We look at the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan’s powertrain, interior quality, technology, and more to see if this small SUV is the right choice for you.
The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is part of this model’s second generation launched in 2018. It comes standard with a slew of impressive safety technologies, the availability of a third row, and a single powertrain to rule all four trim levels. Buyers can choose between front or all-wheel drive but both formats use an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Overall, the Tiguan is an interesting entry in the very crowded crossover segment.
The biggest updates to the 2024 Tiguan come from the software department. Automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centering assist are all standard features across the lineup now. In addition, the infotainment system on base units is updated and incorporates a wireless charging pad.
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Unique packaging
Sharp chassis
Standard safety suite
Just one engine
Doltish infotainment system
Slow acceleration
A solid SUV
Under the hood of every Tiguan is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Those figures are about average if not a touch above-average for the base vehicles in this segment. For instance, the Mazda CX-50 comes with 187 hp and 187 lb-ft of torque, the Honda CR-V makes 190 hp and 179 lb-ft, and the Ford Bronco Sport develops 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque.
In short, it’s competitive amongst base-level engines in this segment. At the same time, unlike all of those competitors, Volkswagen doesn’t offer the Tiguan with any other available engine. That’s a big letdown since the chassis of the Tiguan is nimble, sharp, and even playful at times. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is good too. That’s why it’s a bit frustrating that the Tiguan can do no better than a zero to sixty time of about 8.5 seconds.
Of course, the benefit of being slow in most cases is good fuel economy and the Tiguan sort of delivers there. It gets up to 24 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. That’s not bad for a non-hybrid. Nevertheless, we’d love to see VW add both a performance engine and a hybrid to this lineup as soon as possible. Those might help the Tiguan achieve more than a somewhat mediocre 1,500-lb towing capacity it has now.
Volkswagen is known for its clean and straightforward interior designs and that’s present in the Tiguan. The dash, center console, and seats appear polished and almost elegant. Visibility is good though we could do with additional seat cushion support. The real star of the Tiguan show is its interesting configurability though.
Front-wheel drive models come with three rows of seats which is very rare in this segment. Of course, that’s due to the smaller nature of this class. In the Tiguan, the third row is compromised and diminishes second-row legroom but don’t let that scare you away. Most third-row users will likely be kids and they’ll fit fine. Notably, the somewhat tight quarters result in a very small cargo space behind the third row of just 13 cubic feet.
AWD versions of the Tiguan don’t have access to the third row, so they seat five only. That makes the cabin feel far more comfortable for second-row passengers and it adds far more cargo space in the rear as well. Fold down the rear seats in the Tiguan and you’ll get over 65 cubic feet of storage space. That’s average for the segment.
Volkswagen’s approach to technology improves over last years model. Its safety suite, dubbed IQ.Drive comes standard across the lineup with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering technology, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. We’d love to see more brands follow that lead and include all that tech in their lineups.
We’d also love to see Volkswagen update the rest of its tech package. The base 6.5-inch infotainment system appears small and out of place in this SUV but that’s not really the big issue. Instead, it’s the somewhat frustrating experience of using it. The screen is touch-sensitive but prone to long delays before it reacts to input. In addition, Volkswagen still includes several touch-sensitive controls that don’t provide a consistent reaction either.
Thankfully, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both standard across the lineup and both work well once connected. In addition, it’s worth noting that the Tiguan offers available wireless charging and comes standard with two USB ports in the front row. Second-row ports are also available, but third-row passengers can’t get them no matter how much one spends.
The base Tiguan gets 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, cloth upholstery, heated front seats, a 6.5-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
This trim adds 18-inch wheels, a power liftgate, remote start, faux leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment system, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a wireless charging pad, and a second-row USB power port.
The SE R-Line Black has 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, ambient interior lighting, black interior and exterior trim, parking sensors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Finally, this SEL R-Line includes standard AWD, leather upholstery, 20-inch wheels, a hands-free liftgate, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 10.25-inch gauge cluster, adaptive headlights, a Fender sound system with nine speakers, a surround-view camera system, and an automated parking system.
The Tiguan is a very interesting vehicle in a largely average segment. It serves as one of the very few offerings that can haul seven people and it does so in a measure of comfort. It’s a dapper SUV too and looks like it belongs at a higher price point. At the same time, it’s not as engaging to drive as rivals from Mazda, Ford, and Honda. Attractive new car incentives might sweeten the pot but that’ll be customer specific.
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The Tiguan would benefit from at least one extra engine option that’s either more fuel-efficient or more performance-oriented. The lack of a second engine option really holds the Tiguan back from standing out further in this field. Beyond that, it’s a solid package that deserves attention from those who want three rows in a compact package.
Volkswagen makes the Tiguan in Wolfsburg, Germany.
The Tiguan seats up to seven so long as it has the third row in place.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is available with AWD, but most come standard with FWD only.