2024 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV

　　

2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　A compact crossover with surprisingly large interior space, the Tiguan brings sharp style and unexpected versatility to a crowded, competitive class. The Tiguan's elegant exterior lines echo the larger Volkswagen Atlas, and even pricer Audi and BMW crossovers, while the interior design — not especially imaginative — is nonetheless treated to premium materials and an intuitive layout. Smooth ride quality matches the Tiguan's upscale vibe, which extends to the strong, low-end power from its turbo engine. Some clunky gear changes mar the driving experience, and most rivals are slightly more fuel-efficient, but the Tiguan's overall sophistication makes it a top small SUV pick.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$141/mo  for Tiguan S

　　Tiguan S

　　S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $28,880 MSRPS 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $30,380 MSRPSE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $31,580 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $33,080 MSRPSE R-Line Black 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $34,580 MSRPSE R-Line Black 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $36,080 MSRPSEL R-Line 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $38,880 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: More seats in a pinch

The Tiguan is slightly longer than a few close rivals but offers less front and rear legroom. It sounds counterintuitive, but instead the Tiguan has expansive cargo space — nearly 38 cubic feet puts it among best in class — that can be repurposed with two more seats. The third row comes standard unless you order all-wheel drive (in which case it's removed to accommodate extra AWD hardware underneath), and it folds flat when you don't need it. And while its utility is questionable, the Tiguan is among the few to offer it. Young kids will fit OK, but you won't want to strand tall passengers back there for long. Still, it's an appreciated feature for times when extra passengers need a short lift.

　　

Competitors to consider

Small SUVs with an available third row are few, and ever fewer at the Tiguan's price. The Kia Sorento is our top pick. It's slightly longer, the extra row a bit roomier, and it's loaded with features. The base engine is sluggish, but there's an optional turbo. The recently redesigned Mitsubishi Outlander is stylish and comfortable and offers a plug-in hybrid. Pricier picks include the Land Rover Discovery and Mercedes-Benz GLB. If a third row isn't important, the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-50 are all class-leading considerations.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Tiguan drive? The turbocharged engine is reasonably strong. We tested a front-wheel-drive Tiguan and it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds, which is average for a small three-row SUV. But the Tiguan has a problem deploying its power smoothly and is somewhat prone to both underreacting and overreacting to moderate requests for more power. This makes it occasionally difficult to accelerate smoothly.

　　The steering has good accuracy and excellent weighting. Whether you're navigating a parking lot or a twisty road, the Tiguan is a willing partner. The brakes, too, are light and easy to manage. Smooth stops can be made without a second thought. Outright stopping power isn't the best, due in large part to fairly low-grip tires, but our test Tiguan demonstrated good stability and composure in our emergency braking tests.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Tiguan? With a ride that borders on plush, it's clear Volkswagen made comfort a priority with the Tiguan. Sharp bumps are nicely rounded off, and the highway ride manages to float over imperfections while maintaining very good body control. Even larger potholes are absorbed without much notice.

　　Once underway, the Tiguan boasts a quiet cabin with minimal engine, road and wind noise even at elevated speeds. The engine does sound somewhat crude when pulling away from a stop, but it blends into the background quickly. The climate system's touch-sensitive controls aren't our favorite, but the system otherwise provides good air coverage and adjustability.

　　Front seat comfort is OK, but we wish they offered a bit more support, especially in the bottom cushions, and better breathability. The outboard second-row seats offer welcome sculpting and bolstering, but the third-row seats are barely functional for anyone but small children.

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