Overview

The Tiguan is not only one of the most popular family SUVs out there, but for the past three years, it has been Volkswagen’s biggest-selling model across the globe. In the UK, things are different, with the Polo and Golf making more regular Top 10 appearances, but even so it’s a popular member of the German firm’s vast line-up, and owners tend to love theirs.

So, the Tiguan is extremely important for VW. It’s now in its third generation, and although the styling is quite restrained, there’s plenty of technical evolution to get our teeth into. In order to take on the class-leading Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and SEAT Ateca among others, the VW’s interior especially, is feature packed and presented in a sleek way. Does it have all the safety kit? Absolutely.

In addition to its suite of driver-assistance systems, the Tiguan comes with a wide range of engines, configurations and power outputs covering petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid. Given the firm’s premium volume market positioning, it’s going also need to have enough appeal to offer an alternative to the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40.

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What’s it like inside?

There’s a new infotainment system, which echoes what’s offered in the ID range, and you can’t escape noticing that it’s super-sized, ranging from 12.9 to 15.1-inches. You could say it’s too big and a bit intrusive, but we’d argue it makes the infotainment set-up easy to use, with large buttons and a simple user interface.

The largest version literally dominates your view, but at least makes using its functions simple. It’s combined with the firm’s touch-sensitive pads for ancilliary controls (such as heating and volume controls), and other than the reinstatement of buttons on steering wheel, VW appears to remain wedded to these annoying input devices. At least the touchpads are now backlit at night, so you can see what you’re doing.

It now comes with the ChatGPT AI-driven voice control system, should you decide you don’t want to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. In terms of how it works, it’s a mixed bag offering answers to a variety of questions, but the answer isn’t necessarily helpful. Consider it a work in progress.

Other than that, the seats are supportive, rear legroom is generous, and the overall build quality (where you can see it) is on the money. No doubt a Hyundai Tucson is more tightly screwed together, but the Tiguan feels just a little bit classier. There’s 652 litres of seats-up boot space, which is right on the pace for this class, as well as being larger than the outgoing Tiguan.

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Volkswagen Tiguan engines

There’s a big choice of engines. From two mild-hybrid petrols, two plug-in hybrids, two 2.0-litre turbo petrols and a diesel, the Tiguan seems to have all bases covered. There are no surprises there, and this is VW’s strength. Mild Hybrids are badged TSI, PHEVs are known as the eHybrid and the diesel is a TDI. The entry-level petrol model is expected to be the biggest seller.

We managed to drive the 1.5 TSI, TDI and eHybrid in a model-packed launch event, and that’s given us a fair insight into how the Tiguan fares against the opposition. Starting with the 150hp diesel, this is everything you would expect it to be – punchy, quick off the mark, and economical.

This is the one to go for if you’re regularly towing, or love a 500-plus mile range – expect about 55mpg out of it in daily driving. As you’d expect, it’s a very competent effort, and is flattered by the smooth-shifting DSG transmission. It can lack response when pulling out of side roads or when you need to accelerate quickly, but this is a momentary glitch.

The big-selling 1.5 TSI is available in 130hp and 150hp forms, but either way it delivers its power in a very different way to the diesel. It’s smooth and likes being driven hard, but isn’t quite as punchy. That’s reflected in the figures, with a 0-62mph time of 10.7 seconds (or 9.1 for the diesel and the 148bhp petrol) – but it’s more pleasant to drive. Typical fuel economy will be around 43mpg.

Last but not least, the eHybrid proves to be a very convincing all-rounder, and quite an improvement over the old Tiguan. It’ll be available in 204hp and 272hp forms when it goes on sale later in 2024, and both offer a battery-only range (WLTP) of 62 miles.

The eHybrid works well, offering rapid acceleration, with a claimed 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds for the most powerful version – but it also comes with a baffling array of drive modes. Sport seems to be the best of all, but you’ll be glad to know it’ll still deliver all of its power in Eco mode when needed.

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What’s it like to drive?

The new Tiguan has been engineered to appeal to keen drivers. So it’s been given two-valve shock absorbers which assist in delivering a smooth ride and agile cornering. They work in conjunction with the selectable drive modes and various suspension settings. Adjustment involves a play with the sliders on the drive mode screen, with generous differences between soft and firm settings.

In Comfort, the Tiguan offers impressive comfort. It flattens the worst road surfaces without too much body roll corners. Sport setting weighs up the steering, but also upsets the ride quality equilibrium. One thing that surprises is how responsive the eHybrid is. It steers accurately, corners with real poise and level-headed calm, and on smooth roads at least seems to be the best of the lot.

But they are all good, putting in a sophisticated performance, which bodes well for drivers used to the old model’s body roll and the blurred dynamics associated with it. Even in Comfort you’re not going to be mired in body control issues, which is a good thing in an SUV.

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What models and trims are available?

There are five trim levels – Tiguan, Life, Match, Elegance and R-Line. There’s a large range of engines to choose from as detailed above, but all models get a DSG automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is fitted as standard on the most powerful petrol versions as standard.

Pricing for the 1.5 TSI mild hybrid and 2.0 TDI are on sale now for delivery in Spring. eHybrids follow later in 2024.

What else should I know?

It’s longer, taller and wider than before, it’s also larger inside, and sits on the same underpinnings as the forthcoming next-gen Passat. Expect Skoda and Cupra equivalents to follow, as well as a seven-seater Tiguan Allspace.

Is this now the class-leading family SUV for your money? With all that tech on board and significant variety of engines to choose from it certainly looks that way. To find out how we rate it, read on for our verdict.