The compact SUV segment is one of the most competitive and crowded in the automotive market, with dozens of models vying for the attention and wallets of buyers who want a versatile, spacious, and efficient vehicle. The Volkswagen Tiguan has been a strong contender since its debut in 2007, offering a blend of European flair, refined driving dynamics, and practical features. But as the competition has evolved and improved, the Tiguan has started to show its age, especially in terms of design, technology, and fuel economy. That’s why Volkswagen has decided to give its best-selling model a comprehensive makeover for 2024, with a new generation that promises to raise the bar in every aspect. Here’s what you need to know about the all-new 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan.
A Fresh and Modern Design
The first thing you’ll notice about the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is its striking new appearance, which follows the latest design language of the brand. The front end features a more prominent grille that connects seamlessly with the LED headlights, creating a wide and confident look. The lower bumper has also been redesigned with larger air intakes and chrome accents. The side profile is more sculpted and dynamic, with a sharp character line that runs from the front fender to the rear taillight. The rear end has a cleaner and more elegant appearance, with a new LED taillight design that echoes the shape of the headlights. The Tiguan also gets a new range of alloy wheels, from 17 to 20 inches in size, as well as new exterior colors and trim options.
The new Tiguan is slightly larger than its predecessor, with a length of 185.2 inches (up by 0.6 inches), a width of 72.4 inches (up by 0.2 inches), and a height of 66.3 inches (up by 0.1 inches). The wheelbase remains unchanged at 109.8 inches, but the cargo space has increased slightly, from 37.6 to 38 cubic feet behind the second row and from 73.5 to 74.9 cubic feet behind the first row. The Tiguan also offers an optional third row of seats for a seven-passenger capacity, although this feature reduces the cargo space to 12 cubic feet behind the third row.
A High-Tech and Comfortable Cabin
The interior of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan has also been revamped with a more modern and upscale look and feel. The dashboard features a new digital instrument cluster that can be customized to display various information and graphics, as well as a new touchscreen infotainment system that ranges from 6.5 to 9.2 inches in size, depending on the trim level. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as wireless charging for compatible devices. The Tiguan also offers an optional head-up display that projects key information onto the windshield, as well as an optional Harman Kardon sound system with 12 speakers and a subwoofer.
The cabin is also more spacious and comfortable than before, thanks to improved ergonomics and materials. The front seats are power-adjustable and heated, with optional ventilation and massage functions. The rear seats are also heated and offer plenty of legroom and headroom, as well as reclining and sliding adjustments. The third-row seats are best suited for children or occasional use, but they can be folded flat when not needed to increase the cargo space. The Tiguan also offers plenty of storage spaces and cupholders throughout the cabin, as well as multiple USB ports and power outlets.
A Powerful and Efficient Powertrain
The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, which is unchanged from the previous generation. However, the engine has been updated with new technologies, such as variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation, to improve its efficiency and emissions. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth and responsive shifts and a standard front-wheel-drive system or an optional all-wheel-drive system with different driving modes.
The VW compact SUV also offers a plug-in hybrid variant for select markets outside the U.S., which combines the same engine with an electric motor and a 13-kWh battery pack for a total output of 242 horsepower and an electric-only range of up to 31 miles (based on WLTP standards). The plug-in hybrid Tiguan can be charged in about five hours using a standard household outlet or in about three hours using a public charging station.
The fuel economy ratings for the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan have not been announced yet, but they are expected to be better than those of the previous generation, which achieved up to 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The Tiguan also features a start-stop system and a coasting function that helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions.