Volkswagen Tiguan
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a family SUV that won’t compromise on comfort or quality? The Volkswagen Tiguan might be exactly what you need. This mid-size SUV has built a strong reputation for combining German engineering with everyday practicality. It’s designed for families who want space and versatility without sacrificing the refined driving experience that Volkswagen is known for.

The Tiguan stands out in a crowded marketplace with its mature, sophisticated approach. Where rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage focus on value and features, the Tiguan prioritises build quality and long term reliability. The interior feels premium and well constructed, with materials that look and feel more expensive than the price suggests. Everything from the door handles to the switchgear operates with that distinctive Volkswagen solidity.

On the road, the Tiguan delivers a composed and comfortable experience. The ride quality is excellent, soaking up bumps and road imperfections with ease. It handles predictably and safely, inspiring confidence whether you’re navigating school run traffic or tackling a weekend family adventure. While it comes with a higher price tag than some competitors, the Tiguan justifies this with superior refinement, strong residual values, and the peace of mind that comes with Volkswagen’s reputation for dependability.

What's the Volkswagen Tiguan Like to Drive?

The Volkswagen Tiguan offers a well-rounded selection of engines that prioritise efficiency and refinement over outright performance. The entry-level 1.5 TSI petrol engine produces around 150 horsepower, providing adequate power for most driving situations. For those wanting more capability, the 2.0 TSI delivers up to 245 horsepower in the sportier variants. The diesel options, including the popular 2.0 TDI, offer strong torque delivery that’s particularly useful when fully loaded or towing.

Where the Tiguan excels is in its overall driving composure. The steering is well weighted and accurate, making it easy to place on the road with confidence. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control. Around town, it glides over speed bumps and potholes with minimal fuss. On faster roads, it feels stable and planted, with minimal body roll through corners. This makes it an ideal choice for families who value a calm, stress free driving experience. The available 4Motion all wheel drive system adds extra traction in challenging conditions, though most buyers will find the front wheel drive versions perfectly adequate for everyday use.

Inside the Volkswagen Tiguan: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Tiguan and you’re greeted by one of the best interiors in its class. The dashboard design is clean and logical, with high quality materials used throughout. Soft touch plastics cover the key contact areas, and the fit and finish is exemplary. The seats are supportive and comfortable, with good adjustment range to help drivers of all sizes find their ideal position. The driving position itself is excellent, offering good visibility in all directions.

Technology integration is seamless, with the touchscreen infotainment system responding quickly and intuitively. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, making it easy to integrate your smartphone. The digital instrument cluster is clear and informative without being overwhelming. One of the Tiguan’s standout features is how quiet the cabin remains at cruising speeds. Wind and road noise are well suppressed, creating a serene environment that makes long journeys feel effortless. Higher specification models add features like ambient lighting, heated seats, and a panoramic sunroof that further enhance the premium feel.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is an excellent choice for buyers who prioritise quality, refinement, and long term reliability in their family SUV. It successfully combines German engineering excellence with genuine everyday practicality. The interior quality is outstanding for the class, and the driving experience is mature and confidence inspiring. The strong build quality and attention to detail justify the premium pricing.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Volkswagen Tiguan Expensive to Run?

As a premium product, the Tiguan sits at the higher end of the running cost spectrum for family SUVs, but offers good value for money overall. The efficient TSI and TDI engines help keep fuel costs reasonable, with real world fuel economy typically ranging from the high 30s to low 50s MPG depending on your driving style. The diesel variants are particularly economical for high mileage drivers. Insurance groups are moderate for the class, though they’ll be higher than for smaller hatchbacks.

The Tiguan’s strong residual values help offset the higher initial purchase price. Volkswagen’s reputation for reliability and build quality means these vehicles hold their value well over time. Servicing costs are reasonable for a premium brand, and the widespread dealer network makes maintenance convenient. For buyers considering car finance, the Tiguan’s strong residual values often translate into competitive monthly payments. While you’ll pay more than for a budget alternative, the superior refinement, quality, and long term reliability make it a sensible investment for many families.

Volkswagen Tiguan Practicality & Boot Space

The Tiguan is one of the most practical choices in the family SUV segment. The generous 615-litre boot easily accommodates the weekly shopping, holiday luggage, or sports equipment. The rear seats fold down in a 60:40 split, creating a large, flat load area that can handle bulky items like furniture or bicycles. Inside the cabin, there are plenty of storage solutions including door bins, cup holders, and a useful centre console for keeping everyday items organised.

Rear seat space is generous, with enough legroom for adult passengers on longer journeys. The elevated seating position gives all passengers a good view out, which children particularly appreciate. For families with young children, the wide opening doors and high seating position make fitting child seats relatively straightforward. The Tiguan strikes an excellent balance compared to other SUV options, offering genuine practicality without feeling unwieldy in urban environments. Its compact exterior dimensions make parking manageable, while the interior space rivals much larger vehicles.

The Volkswagen Tiguan stands as a benchmark in the competitive family SUV market by delivering genuine premium quality at a reasonable price point. It combines Volkswagen’s renowned build quality, sophisticated technology, and refined driving dynamics in a package that works brilliantly for real world family life. While it may cost more than some rivals, it excels in the areas that matter most for long term satisfaction.

You choose the Tiguan because you want a family SUV that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Its excellent interior, impressive practicality, and composed road manners make it ideal for everything from the school run to family holidays. It’s perfectly suited for buyers who appreciate quality engineering and want a vehicle that will serve them reliably for many years. For families seeking a well-rounded SUV with a reputation for dependability, the Tiguan represents excellent value among used Volkswagen cars.