Summary
The Volkswagen Tiguan R is a high-performance version of the regular Tiguan SUV range, which has been on sale since the Tiguan’s mid-life facelift in 2020.
This is not to be confused with the Tiguan R-Line, which is a range-topping trim in the regular SUV range that features many of the Tiguan R’s design elements both inside and out, but none of its performance upgrades.
Described as a “fantastic all-rounder” by What Car?, the Tiguan R blends the space and practicality of an SUV with the acceleration and pace of the Golf R hot hatch, which uses the same 320hp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
“It certainly doesn’t hang about – put your foot down and it just goes”, Carwow‘s Mat Watson explains. “It’s not as fun as a Golf R, but it’s pretty comfortable.”
Several reviewers have noted that the ‘hot’ SUV is not as engaging to drive as other R variants in the Volkswagen range, with Jordan Katsianis of Evo coming to the conclusion that the Tiguan R “lacks its own clear personality”, and recommending a test drive in the “more sophisticated” Porsche Macan instead. The fact that the Macan is within the Tiguan R’s price range puts a dent in Volkswagen’s value-for-money reputation too.
Richard Lane of Autocar praises the Tiguan R for its strong residual values, and points out that it’s faster and cheaper than similar vehicles like the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 and BMW X2 M35i. But if you’re looking for a rewarding driving experience combined with family practicality, he suggests opting for the cheaper Golf R estate instead.
As of February 2023, the Volkswagen Tiguan R holds an Expert Rating of 61% on our award-winning Expert Rating Index, which is markedly lower than the current score of the regular Tiguan range.
- Volkswagen Tiguan (2016 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More Volkswagen ratings, reviews, news and features
Tiguan highlights
- Composed and comfortable on the road
- Strong resale values
- As spacious and practical as the normal Tiguan
- Acceleration and pace
- Well-equipped as standard
Tiguan lowlights
- Upmarket rivals have more interior quality
- High running costs
- Fiddly touch-sensitive infotainment
- More expensive than Golf R estate
- Porsche Macan is more fun to drive
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol
Price: From £48,540 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2020
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volkswagen Tiguan R is a good all-rounder. It’s fast (if not all that economical) while it offers secure and predictable handling and plenty of easily accessible performance.”
Read review
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volkswagen Tiguan R succeeds as a hot SUV because of its versatility. In comfort mode it’s barely any more taxing than a 2.0-litre TDI model and rides arguably better than the standard Tiguan line-up, owing to adaptive suspension.”
Read review
Autocar
Score: 7 / 10
“Rabidly quick, spacious and easy to drive, but there are finer fast SUVs at this price”
Read review
Car
Score: 8 / 10
“As SUVs go, the Volkswagen Tiguan R is a cracker.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed:
Score: 7.2 / 10
“It may seem odd to create a performance model out of a big, boxy SUV, but the result is a car that is both sporty and practical.”
Read review
Carwow
Model reviewed:
“The Tiguan R certainly doesn’t hang about – put your foot down and it just goes. It’s not as fun as a Golf R, but it’s pretty comfortable.”
Read review
Evo
Score: 6 / 10
“VW’s best-selling SUV, the Tiguan R, is competent and refined, but it lacks its own clear personality.”
Read review
Top Gear
Score: 6 / 10
“The Volkswagen Tiguan R is a very competent and very quick thing, and it’ll no doubt sell well given the lack of rivals that match its size and performance figures.”
Read review
What Car?
Score: 8 / 10
“The Volkswagen Tiguan R is a fantastic all rounder.”
Read review
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%
The Volkswagen Tiguan R shares its safety rating with the regular Tiguan range. Euro NCAP put the Tiguan through its paces back in 2016, awarding the car a top-level five-star safety rating.
Eco rating
No eco rating
As of February 2023, the Volkswagen Tiguan R has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 141
Average repair cost: £783.43
Last updated: February 2023
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of February 2023, the Volkswagen Tiguan has a reliability score of 43%, which is a little below average according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partner MotorEasy. This score covers both the standard Tiguan and more powerful Tiguan R models.
The Tiguan’s most common mechanical problems relate to the SUV’s suspension, which account for close to a third 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 more than £2,600.
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.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Volkswagen Tiguan R, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Tonale | Audi RS Q3 | BMW X2 M35i | Cupra Ateca | Jaguar E-Pace | Mini Countryman John Cooper Works | Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 | Porsche Macan S | Volkswagen T-Roc R
- Volkswagen Tiguan (2016 onwards) – Expert Rating
- More Volkswagen ratings, reviews, news and features
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