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Used Car Expert Rating

Volkswagen Tiguan R (2020 to 2024)

Expert Rating

Used car score:

57
%
D

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

62
%
D

Safety Rating:

57
%
D

Eco Rating:

43
%
C

Reliability Rating:

71
%
C

Running Costs:

45
%
D

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

Used car score:

57
%
D

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

62
%
D

Safety Rating:

57
%
D

Eco Rating:

43
%
C

Reliability Rating:

71
%
C

Running Costs:

45
%
D

Summary


The Volkswagen Tiguan R was a high-performance version of the regular second-generation Tiguan SUV range, which was launched when the Tiguan received a 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 featured 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 blended the space and practicality of an SUV with the acceleration and pace of the Golf R hot hatch, which used 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 explained. “It’s not as fun as a Golf R, but it’s pretty comfortable.”

Several reviewers noted that the ‘hot’ SUV was 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 was within the Tiguan R’s price range put a dent in Volkswagen’s value-for-money reputation too.

Richard Lane of Autocar praised the Tiguan R for its strong residual values, and pointed out that it was faster and cheaper than similar vehicles like the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 and BMW X2 M35i. But for a rewarding driving experience combined with family practicality, he suggested opting for the cheaper Golf R estate instead.

As of April 2024, the Volkswagen Tiguan R holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 57%. It scores fairly poorly across the board, with a D grade for media reviews, safety, eco credentials and running costs.

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


Media reviews


Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

+

Autocar

+

Car

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Evo

+

Top Gear

+

What Car?

+

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


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Volkswagen Tiguan R was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of April 2024, the Volkswagen Tiguan family has a fairly average reliability score, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partner MotorEasy. This score covers all the current-generation Tiguan (including Tiguan R) and the original (pre-2016) models.

The Tiguan’s most common mechanical problems relate to the SUV’s suspension and braking systems, which account for nearly half of all warranty claims between them. These 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

Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
Petrol models225 g/kmD225 – 226 g/kmD – D
Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
All models41D36 – 50C – F

We have rather limited whole-life cost numbers for the Volkswagen Tiguan R, data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

While we do not have data on the car’s fuel efficiency or servicing, we do know that the SUV’s insurance premiums are higher than the market average.

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Volkswagen Tiguan R, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Alfa Romeo Tonale | Audi RS Q3BMW X2 M35i | Cupra Ateca | Jaguar E-Pace | Mini Countryman John Cooper Works | Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 | Porsche Macan S | Volkswagen T-Roc R

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The Volkswagen Tiguan R offers a great combination of practicality and pace, but rivals are more rewarding to drive.Volkswagen Tiguan R (2020 to 2024)