2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

Offering accommodation for seven is one way of hooking attention while competing in a class bristling with excellent rivals. That third row is standard unless you want all-wheel drive (AWD). In which case, it’s back to the usual 5-seater arrangement. The third row is not spacious — this is a compact SUV, after all — but it could work for the occasional school run or bringing one of the kids’ friends along for the ride.

That ride will at least be comfortable because Volkswagen has set up the Tiguan for smoothness instead of sportiness. That’s logical; it pleases more people more of the time.

The base S trim gains a self-dimming rearview mirror, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, rain-sensing wipers, and simulated leather wrapping for the steering wheel. A new generation of Tiguan is expected for the 2025 model year. The current generation debuted for 2018, so it’s about ready for replacement.

The only other small SUV with three rows of seating is the Mitsubishi Outlander, priced from $28.4K. If two rows are acceptable, a whole world of alternatives opens up. The Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-50, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, and Nissan Rogue all start in the high 20s.

Before buying a new Tiguan SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should pay. Resale values are below average

The Tiguan is among the larger and heavier entries in the compact SUV segment, which becomes evident under moderate acceleration. It’s quick enough when it needs to be; you have to work it a bit harder. On the plus side, outward vision from this raised perch is good, and a workable driving position is a cinch to set. We’ve found the whole experience to be easy. Not much effort is required for steering or braking, and comfort is baked into the suspension settings. A traditional shift lever is most welcome in an era when many manufacturers are migrating to buttons. Standard driver assistance features include forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact SUVs, including the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Fuel Economy

The S trim of the 2024 Tiguan compact SUV with front-wheel drive (FWD) achieves 27 mpg in mixed driving (24 city, 31 highway). That’s not as good as the base Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, both rated for a combined fuel economy of 30 mpg. The rest of the FWD lineup is thirstier by one mile per gallon on each cycle. With AWD in the mix, the Tiguan manages 25 combined mpg unless it’s the top SEL R-Line trim, which returns 24 combined mpg.

The mix of standard equipment in the base S trim of the 2024 Tiguan SUV is odd. For example, Volkswagen includes heated front seats, but the infotainment touchscreen is a relatively small 6.5 inches on the diagonal. The rest of the range has an 8-inch version, but it is still not impressive for the class. Still, most materials are of decent quality, and the interior design has thoughtful details, such as the recessed temperature control sliders that can be adjusted by feel instead of having to look at them. If buyers can afford the one-up-from-base SE trim, they’ll find simulated leather seating surfaces and a dual-zone automatic climate control that recognizes voice commands. To get its attention, say, “Hey, Volkswagen,” followed by a spoken order like “Raise the cabin temperature by two degrees,” and your Tiguan will obey.

Three seating rows are standard in the first trio of trim levels as long as the default FWD configuration is also in the picture. As the Tiguan is a compact SUV, that rearmost row is a kids-only zone unless you’re giving a couple of hobbits a lift back to Middle Earth. Adult humans of average build should be sufficiently content in the reclining second row with 36.6 inches of rear legroom. Versions without the third row provide 38.7 inches of legroom in the second row.

The third row splits and folds in a 50/50 manner. The second row follows the 40/20/40 formula and slides forward and back with about six inches of travel. The third row divides cargo space, with 12 cubic feet behind it. Fold the second and third rows to make a maximum of 65.3 cubic feet. A 2-row/AWD counterpart has 37.6 cubic feet going up to 73.4. This compares well with the roomier members of the class.

LED exterior lighting is standard across the 2024 Tiguan lineup, adding to this compact SUV’s contemporary look. We like the trapezoidal exhaust outlets, but they’re fake. The real exhaust is hidden behind the rear fascia. It’s a cheesiness that seems inappropriate on a Volkswagen. A powered tailgate is standard in the one-up-from-base SE trim. We’ve found that it’s pretty heavy without that assistance. Hands-free operation is part of the top trim.

Digital Cockpit
Every 2024 Tiguan SUV sports a digital driver information display. The first three trims have a non-configurable 8-inch version. The top level brings a configurable 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro.

VW Car-Net
Owners can connect with their 2024 Tiguan SUVs using a smartphone app. Services include remote lock/unlock, automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle location, and how much fuel is in the tank.

Emergency Assist
If the driver becomes incapacitated, this standard feature will bring the Tiguan to a gradual stop and activate the hazard warning lights.

Ambient LED lighting
The top two Tiguan trims put on more of a luxury car show with a choice of 15 colors for this ambient cabin lighting system.

All-wheel drive
VW gives the term 4Motion to its all-wheel drive systems. Like the front-drive Tiguan, there are Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes. But 4Motion adds Snow and Offroad modes.

Park Assist
Exclusive to the top SEL R-Line version, this takes the stress out of dealing with parallel and perpendicular parking spaces by handling the steering and transmission. The driver works the accelerator and brakes, but there’s also slow-speed emergency braking.

The Tiguan employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This goes to the front wheels or an all-wheel drive system through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The top SEL R-Line has AWD as standard. With the proper equipment, a Tiguan is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Volkswagen’s new-vehicle warranty, including the powertrain, lasts for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. That’s good for the class since Honda and Toyota have 3-year/36,000-mile warranties. Still, those other automakers cover their powertrains for five years or 60,000 miles. Two scheduled services — at 10,000 miles (or one year) and 20,000 miles (or two years) — are also part of the deal.

Safety Ratings

This generation of Tiguan has received the highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but four stars out of a possible five overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.