How the Volkswagen Tiguan Stands Out in a Crowded Market

The Volkswagen Tiguan brings necessary European flair to the mainstream market, which is void of European influence. What does this VW SUV bring to the table?

The 2025 version of the Tiguan isn’t on the market yet and doesn’t have full pricing and specs, but we know a few things about this new model. The 2025 version is the beginning of the third-generation version of this VW SUV and it drops the third-row seat option that has been a big part of the model for many years.

This SUV might lose its seat option, but it gains in other areas with three new exterior colors confirmed: Avocado Green Pearl, Ascot Grey, and Monterey Blue Pearl. There could be a PHEV version offered, but that hasn’t been confirmed yet. In the meantime, the 2024 Tiguan still has a lot to offer.

What does the 2024 VW Tiguan bring to the table?

It can be hard to stand out in a crowded segment, especially when you want to be just as appealing as others without being polarizing. That said, the Volkswagen Tiguan stands out beautifully in the crowded compact crossover segment, giving you the look and feel you want without being overdone. The tasteful style, sharp handling, and European spirit are alive and well in this SUV.

When you open the doors to the Tiguan, you’ll find a cabin that’s filled with impressive features and elements that make it easy for you to have the look and feel that you want to enjoy. This area is a good space for people and cargo with the right style, giving you a reserved and purposeful space that is easy to enjoy when you’re on the road.
The 2024 Tiguan is the last model year in which a third row seat will be offered, but that means you have less cargo room in the rear when you add this rearmost row of seats. Still, if you want the versatility required to carry more passengers, this third-row seat is necessary.

The right powertrain for this SUV

The Tiguan makes use of a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission which sends power to the front wheels in base models. You can enjoy the optional VW 4Motion AWD system in higher trims, giving you the added benefit of power flowing to all four wheels.

If you have an FWD version of this SUV, you’ll enjoy 24 city/31 hwy, while AWD models reduce these figures to 22 city/29 hwy mpg.

Give and take inside the Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the oldest models in the segment and when the third row is added the legroom becomes tighter in all three rows. Still, the cabin feels spacious and airy when you’re on the road, which is interesting considering the tighter measurements. If you choose the 4Motion AWD system, you can’t have a third row and passengers in the second row enjoy two additional inches of legroom compared to three-row models.

The interior layout of controls and electronics is pretty simple and functional but not extremely stylish. You’ll need to step up at least one trim to the SE model to have power-operated front seats. As you climb the trims, you can have leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof, giving you the look you want.

When you have the three-row version of this SUV, you only have 12 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Once this seat is folded, you’ll enjoy 33 cubic feet of cargo room. This means you’ve got the versatility you need but won’t be able to fit three rows of passengers and all their cargo in this SUV, but that’s the case for some full-size SUVs, too.

The infotainment is ok

The latest VW infotainment system is okay, but other brands offer much more infotainment and connectivity. Still, you’ll have some buttons and knobs to make it easy to use the system and stay connected. The addition of wireless charging makes it easier to connect the way you want, and a Wi-Fi hotspot is also standard, giving you added connection possibilities.

Get ready for a new Tiguan

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan should be available soon but isn’t ready for a review. Until then, the 2024 model will have to do, and for those shoppers looking for a three-row version of this compact SUV, the 2024 model is exactly what they want and need.