After the first information about the new Volkswagen Tiguan and the announcement of Ukrainian prices, we finally have a personal meeting with such an important and anticipated novelty! So, let's take a closer look at what the new Volkswagen Tiguan will offer, what are its advantages and disadvantages. It looks like this review is going to be quite a long one; but it's definitely going to be very interesting and detailed. Let's go!
Design: incomprehensible exterior, excellent interior
When you look at the new Volkswagen Tiguan, the question to the designers immediately arises: what did you want to say with this? Hints of the large Volkswagen Touareg premium car? Yes, I can see it - in the overall shape of the hood and the side lines that gently bend around the wheel arches. Any hints of the Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover and other similar ID-electric vehicles? I can see it too - in the general shape of the headlights and the dark stripe between them, in the combined taillights. Or maybe they wanted to emphasize the corporate relationship between different Volkswagen models? This is also noticeable - for example, the curved and low-lying grille is reminiscent of the new Volkswagen Passat.
It seems that the new Volkswagen Tiguan is trying to please everyone, but it can't seem to form its own recognizable style. Let me remind you that the previous Volkswagen Tiguan was more straightforward - not only figuratively, but also in the literal sense of the word. However, times change - and so does car design.
The new Volkswagen Tiguan crossover seems to bring back the era of biodesign and at the same time clearly looks like a car from 2024: just look at the two-element LED headlights, the complex shape of the headlights with individual elements (like scales), the wide-spoke wheels (so fashionable now), the side windows that are almost at the same level without transitions. It is made in accordance with modern trends, and you can see it immediately, it is a fact. And it is also efficient: this design has improved aerodynamics, which should have a positive impact on reducing fuel consumption and reducing noise levels when driving fast on the highway.
The third-generationVolkswagen Tiguan crossover has grown in size compared to its predecessor, but not significantly: length - 4.54 meters; width - 1.84 meters; height - 1.66 meters; wheelbase - 2.7 meters; the growth in size is a few centimeters. The ground clearance is declared at 168 mm, but visually it is much larger. The design raises questions, but you will definitely not confuse the new Volkswagen Tiguan of the third generation with its predecessors. In fact, just think back to the first and second generations of the crossover - it's typical for the Volkswagen Tiguan to change its design significantly with each generation. By the way, an interesting reference: more than 7 million vehicles have been sold to date Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the company's most popular models in recent years (for example, the Volkswagen Golf hatchback has sold more cars but in more years); production of the new Volkswagen Tiguan is set up in Germany.
The interior has also changed completely. At first, it seems that the new Volkswagen Tiguan has a rather simple interior: flat glossy panels, a minimum of buttons, a round switch on the center console, and, of course, a very large display that literally attracts and concentrates the eye. This is the moment when you need to break away from the screen (and stereotypes) and try to look deeper into all the features of the new Volkswagen Tiguan and its interior.
First of all, yes, the front of the cabin is mainly formed by a flat glossy panel. However, on the driver's side, it serves as the basis for a 10.25-inch display, and on the passenger side, it is decorated with LED-backlit lines and a model name, plus ventilation deflectors on the right/left. The digital instrument panel is designed without a visor, but has a special coating and does not suffer from sun glare. I say this when comparing the Volkswagen Tiguan with another test car I had at almost the same time, which had a similar digital instrument cluster, but with a conventional display, as well as a conventional visor - and there was more glare from the sun when its rays did pass outside the visor.
Secondly, let's talk about the large 15-inch touchscreen display. It allows for free menu configuration; the climate control zone (temperature display, recirculation, heated or ventilated seats) is located at the bottom; additional "shortcut" buttons for certain functions are located at the top. The rest of the useful display area and menu configuration can be customized as the driver or passenger wishes. This is very convenient, because it allows you to really customize the menu according to your own preferences and the need for certain functions. That is, you do not adjust to the capabilities of the car's multimedia system, but the system adjusts to your needs. Below this display is a touch panel that controls the climate temperature and audio volume. Even lower are the ventilation deflectors. Below that is a large niche pocket for things, which contains a folding panel and two wireless chargers. It seems like a small thing, but it's incredibly convenient: you can keep one or two phones on charge, you can open this panel and have convenient access to the phones, you can keep it closed and have access to a large niche.
Third, let's look at the center console, where there is a round switch with a built-in screen. It seems that the first role that suggests itself is to control the volume of the audio system; it is. However, as soon as you press the switch (and swipe your finger across the built-in touchscreen), you get access to the choice of "atmosphere" or driving modes. With the driving modes, everything is more or less clear (comfortable, sporty, off-road, etc.); but what are these "cabin atmospheres" and what do they affect? So: atmospheres are complex settings for the color of the interior lighting, the design of the dashboard, and specific settings for the sound of the audio system. It's a great idea! But the question is: where is the automatic transmission lever?
From now on, the transmission control lever has turned into a small joystick under the steering wheel, located on the right. Moreover, this joystick does not raise/lower, but scrolls forward/backward. It's very unusual, but you get used to it quickly - after a week behind the wheel of the new Volkswagen Tiguan, I was looking for such a joystick for a long time while driving other test cars. However, here's the kicker: the joystick pushed out the switch that usually controls the windshield wipers, and it had to be moved to the left switch, where the headlight and turn signal controls are already assembled. It's a bit of a mess, but if you take into account the light/rain sensors and the ability to automatically turn on the headlights and wipers, it's not as bad as it might seem at first glance. Speaking of headlight control, the headlight switch is now a physical button (not a touchscreen one); and I'd also like to note that physical buttons on the steering wheel are back.
The first impression of the interior of the new Volkswagen Tiguan: flat panels, a large display, a round "puck" in the center; that's it. But get to know it better - and it will pleasantly surprise you in the details. Just like the exterior, this cabin gives the feeling of 2024 and hints at minimalism. But at the same time, the interior is perceived as very pleasant and elaborate - because it is.
I usually use a single block of text and photos to describe the front/rear interior and the trunk. However, the new Volkswagen Tiguan deserves more attention, because there are actually a lot of small nuances that are worth noting - not only in the front, but also in the back. It all starts with the rather large doors, which promise good access to the rear seat. However, some competitors already offer a wider door opening angle (almost 90 degrees), and the new Volkswagen Tiguan does not. However, it is able to provide complete freedom of adjustment of the rear sofa: its parts can be moved back and forth in the range of 18 cm - this is a lot and it significantly affects the seating position of the passengers behind. It is also possible to adjust the angle of the rear seat backrest, and in a very wide range: from the reclining position to the almost vertical position of the backrest, there are more than a dozen backrest positions - this is from what I personally counted. Combined with an excellent amount of legroom and headroom, all of this makes it possible for rear passengers to get the most comfortable seating possible.
Ventilation deflectors, a separate climate zone, heated seats, pockets at the base of the rear sofa, additional pockets on the backs of the front seats (they are convenient for holding a phone), an armrest with cup holders - all this was there before. However, even here we found something to add! What do you think of the pull-out cup holder that can swivel to the right or left? It seems like a small thing again. However, thanks to the protrusion on this shelf, you can set up your phone or tablet to watch a movie on a long journey - and you can even turn the display slightly towards you for a more comfortable viewing experience. Yes, it's just a small thing. But it's a brilliant little thing.
Now let's move on to the 652-liter trunk, which can be expanded to 1,650 liters when the rear sofa is folded down. An electrically operated lid is provided in all configurations of the new Volkswagen Tiguan - this is already a plus. And the trunk itself has side niches, a hook for packages, a cigarette lighter socket, and even a place for the spare tire. Even if it's a "spare tire", it's still a luxury in these times of total repair kits.
TheVolkswagen Tiguancrossover does not name a bunch of useful little things, but it offers them all! An adjustable rear sofa, a miracle armrest, a separate climate control zone, heated seats, many niches and pockets - it seems that everything is provided in the cabin. And in the trunk (652-1650 liters), too: an electric lid with an opening sensor, numerous shelves and pockets. The tailgate has a symbol of a tiger and an iguana on it, as if to hint at the model name. By the way, soundproof windows (two panes of glass and a film between them) for the new Volkswagen Tiguan can be installed not only in front but also in the rear; soundproof glass reduces noise by 4 dB.
Technology: everything is familiar - and at the same time everything is new!
Let me start with the terms that are familiar to fans of Volkswagen and VAG cars in general: MQB platform, TDI turbodiesel engine, DSG gearbox, 4Motion all-wheel drive. Does everything sound familiar?Yes and no at the same time. The new-generation Volkswagen Tiguan crossover is based on the MQB evo platform: it still has a load-bearing body, fully independent wheel suspensions (in the case of the Tiguan), transverse engine mounting, and front or all-wheel drive. However, the evo platform is distinguished by the use of different high-strength steels, partially hardened body structure parts, and lightweight construction with simultaneous safety improvements - that is, it is really an evolution of a well-known platform. A similar situation has occurred with the diesel engines of the EA288 EVO series: these are still 4-cylinder 2-liter turbo diesel engines, but in updated versions. For the new Volkswagen Tiguan in Ukraine, only turbo diesels with the DXPA and DXNB code designations are currently offered, which seem to be the same but are actually different.
Thus, the EA288 EVO DXPA turbodiesel engine produces 110 kW or 150 hp of power and 360 Nm of torque. This engine has a cast-iron cylinder block, steel pistons, a 16:1 compression ratio, a fuel injection system with a pressure of up to 2,200 bar, and an electronically controlled turbine. The EA288 EVO DXNB turbodiesel engine produces 142 kW or 193 hp and 400 Nm of torque. This engine already has an aluminum cylinder block and aluminum pistons, a compression ratio of 15.5:1 (a lower compression ratio is typical for engines where the turbine "blows in" more air to increase power), a fuel injection system with a similar pressure of up to 2,200 bar, a water-cooled turbine with electronic control.
As for the transmission, the Volkswagen Tiguan with the aforementioned turbo diesels has a DQ381 DSG automatic robot transmission with seven gears and dual clutches. But note: the 150-horsepower turbodiesel version has a DQ381-7F 0GC gearbox and front-wheel drive; the 193-horsepower turbodiesel version has a DQ381-7A 0GC gearbox and all-wheel drive. By the way, the latter has also changed somewhat: now the driveshaft uses a spline connection instead of a bolted one, which is more compact and convenient. Although the question arises as to why this was not done earlier. After all, the spline connection has existed for a very long time and is widely used in the design of various cars - for example, in CV joints.
I'd also like to point out other little things. The terms IQ.LIGHT headlights and ergoActive seats are familiar - as if something similar had been used in the previous Volkswagen Tiguan - so what's new here? For example, the new IQ.LIGHT headlights, which now have the additional designation HD to their name, are an indication of the 19,200 light elements in each headlight that allow for maximum flexibility in adapting the headlight to the current driving conditions. However, I can only tell you all this in theory, because the test car was equipped with LED Plus headlights: two main modules, automatic dipped/beam switching, and a headlight for illuminating bends.
But I can tell you about the new ergoActive Plus front seats from my own experience. This is a seat with massage, which is now realized with the help of 10 pneumatic cylinders that are placed over the entire backrest area. Whereas the Volkswagen Tiguan previously only offered back massage in the lumbar region, the new Volkswagen Tiguan offers a choice of several massage programs that can last 10 to 30 minutes (depending on the program selected). In addition, the front seats can be heated and ventilated. As if every single item is not something special in the modern Volkswagen automotive world; but put it all together - matrix headlights with 19,200 elements each, heated and ventilated massage seats, a large 15-inch touchscreen display, soundproof windows - where else can you find this level of equipment on Volkswagen vehicles available in Ukraine? For example, the Volkswagen Touareg recently offered such a list of equipment. And now the new Volkswagen Tiguan offers it.
The overall platform (as a set of elements that make up the car) has not changed, but has evolved. The new body features a lot of high-strength steels, partially hardened areas, and torsional rigidity of the body reaches 23,000 Nm per degree. The electrical elements have been significantly updated: three types of headlights, two types of lights, two multimedia systems, a bunch of different sensors and "assistants" for the driver. Currently, all new Volkswagen Tiguan for Ukraine have diesel engines, but in two different versions. However, there is also a description of gasoline versions - as a hint of the future? But back to turbodiesels: the test car Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a 2.0 TDI engine with an output of 193 hp.hp (3500-4200 rpm) with 400 Nm of torque (1750-3250 rpm), a robotic gearbox DSG and 4Motion all-wheel drive . All this promises us acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds, a top speed of 220 km/h, fuel consumption in the city cycle of 8.7 liters per 100 km, and fuel consumption in the country cycle of 6.6 liters per 100 km. So...
Behind the wheel: good dynamics, even better comfort
The new Volkswagen Tiguan has radically changed not only its appearance and interior, but also its driving character. Speaking of the suspension, the car drives exactly as it looks: softly and roundly on bumps, very carefully and smoothly, gently swaying the body on pits and maintaining comfort for its passengers. Who says it's toothless and not aggressive? But are you sure that a family crossover "for every day" should be tough, sporty, aggressive?
Indeed, in the case of the 193-horsepower Volkswagen Tiguan, the lack of aggression in character and the presence of a smooth suspension does not mean that it is slow or sluggish. Quite the contrary: this engine brings back memories of the good old days when turbo diesels were full of thrust and energy. Starting from 1.5-1.7 thousand revolutions, the engine already produces enough torque for driving and smooth acceleration, and in the mid-range (2-3 thousand) it turns the Volkswagen Tiguan into a plane taking off - a continuous, uninterrupted thrust with a similar continuous engine hum. Yes, the sound of the engine is noticeable; but it is exactly the timbre and volume one would expect from a mid-range diesel crossover. Even at high revs, which can reach 4-4.2 thousand, this sound does not bother me personally, but only emphasizes the dynamics of the car: it really takes 7.7 seconds to reach "hundred"! However, this is subject to the use of Launch Control and sport mode. After all, if you drive in the "pedal to the floor" mode, it will be a second worse - take a look at the measurement graphs below.
The steering wheel is another confirmation of the car's "steed" character. It has a medium sharpness (just over 2.5 turns from stop to stop) and is very light in the hands. At the same time, the Volkswagen Tiguan follows commands clearly and responds quickly to steering wheel turns, although it does so with noticeable body roll in corners. It seems that as soon as you select sport mode, the steering wheel immediately becomes "clamped" and heavier. However, in fact, this is a bit of a two-level artificiality: at small steering angles, you feel light, but at large steering angles, the heaviness of the sport mode comes in. So, once again, it's better to just tune in to ease and comfort (but this doesn't exclude good dynamics!) and enjoy the car. It seems that the combination of Joy atmosphere and Comfort driving mode are the best words to describe the car's character.
The 193 hp turbo diesel meets all expectations in terms of dynamics, and the 7-speed DSG "robot automatic" shifts quickly to imperceptibly in both normal and sport modes - a great pair! It's also quite economical: I consistently got 8-8.5 liters per 100 km in the city, with minimums of 7.5-7.7 liters - that is, the new Volkswagen Tiguan wins by a liter. On the highway at a speed of 100 km/h, fuel consumption is 5.5-6 liters per 100 km - again better than promised. On the highway, the car can go much faster: the excellent engine allows it without any problems, and there is enough traction and power to overtake and maintain high speeds. However, in such modes, the soft suspension interferes somewhat, allowing the body to sway from the side wind or sway on the waves of asphalt; however, this happens at speeds much higher than those allowed in Ukraine - until then, comfort reigns. The Offroad mode makes the all-wheel drive "lock up" and work more actively with all wheels, without waiting for the front wheels to slip and the rear wheels to engage; even with the wheels hanging out, the body does not twist - all doors and the trunk lid close normally. You can't ask for more from a crossover. Or should you? Do you want more sport, drive, power from the Volkswagen Tiguan? Then read on...
Cost: how much does the Volkswagen Tiguan cost and who is the competition
The Volkswagen Tiguan crossover is currently offered on the Ukrainian market in two versions. However, this is the case when you really have a choice - because these versions are very different.
The range is opened by the Volkswagen Tiguan Life with a price of UAH 1.635 million or almost $40 thousand. This car is equipped with a 2-liter TDI turbo diesel engine with 150 hp, a DSG automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. As its name implies, the equipment is already quite sufficient for real life: LED Plus headlights, seats with Life fabric upholstery, Life décor on the front panel, interior background lighting (10 colors), frontal control system with emergency braking function, adaptive cruise control with full stop, lane change assistant, reverse assist (cross traffic control), rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, driving profile selection system, front and side airbags (including rear side airbags), driver fatigue recognition system, 10.2-inch digital instrument panel (1280x480 dots), rain sensor, heated steering wheel and front seats, three-zone climate control, keyless entry and engine start, electric trunk lid, media system with a 12.9-inch touchscreen display, eight speakers, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support (wireless connection), 17-inch alloy wheels, etc.
The next option is the Volkswagen Tiguan Elegance with a price of UAH 1.823 million or about $44.2 thousand. This car is also equipped with a 2-liter TDI turbo diesel engine, but with 193 hp, a DSG automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Plus, there is an extended package that adds the following: an interior with Elegance décor on the front panel, sports-comfort seats with ArtVelours trim (seat center), high beam assistant, Harman Kardon audio, heated windshield, heated rear seat row, extended interior background lighting in 30 colors, front seats with massage function, 18-inch alloy wheels, etc.
So, let's keep in mind that even the basic Volkswagen Tiguan now includes adaptive cruise control and a full package of safety systems, three-zone climate control and the Digital Cockpit Pro, a multimedia system with a 12.9-inch display, heated seats and steering wheel. The Volkswagen Tiguan Elegance version adds premium audio, front seats with massage, and heated rear seats. The test car was additionally equipped with several other options: panoramic glass sliding sunroof, Discovery Pro system with an enlarged 15-inch display and navigation, dual wireless charging, and a projection display on the windshield, leather interior with Varenna trim and front seats ergoActive Plus - ventilation is added to heating and massage, electric drive and memory of settings. The test car Volkswagen Tiguan Elegance with options costs about $50 thousand. However, even in the test car and with options, only a rearview camera was installed - the all-round view system will be available later. What we should also expect in the future from Volkswagen Tiguan is the emergence of theR-Line sport version and a powerful 265-horsepower 2.0 TSI gasoline engine - this should be a good choice for those buyers who expect a more dynamic version of the car.
Traditionally, at the end of the review, I'll add just a few words about the competition. The main rivals have already been collected in a separate comparison material: Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-60, Hyundai Santa Fe. The latter two vehicles may offer larger sizes and higher power, but still - I think there is overlap in potential customers for all of these models. And I also think that the Volkswagen Tiguan can easily take the position of one of the group leaders: its price is now within the range of competitors in the class, it offers good technology (platform, turbo diesel, all-wheel drive, driving modes), as well as a lot of modern equipment (windshield projection, massage seats, rear climate, etc.). That is, the new Volkswagen Tiguan again offers a lot to become a class leader; but it no longer requires an additional payment, as it used to.
Of those cars that were not included in the previous group, but can also act as competitors, I would like to mention Citroen C5 Aircross, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5. I will describe the situation briefly and simply: all of these cars are somewhat smaller inside and out, they are somewhat inferior in terms of equipment; in addition, Citroen does not have all-wheel drive, and Mazda does not have an economical engine (diesel or hybrid). However, all of these cars are also somewhat cheaper, so they are options for those who find the Volkswagen Tiguan too expensive.
Finally, the last and one of the most difficult competitors is the Skoda Kodiaq crossover: larger in size, with similar technology (platform/engines/equipment), plus all-wheel drive. However, the Volkswagen brand already has an answer to the question - this is the new Volkswagen Tayron crossover, which is due to arrive in 2025 and will take the position of the former Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace (yes, you can count on a 7-seater interior). But that will be later; for now, let's get back to the current Volkswagen Tiguan, its comprehensive assessment and results. So...
