Used Volkswagen Tiguan for sale: everything you need to know
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.
Should you buy a Volkswagen Tiguan?
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.
What’s the best used Volkswagen Tiguan model to buy?
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.
Used Volkswagen Tiguan fuel economy and performance
- Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI 125: Offered as the entry-level petrol engine at launch in 2017, the 1.4 TSI makes 125PS, and has a six-speed manual gearbox. 0-62mph takes 10.2 seconds, while economy is up to 46mpg.
- Volkswagen 1.4 TSI TSI 150: The 150PS version of the 1.4 TSI cut the 0-62mph time down to 8.9 seconds, and VW claimed a combined 48mpg.
- Volkswagen Tiguan 1.5 TSI 130: The 1.5-litre TSI arrived in 2018 and replaced the 1.4-litre versions, producing 130PS, getting to 62mph in 9.9 seconds, and offering a claimed 44.1mpg average.
- Volkswagen Tiguan 1.5 TSI 150: With 150PS the 1.5-litre TSI’s 0-62mph time falls to 8.9 seconds, while economy is up to 40.4mpg depending on specification.
- Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI 190: A 190PS output requires a larger 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and a dual-clutch automatic is the only gearbox on this all-wheel drive only model. 0-62mph drops to 7.6 seconds while economy is up to 40.4mpg.
- Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI 245: Another dual-clutch only model, the 245PS variant of the 2-litre gets a hot hatchback-style 5.8-second 0-62mph time, and economy of up to 32.5mpg.
- Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI 320: This engine is found only in the Tiguan R. It’s effectively the 2-litre engine from the Volkswagen Golf R, making 320PS, getting to 62mph in 4.7 seconds, and returning 29.7mpg.
- Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI eHybrid 245: Introduced in 2021, the plug-in hybrid Tiguan can cover 30 miles on electric range, and the combination of 1.4-litre turbo and electric power makes for 245PS. 0-62mph takes 5.5 seconds, and economy is claimed at up to 177mpg depending on trim.
- Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 150: The first of two diesels uses a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 150PS, and is available either as a manual or with a dual-clutch automatic. Depending on trim, 0-62mph takes 9.1 seconds and economy is 54.3mpg.
- Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 200: The more powerful TDI makes 200PS, gets to 62mph in under eight seconds, and can average up to 43.5mpg with its standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel drive.
What used Volkswagen Tiguan trim levels are available?
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 Life serves as the entry-level model, but still comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, three-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, wireless smartphone charging and satellite navigation.
- Volkswagen Tiguan Elegance steps up to 19-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and a rear-view camera system, plus a Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster.
- The Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line has a sportier look than the models below it but keeps the same broad range of engines. Equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a full R-Line bodykit, sports-style seats and a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel.
- The Volkswagen Tiguan R is the range-topping performance model, getting not just a 320PS engine, but also a bespoke bodykit and 21-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, a special all-wheel-drive system, performance brakes and Dynamic Chassis Control.
- The Volkswagen Tiguan Black Edition is based on the R-Line and much like similar editions found across the market, trades brighter trim elements for darker ones, including black 20-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows, and black exterior trim, plus a panoramic sunroof and heated steering wheel.
Used Volkswagen Tiguan dimensions and boot size
The Volkswagen Tiguan’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4509mm
- Width: 1839mm
- Height: 1675mm
- Ground clearance: 191mm
The Volkswagen Tiguan’s boot size is:
- 615 litres
- 1655 litres with rear seats folded
Used Volkswagen Tiguan road tax
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.
How much is it to insure a Volkswagen Tiguan?
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.
