The Volkswagen Tiguan has carved a niche for itself in the competitive compact SUV segment by consistently delivering a well-rounded package. While it may not ignite passion with groundbreaking features or exhilarating performance, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan excels at being reliably good across the board. This evenness makes it a popular choice for families and individuals seeking a dependable and comfortable crossover, even if it lacks a standout attribute that truly sets it apart from rivals. Let’s delve into a comprehensive review to see why this “all-B grades” SUV continues to attract a legion of fans.
Image: 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line front perspective showcasing its updated grille and bumper design.
Exterior Design: Familiar Yet Refined
The Tiguan’s design language is unmistakably Volkswagen, maintaining a familiar aesthetic that has been refined over the years. While some might find the styling evolutionary rather than revolutionary, its handsome and understated appearance has aged gracefully. The R-Line trim, as featured in this review, adds subtle sporty enhancements, nudging the Tiguan’s visual appeal closer to its Audi counterparts, lending a touch of premium sophistication. It’s a design that plays it safe, appealing to a broad audience seeking a vehicle that looks both modern and timeless.
Image: 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line side view highlighting its silhouette and wheel design.
Interior Comfort, Space, and Technology: Practicality Prioritized
Inside the 2024 Tiguan, Volkswagen has made noticeable strides in material quality, creating an ambiance that hints at luxury without fully embracing it. Soft-touch surfaces are more prevalent, though it still falls short of segment leaders like the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 in outright opulence. Space is a significant advantage for the Tiguan, offering generous room for both front and rear passengers. However, the rear seats, while spacious, could benefit from improved contouring for enhanced long-distance comfort.
The integration of haptic-touch controls, particularly on the steering wheel, is a debatable feature. These sliding controls can be finicky and less intuitive than traditional buttons. Another point of contention is the rather intrusive and loud warning chimes for unfastened seatbelts and opening the driver’s door, even in Park. While safety is paramount, the execution feels somewhat overzealous. On a positive note, the central infotainment display is user-friendly, and most controls are logically placed. The cabin remains reasonably quiet at highway speeds, contributing to a relaxed driving experience. Overall, the Tiguan’s interior is practical and spacious, prioritizing functionality over outright “wow” factor, a stark contrast to the more somber and less airy interiors found in competitors like the Toyota RAV4.
Image: 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan interior rear seating area demonstrating passenger space.
Engine Performance and Fuel Economy: Adequate but Not Agile
Performance-wise, the 2024 Tiguan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which is typical for this class. However, its acceleration is merely adequate, taking around 8.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. The throttle response from a standstill can be inconsistent, sometimes requiring more pedal input than expected, which can lead to a jerky start. While Volkswagen pioneered modern turbocharging, the Tiguan’s engine performance feels somewhat unrefined. On the upside, the transmission shifts smoothly and avoids the overly eager upshifting issues seen in some recent VW models. Fuel economy is EPA-rated at 25 MPG combined, which is squarely in the middle of the pack – neither impressive nor particularly poor. This middling fuel efficiency, combined with average acceleration, is perhaps exacerbated by the Tiguan’s relatively hefty weight of around 4,000 pounds.
Image: 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL interior showcasing the dashboard layout and infotainment screen.
Driving Dynamics: Comfort and Ease of Use
Out on the road, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritizes comfort and ease of driving over sporty handling. The light steering makes maneuvering effortless, especially in city driving and parking. Despite being light, the steering remains composed and stable at highway speeds, which is a desirable trait for long commutes. However, the Tiguan is not designed for spirited driving on winding roads. While it maintains composure and the available 4Motion all-wheel-drive provides confident traction, it lacks the engaging driving dynamics found in more driver-focused crossovers like the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50. The Tiguan is built for comfortable and predictable transportation rather than thrilling driving experiences.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Spacious cabin for passengers and cargo
- Consistent performance across various aspects
- Comfortable and easy to drive
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Engine performance is underwhelming
- Haptic steering wheel controls are not user-friendly
- Fuel economy is just average
- Lacks excitement and standout features
Image: Red 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan exterior parked in an urban setting.
Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Practicality
The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is a crossover that excels in its consistency and practicality. It may not be the most exhilarating or luxurious option in its class, but it competently addresses a wide range of needs and desires for compact SUV buyers. Its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and user-friendly technology make it a solid choice for families and individuals prioritizing functionality and reliability. While driving enthusiasts might yearn for more engagement and excitement, the Tiguan’s balanced approach and competitive pricing, often undercutting top-tier models like the Toyota RAV4, solidify its position as a popular and sensible choice in the crowded crossover market. For those seeking a dependable and well-rounded German-engineered SUV without demanding a standout feature, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan remains a compelling option.
Image: Interior of a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL highlighting the seating and dashboard.
Image: Detailed view of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan’s dashboard and steering wheel.
Image: Volkswagen Tiguan interior showcasing the cargo space and rear seats.
Image: VW Tiguan SEL driver’s seat and dashboard controls perspective.
