The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most popular and successful models in the compact SUV segment, with more than 7.6 million units sold worldwide. But the German automaker is not resting on its laurels. For 2024, it has completely redesigned and improved the Tiguan in all aspects, making it more efficient, digital, comfortable, and dynamic than ever before.
In this article, we will explore the key features and benefits of the all-new Tiguan, and why it is the best choice for anyone looking for a versatile, spacious, and fun-to-drive SUV. We will also compare it with some of its main competitors, such as the Honda CR-V, the Mazda CX-5, and the Kia Sportage, and show you why the Tiguan stands out.
The Tiguan’s New Design: Stylish and Aerodynamic
The first thing you will notice about the new Tiguan is its confident and distinctive design. The front end has been raised and sharpened, giving it a more robust and assertive look. The standard LED headlights are integrated into a glass-covered horizontal bar that replaces the traditional radiator grille. Optionally, you can choose the new IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights, which have 38,400 multi-pixel LEDs that adapt to the traffic and road conditions, providing optimal illumination and visibility.
The side profile of the Tiguan is dominated by athletic shoulder sections above the wheel housings, which emphasize its sporty character. The wheels are up to 20-inch in size, and you can choose from various designs and colors. The rear end of the Tiguan features a horizontal LED strip between the tail light clusters, which highlights the width and spaciousness of the SUV.
The new design of the Tiguan is not only stylish, but also aerodynamic. It offers the following benefits:
- A lower drag coefficient of 0.28, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions
- A lower center of gravity and a wider track, which improve handling and stability
The Tiguan’s New Interior: Modern and Intuitive
The interior of the new Tiguan has also been completely redesigned, with high-quality materials and a high finish standard. The cockpit is based on the latest modular infotainment matrix (MIB4), which combines the following elements:
- The new Digital Cockpit is a digital instrument cluster with an anti-reflective coating in tablet landscape format. It displays all the relevant information and settings, such as speed, fuel level, navigation, media, phone, and driver assistance systems. You can customize the display according to your preferences and needs and switch between different modes and views.
- The large infotainment screen has a completely new menu structure and graphics. The standard display is 12.9 inches, and optionally you can upgrade to a 15-inch display. The infotainment system offers various functions and features, such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, voice control, online services, and apps. You can also access the Tiguan’s settings and options through the screen, and adjust them to your liking.
- The new head-up display, which projects information on the windscreen, such as speed, navigation, and warnings. This way, you can keep your eyes on the road and stay focused on driving.
- The new multifunction driving experience switch, which has an integrated OLED display. It allows you to select the driving mode and the adaptive running gear settings, which we will explain in more detail later.
The interior of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan compact SUV is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The front seats are firm but supportive, and optionally, you can choose the pneumatic massage function, which has been derived from the premium Touareg model. The second row of seats is also roomy and adjustable, and you can slide them forward or backward to optimize the legroom or the trunk space. Optionally, you can also add a third row of seats suitable for small children or occasional use. The Tiguan is the only compact SUV in its class, along with the Mitsubishi Outlander, to offer a third row of seats.
The trunk of the Tiguan has a capacity of 23.8 cubic feet with the second row of seats in place and 65.7 cubic feet with the second row folded down. This is slightly less than the Honda CR-V (27.2 and 75.8 cubic feet, respectively) and the Mazda CX-5 (30.9 and 59.6 cubic feet, respectively), but more than the Kia Sportage (23.0 and 60.1 cubic feet, respectively). The Tiguan also has a power-operated rear liftgate, which makes loading and unloading easier and more convenient.
The Tiguan’s New Drivetrain: Efficient and Dynamic
The new Tiguan offers a range of drivetrain options, including two new 48 V mild hybrid drives, two new plug-in hybrid drives, and a turbocharged diesel engine. All of them are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and most of them are available with the 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
The 48 V mild hybrid drives consist of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a belt-driven starter-generator, which recovers energy during braking and coasting and stores it in a small battery. The mild hybrid system can assist the engine during acceleration and also enable the engine to switch off completely when coasting or at low speeds, saving fuel and reducing emissions. The mild hybrid drives are available with two power outputs: 130 PS (96 kW) and 150 PS (110 kW).
The plug-in hybrid drives combine a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, which is powered by a 13 kWh battery. The plug-in hybrid system can operate in three modes: electric, hybrid, and battery hold. In electric mode, the Tiguan can drive up to 62 miles on a single charge, according to the WLTP cycle, and reach a top speed of 81 mph. In hybrid mode, the Tiguan can switch between the engine and the electric motor or use both of them together, depending on the driving situation and the battery level. In battery hold mode, the Tiguan can conserve the battery charge for later use, such as in urban areas or restricted zones. The plug-in hybrid drives are also available with two power outputs: 204 PS (150 kW) and 245 PS (180 kW).
The turbocharged diesel engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 150 PS (110 kW) of power and 251 lb-ft of torque. It is equipped with a twin-dosing system, which injects AdBlue into the exhaust gas at two points, reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 80%. The diesel engine is also compatible with the RDE2 standard, which means it meets the strictest emission regulations in Europe.
The new Tiguan also features a new adaptive running gear DCC Pro, which optimizes the comfort and dynamics of the SUV. The DCC Pro system consists of electronically controlled shock absorbers, which can adjust the damping force of each wheel individually, depending on the road conditions and the driving mode. The DCC Pro system also includes the Driving Profile Selection, which allows you to choose from seven driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Offroad, and Snow. Each mode modifies the engine settings, transmission, steering, suspension, and driver assistance systems to suit your preferences and needs.
The Tiguan’s New Safety and Convenience Features: Smart and Helpful
The new Tiguan has a host of safety and convenience features, making driving easier and more enjoyable. Some of the most notable features are:
- The IQ.DRIVE driver assistance system, which is standard on all trims. It includes adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature, which can maintain a safe distance and speed from the vehicle in front and keep the Tiguan in the center of the lane. It also includes lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
- The new Park Assist system, which can automate driving into and out of parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. It can also detect suitable parking spaces along the road, and guide you to them with visual and audible signals. You only need to control the brake and the accelerator, while the system takes care of the steering and the gear shifting.
- The new Travel Assist system, which can take over the steering, braking, and acceleration of the Tiguan on highways and country roads, at speeds up to 130 mph. It can also recognize traffic signs, curves, intersections, and roundabouts and adjust the speed and direction accordingly. You still need to keep your hands on the steering wheel, and monitor the traffic situation, but the system can reduce your fatigue and stress, especially on long journeys.
- The new Emergency Assist system, which can detect if you are unresponsive or incapacitated and take measures to prevent an accident. It can warn you with visual, audible, and haptic signals, and if you do not react, it can gently shake the steering wheel, apply the brakes, and activate the hazard lights. It can also steer the Tiguan to the side of the road, and stop it safely, while contacting the emergency services.
The Tiguan’s New Features: A Summary
To summarize, the new Volkswagen Tiguan offers the following features and benefits:
- A stylish and aerodynamic design, with LED headlights and a glass-covered horizontal bar
- A modern and intuitive interior, with a digital cockpit, a large infotainment screen
- A spacious and comfortable interior, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo, and optionally a third row of seats
- A range of efficient and dynamic drivetrain options, including mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems, and a turbocharged diesel engine
- A new adaptive running gear DCC Pro, which optimizes the comfort and dynamics of the SUV, and allows you to choose from seven driving modes
- A host of safety and convenience features, such as IQ.DRIVE, Park Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist
The new Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that redefines the segment with its innovative design, technology, performance, and safety. It is the perfect vehicle for anyone who values versatility, quality, and fun.
