The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover SUV known for its sharp and stylish design, versatility, and spacious interiors. Besides these, its powerful engine options, coupled with reasonable pricing and its host of convenience and safety features, helped it become one of the brand’s best-selling automobiles globally. Those looking for a practical and versatile automobile will find their pick in the Tiguan. But, knowing certain key details regarding it will help potential buyers with decision-making.

1. Cabin quality and practicality

Similar to other Volkswagen vehicles, the Tiguan’s cabin offers a robust and high-quality feel. All the panels and surfaces in this vehicle’s interiors are well-finished and made with soft-touch plastics, leather, and other premium materials.

Practicality is a key highlight of the Tiguan’s interior cabin. In the latest model, the drive selector lever has been shifted from the centre to the right-hand column stalk to free up storage space between the front seats. Volkswagen has also reduced clutter within the cabin by minimizing the number of physical buttons on the central console. Most functions, like navigation, climate control, and the audio player, can be controlled through a central touchscreen infotainment system. Drivers can also handle many of the SUV’s functions through the controls on the steering wheel. Volkswagen’s voice recognition system is another layer of control that helps regulate many features in the cabin.

While the door pockets can hold large water bottles, the glovebox offers ample storage space and depth for small to medium-sized objects. Other units, such as the cubby hole below the central armrest with two cup holders and a central compartment to store a pair of phones below the centre air vents, also contribute to its practicality.

2. Seating comfort and cargo storage space

The latest model of the Volkswagen Tiguan comes with a longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor. This means that even passengers taller than 6 feet will find comfort in this SUV’s seats. The front seats feature added bolstering, making them extra supportive and comfortable for occupants. The steering wheel and front seats are adjustable in multiple ways (including lumbar support adjustment), making it easy for occupants to find a comfortable seating position. The rear seats come with generous legroom and also offer space underneath the front seats for occupants to tuck their feet into. The flat roof, too, liberates a lot of headroom at the back. All in all, the Tiguan can comfortably accommodate five adults, making it ideal for family use or group travel.

The rear seats can be folded in a split 40/20/40 manner to optimize boot space. The seats can also be slid back and forth, as well as folded flat and reclined using handles in the boot. With 652 litres of boot space, the Tiguan boasts one of the roomiest storage units in its class. In the eHybrid plug-in variants, the battery takes up some of this space, leaving around 490 litres for passenger luggage. All variants gain an additional 1,000 litres of boot space when the back seats are dropped down entirely.

3. Engine, performance, and fuel economy

There are several engines in the Volkswagen Tiguan’s lineup. The two eTSI drivetrains — a 128 bhp eTSI 130 and a 148 bhp eTSI 150 — combine a 1.5-litre petrol engine with varying degrees of mild-hybrid assistance to boost performance and mileage. The eTSI 130 accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 10.6 seconds, while the eTSI 150 does the same in 9 seconds.

Two eHybrid plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models offer a combined power output of 201 bhp and 268 bhp. The vehicles’ electric-only range is an impressive 62 miles, making electric-only mode ideal for weekly commutes to work. A diesel option is also available. This 2.0-litre TDI engine produces 148 bhp and has a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 9.4 seconds. Two more powerful 2.0-litre TSI petrol engines equipped with 4-wheel drive offer much more rapid performances.

The latest version of the vehicle is available in four trim levels — S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line. The ultra-sporty variant of the vehicle comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that yields 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. 

Across different variants, the combined fuel economy of the Tiguan ranges from around 44 mpg to 52 mpg.

4. Ride quality and handling

The light steering, quick throttle responses, and direct gearbox ensure this SUV remains composed on various road surfaces. On twisty roads, the automobile handles more like a smaller car. The ride quality is solid and stable on most roads due to the pliant suspension on this vehicle. All in all, the comfort-driven driving dynamics, combined with the luxurious cabin, make this vehicle a delight for long cruises.

5. Technology features and safety equipment

The Volkswagen Tiguan comes with a long list of features aimed at improving comfort, convenience, and connectivity. High-end variants of this automobile come with automatic 3-zone climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, interior ambient lighting, wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a massaging functionality on the front seats.

Safety functions such as airbags for the driver and other passengers, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), traction control, stability control, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and pre-and post-collision warning systems come as standard across the Tiguan’s range.

6. Price range

The Volkswagen Tiguan for sale in the UK is priced between £34,085 and £48,220. Both manual and automatic variants are available for sale, and buyers can explore attractive financing deals offered by various dealerships nationwide.