LOOKS

In typical Volkswagen fashion, the 2024 Tiguan features classy European styling inside and out. It’s not designed in a gaudy or flashy style. Instead it’s unassuming yet still attractive, and upscale in its unique way. 

My test vehicle featured a Pyrite Silver Metallic exterior paint job, 17-inch alloy wheels w/ all-season tires, LED lighting, heated power adjustable side mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear wiper and black roof rails. Many of the design features of the Tiguan are echoed on the larger Atlas SUV, and the front end is particularly distinctive vs. other vehicles in the class.

Higher trim levels offer wheels in 18,19 and 20 inches. A panoramic sunroof is offered on all trims above the base model.

Moving on to the interior, the immediate impression you’ll get is that the Tiguan is a roomy SUV. There is plenty of legroom and headroom in the first two rows and seats are quite comfortable (with materials ranging from cloth to leather depending on trim level).

A unique feature in the Tiguan is the option of a third row, which is almost unheard of in this segment of SUVs. Three-row versions can seat 7 people, and two-row Tiguans seat 5 passengers.

The third row is a nice feature for families with larger numbers of children, but the reality is the third row is pretty tiny. Don’t expect adults to sit back there, and it’s really for smaller children, who are the only ones who’ll be comfortable in those seats. 

The second row features a 40/20/40 fold-down setup, and third row access is easy to gain for smaller kids. Overall the setup is quite versatile. The third row also folds down for when you need to maximize space and haul cargo.

The three-row setup comes standard on most trim levels of the 2024 Tiguan, but you can opt for the two-row setup if you don’t want the extra seats. 

Other interior features include:
— Manual climate controls; adjustable air vents in 2nd row 
— Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
— Tilting and telescoping adjustable steering column— Heated driver's seat and front passenger’s seat
— Auto-dimming interior rear view mirror 
— Center console with cup holders and storage

In terms of cargo space, the three-row Tiguan features 12 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 33 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.3 cubic feet behind the front row. WIth the two-row version, those numbers grow to 37.6 cubic feet and 73.4 cubic feet, which are among the best numbers you’ll find in class.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

All trim levels of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan feature under the hood a 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder engine that is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Total output is 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque.

My vehicle featured front-wheel drive, but VW allows you the option of adding its 4Motion all-wheel drive system. The Tiguan features a four-wheel independent suspension, and electric power steering.

Acceleration is not a strong point on the Tiguan, taking close to 9 seconds to go from 0-to-60 miles per hour. Compared to other SUVs I’ve tested in this segment, the Tiguan is lackluster in terms of power.

On the plus side, the Tiguan’s brakes worked effectively, it handled quite well, and the ride is generally smooth once you were up to speed, and it keeps out road noise effectively. Those seeking big speed and power off the line may want to pass, but drivers seeking a solid overall driving experience are more likely to be interested.

Multiple drive modes are offered on the Tiguan, including Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

Moving on to technology, I tested a base model with a simple 6.5-inch touchscreen. Higher trim levels bump the size up to 8 inches, so I recommend making that jump in trim levels.

With the smaller screen, my experience was lackluster though it was easy to connect a phone via Bluetooth. Physical climate controls were placed below the touchscreen and easy to use.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for phone mirroring is also included.

A screen in front of the driver offers lots of information, but the controls to access that information are not the most user-friendly.

Tech features offered in the Tiguan include: 

— Front-row USB ports 
— Illuminated, carpeted cargo area with 12V power port 
— Keyless access and push-button engine start
— 6-speaker sound system (and an optional 9-speaker Fender Premium Audio system)
— Bluetooth connectivity
— Ambient lighting
— Satellite radio (3 month free trial)

Moving on to safety features, the Tiguan comes equipped with a solid list of features to help drivers stay safe on the roadways.

All Tiguans get VW’s IQ.Drive system that keeps the vehicle in the proper lane via its lane-keeping assist feature and adaptive cruise control.

You also get six airbags, electronic stability control, automatic post-collision braking, tire pressure monitoring, LATCH system for car seats, a rearview camera system, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, blind spot monitor and rear traffic alert.

All these systems worked very well in my time behind the wheel of the Tiguan, and keep Volkswagen competitive with rival SUVs in terms of safety capabilities.

On the higher trim levels, the Tiguan offers Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), which can help steer the vehicle into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.

MPG

The 2024 Tiguan lists official fuel mileage numbers of 24 city/31 highway/27 combined on FWD versions. Add in the AWD option, and the numbers drop to 22 city/29 highway.

My test vehicle was a FWD version and matched the listed numbers, with a full tank topping 400 miles of distance.

While not class-leading numbers, the Tiguan’s fuel economy is competitive in the segment and quite efficient.

PRICE

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan that I tested was priced at $29,855; Prices move up from there to about $40K. Trim levels include S, SE, SE R-Line Black and SEL R-Line.

These prices are generally competitive with the main SUVs that compete with the Tiguan — most of which don’t offer the third row option. I would recommend choosing at least the SE trim level, whose features should satisfy most buyers.

Warranties are decent, but lag behind industry leaders. They include:
— Overall bumper-to-bumper warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles
— Powertrain warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles
— Free maintenance visits for 2 years or 20,000 miles
— 24-hour roadside assistance for 3 years or 36,000 miles; covering towing, jump starts, tire changes, out-of-fuel & lock-outs

BOTTOM LINE

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is a unique option in the compact SUV category due to its third row option, a rarity in the class.  

While it’s not the most powerful or most flashy ride in its segment, the Tiguan does offer a smooth ride and a solid overall package that delivers a lot of desirable features for a reasonable price, making it an option that many SUV buyers will want to consider.

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