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The Volkswagen Tiguan is a common sight on UK roads, being one of the most popular cars in one of the most popular sectors of the market, and it’s carved out a small section of that market as a desirable, upmarket alternative to cars like the Nissan Qashqai. It’s a similarly talented all-rounder too, with a wide range of engines and trim levels, a spacious and well-built cabin, and reasonable pricing.
The Tiguan’s popularity also means plenty of choice, so while it isn’t the most affordable SUV when new, it’s much easier to find a Tiguan in your budget on the used market. The latest model has been around since 2017 with a facelift in 2020, but whichever version you’re looking at, read on to find out more below.
The Tiguan is one of VW’s biggest sellers globally, thanks to its high-quality feel, strong equipment levels, spacious and comfortable cabin, and easy-going driving characteristics. All of these are reasons that the Tiguan makes a solid used buy too, and it should absolutely be on your shortlist if you’re shopping for a family SUV.
Volkswagens often feel a cut above their mainstream equivalents, and that’s certainly true of the Tiguan. The cabin is constructed from tactile materials and also feels well put together - important if the car is going to be leading a hard life with a family on board. It’s no more spacious than the SEAT Ateca and Skoda Karoq which are otherwise very similar in size and shape and typically cost a little less, but it does have a slightly more premium feel in return.
Engine choice is a mix of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid. Diesel remains popular in the Tiguan, unsurprisingly so given its mix of performance and economy. Less common is the range-topping Tiguan R - it’s relatively expensive to buy and run, and isn’t as good to drive as the smaller and lower Golf R, so doesn’t make the most sense for either family buyers or enthusiasts.
We’ve already mentioned the Ateca and Karoq, which get you a similar car for less money than the Tiguan, but the more upmarket Audi Q3 is also worth considering if you can stretch your budget (or are prepared to look at an older model). The Nissan Qashqai is a favourite for UK buyers too - it doesn’t have the VW’s badge cachet, but it’s sensible and dependable.
Diesel makes up a tiny fraction of the market compared to a decade ago, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook diesel engines, particularly in a car like the Tiguan - the 150PS TDI is an excellent all-rounder, with decent performance (not just in terms of acceleration, but in easy-going torque and a relaxed motorway gait) and the promise of 40mpg economy. It’s a doddle to drive with the DSG automatic gearbox too, though the manual is slick too if that’s your preference. The 1.4 and 1.5-litre TSIs are a decent alternative if you cover fewer miles (and less thirsty than the 2-litre petrols). If you’re looking at an earlier car then Match trim brings a decent level of equipment, while the entry-level Life trim in post-2020 cars is pretty generous with kit too.
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We’re concentrating on post-2020 Tiguan trim lines here, but on the used market you may also find a wide range of trims offered between the car’s 2017 launch and the 2020 update. In general these later models will be better equipped, but no Tiguan feels too sparse - you may find that some trim lines weren’t available with certain engines, however.
The Volkswagen Tiguan’s exterior dimensions are:
The Volkswagen Tiguan’s boot size is:
Most current-generation Tiguans on the market will have been registered since 1 April 2017, and therefore attract a flat rate of VED. That’s currently set at £190 per year, or £180 for hybrids, though if the car you’re looking at cost more than £40,000 when it was new, this payment balloons to £600 per year (£590 for hybrids), only returning to the lower figure from year seven onwards.
Opt for a 1.5-litre TSI model in Life trim and you’re looking at just insurance group 15, which wouldn’t look excessive on a regular family car like a Golf, so a Tiguan need not cost a fortune to insure. Even the Tiguan R with its 320PS engine is still only group 36 - not exactly pennies to insure, but respectable given its high performance.
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How many Volkswagen Tiguan cars are available for sale?
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