The Volkswagen Tiguan has solidified its position as a popular choice in the crowded compact crossover segment. While it might not ignite passion with groundbreaking features or exhilarating performance, the 2024 VW Tiguan excels at being consistently good across the board. This even-keeled approach has earned it favor among a wide range of reviewers and consumers alike. But in a market brimming with compelling alternatives, does the Tiguan do enough to stand out, or is it destined to be just another face in the crowd? Let’s delve into a comprehensive review of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan to help you decide if it’s the right crossover for your needs.
The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Front View on Road
The “All-B” Crossover: Consistently Competent
Think of the 2024 Tiguan as the automotive equivalent of a student who consistently earns Bs. It’s not going to wow you with straight As in any single category, but it reliably delivers solid performance in almost every area. This balanced approach is both its strength and, perhaps, its slight weakness. There isn’t a single aspect where the Tiguan definitively leads its class, yet it manages to avoid any major pitfalls, resulting in an overall package that’s broadly appealing. For those seeking a dependable and well-rounded crossover without demanding segment-leading excellence in any specific trait, the Tiguan presents a compelling proposition.
Exterior Design: Familiar Volkswagen Aesthetics
The Tiguan’s exterior styling is unmistakably Volkswagen. It adheres to the brand’s design language, which, while handsome and clean, might be perceived as somewhat dated by some, having maintained a similar silhouette for nearly a decade. The tested model was an R-Line, which adds subtle sporty enhancements intended to elevate its appearance, edging it closer to the more premium aesthetic of its Audi cousins. These R-Line touches do succeed in injecting a bit more visual flair into the Tiguan’s design, providing a slightly more upscale feel without drastically altering its core, familiar look.
Side profile of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line
Interior Comfort and Technology: Spacious but Not Luxurious
Inside, the Tiguan’s cabin prioritizes space and practicality. Material quality has improved over previous generations, incorporating softer touchpoints that hint at a touch of refinement. However, it still falls short of class leaders like the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 in terms of overall interior luxury and design sophistication. Passenger space is generous throughout, offering ample room for occupants in both rows. While the rear seats are spacious, they are noted to be somewhat flat, particularly the seat bottoms, which might detract from comfort on longer journeys.
Volkswagen’s integration of haptic touch controls, including steering wheel sliders, is a point of contention. These controls are often criticized for being less intuitive and more cumbersome to use than traditional buttons. Another frequently mentioned annoyance is the Tiguan’s overly sensitive and loud warning chimes, triggered by actions like starting the vehicle without a seatbelt or opening the driver’s door. Conversely, the central infotainment display is user-friendly, and most other controls are logically placed and easy to operate. The cabin is also commendably quiet at highway speeds. While the Tiguan’s interior is certainly functional and spacious, it lacks the “wow” factor found in some competitors, though it’s still a more pleasant environment compared to the rather somber interiors found in models like the Toyota RAV4.
Rear passenger seats in the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
Performance and Fuel Economy: Mid-Pack and Mundane
Performance from the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is adequate for daily driving but falls squarely within the average range for the class. An 8.5-second sprint to 60 mph is not particularly quick, and the engine can exhibit some hesitation from a standstill, requiring a delicate balance of throttle input to avoid either sluggishness or abrupt acceleration. Fuel economy is rated at 25 MPG combined, which is described as “fine” – neither exceptionally good nor particularly poor compared to rivals. However, for a vehicle with modest performance, this fuel economy is somewhat underwhelming. The Tiguan’s substantial weight of around 4,000 pounds likely contributes to both its unremarkable acceleration and fuel consumption figures.
Dashboard and infotainment system of the 2024 VW Tiguan SEL
Driving Experience: Comfort Over Excitement
On the road, the 2024 Tiguan prioritizes ease of driving and comfort over dynamic engagement. The light steering makes it effortless to maneuver, particularly in urban environments and during longer drives. Despite its lightness, the steering remains stable and composed at highway speeds, which is a positive attribute. However, the Tiguan is not designed for spirited driving on winding roads. While it maintains general composure and the available 4Motion all-wheel drive provides confident traction, it lacks the agility and driver involvement found in more dynamically focused crossovers. For those prioritizing a more engaging driving experience, models like the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 remain the benchmarks in this segment.
Pros and Cons: Summarizing the Tiguan Experience
Pros:
- Spacious Interior: Offers generous passenger and cargo space.
- Consistent Performance: Reliably good across various aspects.
- Comfortable Ride: Prioritizes comfort and ease of driving.
- Competitive Pricing: Undercuts some top-tier competitors like the Toyota RAV4.
Cons:
- Weak Engine: Performance is adequate but not exciting.
- Uninspiring Driving Dynamics: Lacks driver engagement and fun.
- Haptic Steering Wheel Controls: Can be frustrating to use.
- Mediocre Fuel Economy: Not particularly efficient for its performance level.
Red 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Exterior
Who is the 2024 VW Tiguan For?
The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is a solid choice for buyers seeking a practical, spacious, and comfortable compact crossover that delivers consistent performance without demanding excitement or segment-leading features. Its appeal lies in its well-rounded nature and lack of glaring weaknesses. While driving enthusiasts might find it lacking in engagement, and those prioritizing luxury interiors might look elsewhere, the Tiguan holds considerable appeal for a broad spectrum of buyers. Its German branding also adds a touch of perceived prestige for those seeking an alternative to Japanese marques. Ultimately, the Tiguan’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to meet the needs of a wide range of consumers seeking a dependable and competent crossover SUV.
Interior of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL trim
Front seats and dashboard of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
Spacious interior view of the Volkswagen Tiguan
Detailed view of the VW Tiguan SEL interior features
