The Volkswagen Tiguan has carved a niche for itself in the competitive crossover SUV segment by being consistently good across the board. While it may not ignite passion or boast class-leading performance in any single area, this German-engineered vehicle delivers a balanced package that appeals to a broad spectrum of drivers. For those in the market for a reliable and spacious family vehicle, the Tiguan warrants a closer look. Let’s delve into a comprehensive Volkswagen Tiguan Review to see if it aligns with your needs.
Image showing the Volkswagen Tiguan badge and front grille, highlighting the subtle design updates for the 2024 model year.
Exterior Styling: Familiar Yet Refined
The Tiguan’s exterior design follows Volkswagen’s philosophy of evolutionary rather than revolutionary changes. The current generation maintains a familiar silhouette seen across Volkswagen’s lineup for years, yet it still presents a handsome and contemporary appearance. The tested model, equipped with the R-Line package, adds subtle sporty enhancements, aiming for a more upscale aesthetic reminiscent of its Audi cousins. These R-Line tweaks successfully inject a bit more visual flair, making the Tiguan appear more premium without being ostentatious.
Side profile of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line, showcasing its clean lines and sporty trim details.
Interior Space and Comfort: Practicality Prioritized
Stepping inside, the Tiguan’s interior reflects a clear focus on practicality and space. Material quality has seen improvements over previous iterations, with softer touchpoints contributing to a slightly more luxurious feel. However, it’s important to note that the Tiguan’s cabin doesn’t quite reach the premium ambiance offered by segment leaders like the Mazda CX-5 or CX-50. Where the Tiguan truly shines is in its generous cabin space. Occupants in both front and rear seats will find ample room, though the rear seat cushions are noted as being somewhat flat and less supportive for extended journeys.
Volkswagen’s integration of haptic-touch controls, including steering wheel sliders, is a point of contention. These controls can be less intuitive and more distracting than traditional buttons. Another peculiarity is the overly sensitive and loud warning chimes, particularly for the driver’s seatbelt and door. While these are intended for safety, their intrusiveness can be bothersome. On a positive note, the central infotainment display remains user-friendly, and overall cabin ergonomics are well-considered. Road noise is also reasonably well-suppressed, contributing to a comfortable highway experience. The Tiguan’s interior, while not groundbreaking, prioritizes functionality and space, offering a stark contrast to the more confined and somber interiors found in competitors like the Toyota RAV4.
A view of the Volkswagen Tiguan’s rear passenger seats and spacious legroom, highlighting its family-friendly dimensions.
Performance and Fuel Economy: Adequate but Not Exciting
Under the hood, the Tiguan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which is standard fare for this vehicle class. However, its performance is best described as adequate. Acceleration to 60 mph takes around 8.5 seconds, which is not particularly quick. Furthermore, throttle response from a standstill can be inconsistent, requiring a delicate balance to avoid either sluggishness or abrupt jolts. While Volkswagen pioneered modern turbocharging, the Tiguan’s engine performance feels somewhat unrefined in this aspect. On the upside, the Tiguan’s transmission avoids the overly eager upshifting and subsequent downshift hunting that has plagued some recent VW models. Fuel economy is EPA-rated at 25 MPG combined, which is simply “fine” – neither impressive nor particularly poor for the segment. This middling fuel efficiency, coupled with unremarkable acceleration, is likely impacted by the Tiguan’s relatively hefty weight of around 4,000 pounds.
Dashboard view of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL trim, showcasing the infotainment system and interior layout.
Driving Experience: Comfort and Ease of Use
On the road, the Tiguan prioritizes ease of driving and comfort over dynamic engagement. Its light steering makes it effortless to maneuver, especially in city driving and during longer commutes. Despite being light to the touch, the steering maintains stability and composure at highway speeds, which is a commendable trait. However, the Tiguan is not designed for spirited driving on winding roads. While it maintains general composure and available 4Motion all-wheel drive provides confident traction, it lacks the fun-to-drive character found in more engaging crossovers like the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50.
Conclusion: A Solid All-Rounder with Broad Appeal
In conclusion, the Volkswagen Tiguan review reveals a crossover that excels in its consistent performance across various key areas. While it may not offer the exhilarating driving dynamics of a Mazda or the rugged off-road capability of some competitors, the Tiguan’s strength lies in its well-rounded nature. Its competitive pricing, often undercutting higher trims of the Toyota RAV4, further strengthens its value proposition. For buyers prioritizing practicality, spaciousness, and a comfortable driving experience from a reputable German brand, the Tiguan presents a compelling option. While driving enthusiasts may find themselves drawn to more engaging alternatives, the Tiguan’s widespread popularity and consistent sales figures speak volumes about its ability to satisfy the needs of a vast majority of crossover SUV buyers.
Pros:
- Spacious interior
- Consistent performance across categories
- Comfortable ride
- User-friendly technology
Cons:
- Underwhelming engine performance
- Haptic steering wheel controls
- Unremarkable fuel economy
Front three-quarter view of a red 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, highlighting its exterior color options.
Interior shot of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL, focusing on the dashboard design and front seats.
Close-up of the Volkswagen Tiguan’s steering wheel and driver controls, emphasizing the haptic touch interface.
Panoramic view of the Volkswagen Tiguan’s interior, showcasing the overall cabin layout and spaciousness.
Detail shot of the Volkswagen Tiguan SEL’s interior door panel, highlighting material quality and design.
