Volkswagen Tiguan 2024

• HIGHSChassis tuned for fun, powertrain is willing if not brawny, spacious first and second row seating—and a third row if you need it.
• LOWSNo performance-engine option, firm seats and minimalist interior design, cargo volume is shy of the segment average.
• VERDICTThe Tiguan brings a decidedly European flavor to the crowded compact crossover segment with crisp handling and purposeful styling.HIGHSChassis tuned for fun, powertrain is willing if not brawny, spacious first and second row seating—and a third row if you need it.LOWSNo performance-engine option, firm seats and minimalist interior design, cargo volume is shy of the segment average.VERDICTThe Tiguan brings a decidedly European flavor to the crowded compact crossover segment with crisp handling and purposeful styling.

• Where This Vehicle Ranks

  It’s hard to stand out in a crowd, but the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan strives to escape the genericism of the compact crossover segment with reserved but tasteful sheetmetal, sharp handling, and European spirit. Living directly below the Atlas in VW’s U.S. lineup, it prioritizes a holistic balance over stylistic gimmickry or extraordinary zero-to-60 performance. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic serve as the sole powertrain; what it lacks in performance, it makes up for with parsimonious fuel economy and satisfying operation. The cabin follows the blueprint, offering decent space for people and cargo while the styling remains reserved and purposeful and the seats firm but comfortable. A third row of seats is available as an option, but it’s tight and for small children or occasional use only; the Mitsubishi Outlander is the only other model in the segment to offer a third row, but it has even less legroom. While the Tiguan’s feature content is class-competitive, its crisp handling and overall well-rounded personality make for an appealing and enjoyable driving experience. Buyers enticed by the Tiguan but desiring more contemporary styling and the option of an electrified powertrain are advised to wait for the soon-to-be-revealed 2025 VW Tiguan.

• What’s New for 2024?

• VW’s IQ.DRIVE driver-assistance system is now standard on the base S trim and includes adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature. Also joining the base S trim for 2024 are auto high beam headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a faux-leather steering wheel, upgraded infotainment, and wireless charging. The SE R-Line and SEL R-Line Black trims get minor cosmetic upgrades.VW’s IQ.DRIVE driver-assistance system is now standard on the base S trim and includes adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature. Also joining the base S trim for 2024 are auto high beam headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a faux-leather steering wheel, upgraded infotainment, and wireless charging. The SE R-Line and SEL R-Line Black trims get minor cosmetic upgradesVW’s IQ.DRIVE driver-assistance system is now standard on the base S trim and includes adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature. Also joining the base S trim for 2024 are auto high beam headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, a faux-leather steering wheel, upgraded infotainment, and wireless charging. The SE R-Line and SEL R-Line Black trims get minor cosmetic upgrades.

• Pricing and Which One to Buy

• -S$29,000 (est)

  -SE

  $32,000 (est)

  -SE R-Line Black

  $35,000 (est)

  -SEL R-Line

  $39,000 (est)

  As with last year, we recommend the mid-range SE trim as it adds 18-inch wheels, a power-operated rear liftgate, remote start, and dual-zone climate control. Note that for 2024, however, the Base S trim gets the IQ.Drive semi-autonomous lane-keeping assist mode, previously only on the SE and up. That said, the S still uses a smaller 6.5-inch infotainment screen and doesn’t offer the panoramic sunroof option, which is a $1,200 option on the SE.

  Engine, Transmission, and Performance

  Lift the hood on the 2024 Tiguan, and you’ll find VW’s near-ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder tuned for 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Output flows through an eight-speed automatic transmission and to the front wheels; Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is optional. Whether front- or all-wheel drive, the Tiguan turns in an athletic if not breathtaking performance, aided in part by its low 1900 rpm torque peak and a smooth-shifting transmission. Indeed, some of our staff feel there’s a whisper of sportiness here that recalls VW’s well-respected GTI hot hatchback. Alas, the brake pedal is the weakest member of the start-stop-turn team, as its soft and slightly ambiguous feel doesn’t match the firm, progressive pedal action present in other members of VW’s family tree. Like many of our favorite vehicles, the Tiguan’s cohesive real-world personality and general on-the-road poise belie its statistical limitations, including a rather languid 9.1-second zero-to-60-mph time as extracted by our test drivers. Again, having max torque available just after step-off does wonders for its in-town drivability, leaving highway merges as likely the only time you’ll wish the Tiguan had a bit more power.