Volkswagen Tiguan (2016-2023) review

Well, to keep things a little bit simpler, we’ll stick to just the standard Tiguan in all of its different forms here and avoid the full-fat R and the Allspace. Click these blue words for our full Tiguan R review.

Sounds good. Tell me more…

The pre-facelift Tiguan was a tidy thing to drive, and this new one seems to hit all the same benchmarks. It’s still based on the tried and tested VW Group MQB platform and turns in well, corners with only a small amount of body roll and generally deals with its extra height with confidence. When the seats and boot aren’t full of kids and all their gear it encourages you to enjoy yourself a little, though to what extent depends, of course, on the engine you choose. 

We haven’t driven a lower-powered or manual model yet, but the 148bhp petrol engine offers plenty of oomph, while the DSG behaves much like any other: smooth enough, well composed unless startled, and perfectly suited to most daily drivers. Just make sure you avoid using sport mode where the ‘box will hold a lower gear than necessary. Do that and the engines are quiet and refined.  

What if I want something a little quicker?

The Tiguan really is an easy thing to get along with. You can see why previous generations have been so popular. If you’re looking for something with a turn of pace, the top spec 197bhp diesel manages 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds – just under two seconds quicker than its black-pump siblings. The 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol doesn’t feel sluggish, though we’re yet to drive the punchy 2.0-litre petrol. If you want even more power without going full-fat R, the eHybrid gets a combined 242bhp and can really shift if you keep some charge in the battery. Drain it and the petrol engine does struggle with the extra weight, though.

Any downsides?

The standard Tiguan’s only real issue in driving terms is the slightly firm ride. On smooth German tarmac with slightly smaller wheels it doesn’t seem much of a problem, but driving it in the UK on our pothole-aplenty roads, it’s much more noticeable. Road noise at higher speeds isn’t great, either – best to avoid the largest of the alloy wheel options to minimise both those issues.