehicle with most of the models, including the Tiguan, riding on a small car platform while still delivering plenty of cabin space with a comfortable, family-friendly layout. In looking at some of the other vehicles that were considered for the best-rated compact crossover SUV, the Tiguan seems to have satisfied buyers with classic "boxy" SUV styling and its numerous luxury options and packages that some lower-priced crossovers don't offer (including features like a panoramic sunroof, LED running lights and a touch-screen navigation system). As this vehicle segment continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how Volkswagen keeps its Tiguan as the highest rated compact crossover SUV.