Summary
The Volkswagen Tiguan was a medium-sized SUV/crossover. This is the second-generation version, which was launched in 2016 and ending production in late 2023 ahead of the launch of an all-new model in 2024.
A lengthened model called the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, which has seven seats, joined the range in early 2018. The Tiguan range received a mild facelift at the end of 2020.
The Tiguan received mostly good to very good ratings from across the UK media, with widespread praise for its refinement and practicality.
The Volkswagen Tiguan shares its platform, engines and many other components with the SEAT Ateca, Skoda Karoq and Audi Q3, which are all similar mid-sized SUVs.
No longer on sale, the second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan has a Used Car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 65%.
Tiguan highlights
- Quality interior
- Smooth and quiet driving experience
- Plenty of boot space
- More spacious than its key rivals
- Wide range of engine options
Tiguan lowlights
- Uncomfortable sports suspension mode
- Range-topping models get expensive
- Fiddly touch-sensitive buttons
- Alternatives are more affordable
- Entry-level models not much fun to drive
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £30,855 on-road
Launched: Summer 2016
Last updated: Winter 2020/21
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: Allspace range
Score: 7.6 / 10
“”Extending the body and adding two more seats brings extra practicality to the Tiguan without reducing the qualities that have made it a success.”
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Score: 8 / 10
“The Tiguan is one of the more pricey mainstream SUV options. It’s not over-expensive when one considers the quality of its fit and finish, but certainly at the upper end of its market.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual Life
Score: 8 / 10
“If you want a no-nonsense family SUV that can transport a family of five in relative comfort at an affordable price, then the Volkswagen Tiguan remains thoroughly recommendable. The sacrifice is that, as a base-spec Life model, it’s an SUV lacking any sort of excitement.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The facelifted Volkswagen Tiguan includes a sharp new look and the latest on-board tech, while it remains smooth and effortless to drive.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid Elegance
Score: 8 / 10
“This new plug-in hybrid version of the Volkswagen Tiguan could be a hit with company car buyers. Its straightforward nature could make it an alternative for regular diesel buyers too.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 4WD R-Line
Score: 7 / 10
“Volkswagen certainly hasn’t held back with this important mid-life facelift for the big-selling Tiguan. It drives exactly like it did before – so it’s unremarkable but comfortable – and offers a useful blend of performance and fuel economy in the case of this 150hp diesel option.”
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Business Car
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic R-Line
Score: 7 / 10
“The Volkswagen Tiguan is well equipped at the entry-level, it also performs well on cost of ownership because of modest fuel costs and strong residual values.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s refined, well-built, decent to drive and cleverer than it ought to be. The benefits of the Tiguan’s facelift can be felt through well-integrated tech and comfort features. Some niggles on the boot space and dynamic front are shared with nearly all this car’s rivals, and can’t be seen as dealbreakers.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Volkswagen Tiguan is a premium alternative to models like the Nissan Qashqai, with plenty of space and impressive technology and engines.” (Andy Lewin)
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Model reviewed: Allspace range
Score: 8 / 10
“If you want your Tiguan with more space, the VW Tiguan Allspace is the answer. It’s not quite as big as a Skoda Kodiaq, however”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Tiguan Allspace range
Score: 6 / 10
“The VW Tiguan Allspace is a bigger, seven-seat version of the Tiguan. You get plenty of high-tech creature comforts and lots of room in the back, but alternatives are quite a bit cheaper.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Volkswagen Tiguan is a spacious, comfortable and good-to-drive SUV. Its raised driving position gives you a great view out but it’s a little bit more expensive than alternatives.”
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Company Car Today
“Sleeker nose and mild improvements to cabin and technology make for a sensible if not spectacular update to a successful SUV. However, it could do with being a bit more efficient.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: R-Line
Score: 6 / 10
“VW’s best-selling SUV is competent and refined, but it lacks its own clear personality.”
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Honest John
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volkswagen Tiguan may be pricier than some of its rivals, but it’s easy to drive, family-friendly and affordable to run. It’s also available with some of the latest safety and convenience technologies and a wide range of engines. If you’re looking for a high-quality crossover, it’s a great choice.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volkswagen Tiguan has one of the nicest cabins in its class and a huge range of efficient and punchy engines. Little wonder it’s so popular.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.8 / 10
“Sets the standard for mid-sized SUVs – but at a price”
Read review
Model reviewed: Allspace range
Score: 8.4 / 10
“Accomplished SUV, but its Skoda sibling makes more financial sense”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: 2.0 TDI SE diesel automatic
“The Tiguan is an SUV that is, quite simply, the best of its type. Head and shoulders above the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Kuga you might be considering.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tiguan looks and drives sharper than ever, but still does lots of sensible stuff beneath the skin.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: June 2016
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 80%
Vulnerable road users: 68%
Safety assist: 68%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Volkswagen Tiguan was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 202
Average repair cost: £620.62
Last updated: January 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Volkswagen Tiguan has a slightly below-average reliability score, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partner MotorEasy. This score covers both this generation Tiguan and the original (pre-2016) models.
The Tiguan’s most common mechanical problems relate to suspension, which account for close to a quarter of all warranty claims. These suspension repairs are relatively inexpensive, with an average repair bill of just over £250. Worth watching out for are gearbox problems, which are not hugely common but which have an average repair bill of about £2,200.
Given the below-average reliability score and potentially expensive bills, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase for a Volkswagen Tiguan covers all of these potential problem areas.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Diesel models | 41 mpg | D | 40 – 42 mpg | D – D |
Plug-in hybrid models | 163 mpg | A | 157 – 177 mpg | A – A |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 166 g/km | C | 141 – 224 g/km | B – D |
Diesel models | 157 g/km | C | 134 – 213 g/km | A – D |
Plug-in hybrid models | 39 g/km | A | 36 – 42 g/km | A – A |
Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Plug-in hybrid models | 31 miles | E | 29 – 34 miles | E – E |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 26 | B | 11 – 50 | A – F |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £210 | B |
Year 2 | £560 | B |
Year 3 | £939 | B |
Year 4 | £1,201 | B |
Year 5 | £1,617 | B |
Overall | £4,527 | B |
Running costs for the Volkswagen Tiguan are a bit of a mixed bag, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
We don’t have independently verified fuel consumption data for the petrol models, but the CO2 levels (which are linked closely to fuel consumption) are average. Meanwhile, fuel consumption for the diesels is poor.
The plug-in hybrid looks great on paper, but that’s due to the woeful EU/UK goverment lab tests that are completely useless at measuring a plug-in hybrid…
On the positive side, insurance costs, as well as servicing and maintenance over the first five years, should be very good.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Volkswagen Tiguan, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C5 Aircross | Ford Kuga | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Tucson | Jeep Compass | Kia Sportage | Mazda CX-5 | Mercedes-Benz GLA | Mercedes-Benz GLB | MG HS | Nissan Qashqai | Nissan X-Trail | Peugeot 3008 | Renault Austral | SEAT Ateca | Skoda Karoq | SsangYong Korando | Subaru XV | Subaru Forester | Suzuki S-Cross | Toyota C-HR | Vauxhall Grandland
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Volkswagen Tiguan at The Car Expert
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