Volkswagen Tiguan 2024: The Return of the King of Urban SUVs

Sold over 7.6 million copies since 2007, the Volkswagen Tiguan is the European urban SUV star. Its 3rd generation aims to stay that way.

Don’t rest on your laurels. In a world that changes rapidly and in very broad proportions, a star of yesterday and today isn’t guaranteed to be one tomorrow. For this reason, the 2024 Tiguan (to be released in February) is making a deep reevaluation.

Its dimensions already, closer to a “small Touareg” (+3 cm in length, unchanged in width and height), than to the Taigo, the SUV derived from Polo. The appearance then, with curves that align with Volkswagen‘s current style seen in the ID.4 and ID.5. In a sense, it’s a counterpoint to the sharp lines of its competitors, Peugeot 3008 and Renault Scenic, which are much more divisive. Volkswagen has always played the consensus card. The figures show that this appeals. Will it still be true in the future with more and more Chinese companies that lack distinctive personality?

Depending on the trim, the Tiguan has gained some sportiness and modernity. Practicality remains a priority for families, with a larger trunk (+37 liters), reaching 652 liters thanks to the sliding rear bench. Volkswagen does not specify the exact variation of trunk volume depending on the engine versions, the rechargeable hybrid’s battery often taking up space…

Inside, the leap into modernity is astonishing. It must be said that one of the main criticisms recently directed at Volkswagen and its electric models was their interior design. These models are in direct competition with experts like Tesla or Mercedes. An observant eye will recognize this interior: it’s that of the new Passat, a rationalization far from being silly, as customers are indifferent as long as quality is at the expected level.

Two screens of 10.25 and 15 inches inform the driver and passengers. These dimensions are on par with market references. A new, faster software and rethought ergonomics should provide a more cohesive experience. Let’s hope these innovations trickle down to the rest of the ID.3 to ID.5 range.

Finally, the powertrains. Not entirely electric versions, but the very classic: gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid… and diesel.

Rechargeable hybrids, which are expected to be the most expensive but in line with current trends for urban access, will offer two power levels: 204 and 272 horsepower. An electric motor of 115 hp and a 20 kW battery should provide up to 100 km of range, offering homologated consumption of 0 liters/100 km. Clever.

In reality, since few car owners actually recharge their vehicle, these strategies tend to inflate actual consumption to around 8 liters/100 km.

Other powertrains will also be available:

Light hybrid of 130 and 150 hp
2.0 TDI diesel of 150 and 193 hp
Gasoline of 200 and 265 hp

The most powerful engines are likely to come with all-wheel drive (4Motion) as standard. Lastly, no price has been announced yet, but the new Tiguan will face a tough dilemma: around 40,000 euros, isn’t it better to go straight for a much cheaper electric car?