Generally speaking, SUVs are among the easiest vehicles for mounting devices. Large dashboards, open vents, and reachable windshields usually provide plenty of mounting options. Unfortunately, that is not the case with the Volkswagen Tiguan.
The Tiguan has a dashboard layout that limits several common mounting positions. Certain areas that would normally work well in other vehicles simply are not usable here. In this guide we walk through the interior layout of the Tiguan and determine which mounting locations actually work for phones and GPS devices.
If you are trying to install a mount in this vehicle, understanding these limitations first will save a lot of frustration.
Mount Analysis
One thing you may notice immediately is that tablets are not mentioned in the title of this article. That omission is intentional. After evaluating the Tiguan interior, there simply is not a practical place to mount a tablet without blocking visibility or interfering with controls. For this reason, the focus here will be on phones and GPS units.
The Tiguan is actually one of the more difficult SUVs we have examined when it comes to device mounting. It rivals the notoriously difficult Nissan Murano, which had similarly awkward interior design choices.
Looking at the dashboard layout, several potential mounting points quickly get eliminated. The center dash includes a recessed tray, which prevents many dashboard suction mounts from forming a secure seal. The CD player is located inside the glove compartment, making CD slot mounts impossible. The cup holders are positioned far toward the rear of the center console, which places a mounted phone too far away to comfortably view while driving.
Once these limitations are considered, two realistic mounting locations remain: the windshield and the air vents.
| Mount Location | Works in Tiguan? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dashboard | ❌ Poor | Recessed tray prevents most suction mounts |
| CD Slot | ❌ Not usable | CD player located inside glove compartment |
| Cup Holder | ❌ Poor | Too far back for navigation viewing |
| Windshield | ✅ Good | Best overall mounting option |
| Air Vents | ✅ Good | Works well with strong vent mounts |
Recommended Mount Locations
Based on the interior layout, the windshield and the air vents remain the most practical mounting points. Both provide a clear line of sight for navigation while keeping the device within reach of the driver.
Windshield Mount Recommendation
The windshield is the most flexible mounting location in the Tiguan. Because the windshield is reasonably close to the driver, a suction mount can be positioned low and slightly to the side without blocking visibility.
A strong suction mount also avoids the issues caused by the recessed dashboard tray.
One reliable option is the iOttie OneTouch 6 windshield mount. This mount is popular because it works with almost any smartphone and offers a telescoping arm that helps position the device exactly where you want it.
- Compatible with most phones and cases
- Telescoping arm for improved reach
- Strong suction mount for windshield or dash surfaces
- 360-degree rotation for portrait or landscape viewing
Vent Mount Recommendation
The center vents in the Volkswagen Tiguan are positioned well for navigation apps such as Waze or Google Maps. When a phone is mounted here it sits close to eye level, which makes it easy to glance at directions while driving.
However, the Tiguan vents have a slight upward angle. This means that many generic vent mounts will tilt the phone toward the ceiling rather than toward the driver. For best results you should choose a mount with a strong vent clip and a fully adjustable ball-and-socket joint.
The Andobil Air Vent Mount works well in this vehicle because its clip design holds firmly to the vent slat and the adjustable head allows the phone to face the driver.
- Fits most modern smartphones
- Ball-and-socket adjustment
- Secure vent clip design
- Works with most phone cases
Final Thoughts
The Volkswagen Tiguan presents more mounting challenges than most SUVs. Several locations that typically work well in other vehicles are either inaccessible or poorly positioned in this model.
After evaluating the interior layout, the windshield and the center air vents remain the only truly practical mounting positions. Fortunately, high-quality mounts designed for these locations can still provide a secure and convenient solution for holding a phone or GPS device.
With the right mount and careful placement, Tiguan drivers can still achieve a safe and functional setup for navigation and hands-free device use.
