Used Volkswagen Tiguan 2024-present review

If cars were bands, the Volkswagen Tiguan would be a big headline act – the one that doesn’t chase the spotlight but somehow sells out arenas around the world anyway. It’s the German brand’s global best-seller, being a chart-topping car that appeals across countries, ages and tastes without being flashy or divisive.

So what is it about the Tiguan that makes it such a crowd-pleaser? Well, over the years, the Tiguan has done the fundamentals very well: space, comfort, usability and refinement. This third-generation model, introduced in 2024, evolved the Tiguan family SUV formula even further, adding a fresh, modern design on top of heavily revised underpinnings that cater for the latest on-board tech.

Engines and performance: Like previous Tiguans, the third-generation model has a broad engine line-up. The range kicks off with the two 1.5-litre petrol engines: the 128bhp eTSI 130 and 148bhp eTSI 150. They’re both mild hybrids, but even the least powerful eTSI 130 feels peppy. It can do 0-62mph in 10.2sec officially.

If you want a more powerful petrol engine, there are two 2.0-litre TSIs with four-wheel drive: the TSI 204 with 201bhp and the TSI 265 with 261bhp.

Those who do high mileage or lots of towing might like to consider the diesel option: the 2.0-litre TDI 150 has 148bhp and can get from 0-62mph in 9.4sec.

Lastly, there are the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, which are badged eHybrid and offer 201bhp or 268bhp. Even the 201bhp model provides a good turn of speed when both power sources are combined, getting you from 0-62mph in 8.2sec. Both PHEVs have an official electric-only range of 75 miles.

For the first time, the third-generation Tiguan is only available with an automatic gearbox. Mild hybrid, petrol and diesel models use a seven-speed unit and the PHEVs a six-speed.

Ride and handling: The Tiguan is one of the more comfortable family SUVs. While the suspension is on the firm side, it still rounds off most bumps and ruts well. Having said that, the Volvo XC40 is a touch more polished, but there’s not a huge difference between them.

If you want a really plush ride, keep an eye out for cars with the optional adaptive suspension, called DCC Pro, which allows you to soften or firm the suspension via the touchscreen. It’s a standard feature on PHEV and Black Edition models.

The Tiguan handles corners impressively well. While it doesn’t offer the same level of grip as a Mini Countryman or XC40, it achieves an appealing balance between comfort and agility, whether equipped with standard or adaptive suspension. The steering is well-weighted and precise, too, making it an easy car to guide along a winding road.

Interior and practicality: Getting comfortable behind the wheel of the VW Tiguan is easy, thanks to plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment. Powered, adjustable lumbar support for the front seats is standard on all trims. The driving position places you up nice and high, too, giving you great all-round visibility. This is helped by the large windscreen and side windows.

The design of the Tiguan’s interior isn’t as funky as a Countryman’s, but it’s very smart. It feels suitably plush, too, with plenty of soft-touch plastic and padded leather on the dashboard and doors. There are some scratchy plastics on the lower half of the dashboard, though. An XC40 is more plush overall.

All Tiguans come with a 12.9in infotainment touchscreen, but cars equipped with the Infotainment Package Plus have a bigger 15in setup. No matter the size of the screen, the infotainment system uses the brand’s latest software. It’s a big improvement over older VW systems, with sharp graphics and quick responses. All versions come with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Unfortunately, there are few physical controls in the interior, other than physical steering wheel buttons and a big rotary dial on the centre console for the volume and drive modes. For the climate controls, these are adjusted via the screen or the touch-sensitive sliders below the screen. These are more fiddly to use on the move than the physical buttons and dials you get in the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Karoq.

Up front, there’s plenty of head and leg room for taller people in the Tiguan. Storage space is impressive, too. In the back, leg room is generous, with plenty of foot space underneath the front seats. There’s also loads of head room.

In the boot, regular versions of the Tiguan have 652 litres of space, which is plenty of room for a family weekend away. In fact, there’s so much space we managed to fit nine carry-on suitcases below the parcel shelf, which is two more than the XC40 and four more than the Countryman. With the PHEVs, the cargo volume drops down to 490 litres because of the hybrid battery under the boot floor.

If you want to carry longer items, the Tiguan has flexible 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, which are more versatile than the 60/40 set-up in the XC40. The rear bench also slides back and forth to prioritise rear leg room or boot space. The backrest can recline for improved comfort, too.

Trims and equipment: There are five trims to choose from with the Tiguan: Life, Match, Elegance, R-Line and Black Edition. Entry-level Life comes reasonably well equipped, with 18in alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, ambient interior lighting, power-folding door mirrors, wireless phone-charging, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Match trim adds a few more goodies, including keyless entry, a powered tailgate and rear privacy glass. There are also a lot more engines available with this trim level.

If you want even more luxuries, Elegance includes 19in alloy wheels, extra ambient lighting, a hands-free powered tailgate, and heated and massaging front seats.

R-Line comes with the same add-ons as Elegance, plus sportier styling and bigger 20in alloy wheels. Black Edition comes with extras such as matrix LED headlights and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

"The Tiguan is a fabulously comfortable car to ride in. My only major gripe is the brake pedal, which is a bit grabby in the mild hybrid and PHEV versions because of the regenerative braking system." – Mark Pearson, Used Cars Editor

If you're interested in buying a used Volkswagen Tiguan or any of the cars we've mentioned, head over to our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at a great price.

Used prices for the third-generation Tiguan start from around £22,000. At this level, you can expect a 2024 entry-level Life model with either the 1.5-litre petrol or 2.0-litre diesel engine, typically showing between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. PHEV versions start from roughly £25,000.

For a mid-spec Match model from 2024, you’ll need a budget of at least £26,000. The same budget applies if you’re looking for a low-mileage 2024 example or a newer 2025 car. Top-spec R-Line models carry a premium, with prices starting from around £29,000.

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MPG

The Tiguan 1.5 eTSI 130 delivers an official average of 47.7mpg, while the more powerful 1.5 TSI 150 manages 46.4mpg. Both figures are competitive with similar petrol-powered family SUVs.

In real-world conditions, our tests saw the 1.5 eTSI 150 return 38.1mpg on a mixed driving route. That put it slightly ahead of the Countryman C (37.2mpg) and XC40 B3 (35.6mpg).

The TDI 150 diesel improves on paper efficiency, with an official average of 52.3mpg. Meanwhile, the PHEV tops the range at a claimed 188.1mpg, although achieving anything close to that figure depends on charging it regularly.

Road tax

All versions of the Tiguan are subject to the current flat rate fee of road tax, which is £200. Most versions cost more than £40,000 when new, too, making them subject to the £440 luxury car tax surcharge. This applies for five years from the second year of registration.

Servicing

Volkswagen offers a service plan for the Tiguan priced at £546, covering two basic services over two years. A more comprehensive plan – including replacement of the pollen filter, air filter and spark plugs – costs £743.76 for two services within the same period. By comparison, Kia charges £659 to service the Sportage over a longer interval of four years or 40,000 miles.

Insurance

The Tiguan spans insurance groups 22 to 28. This means insurance costs will be similar to the Countryman, Sportage and XC40, but more than the Tucson.

Warranty

From new, every Tiguan comes with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty. That’s not as good as Kia’s seven-year, 100,000-mile offering or Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited mileage cover. Toyota betters them all, giving you up to 10 years or 100,000 miles if you regularly service your car with an authorised Toyota dealer.

According to Volkswagen UK, the high-voltage battery degradation warranty for the Tiguan PHEV is not transferable to subsequent owners. It applies exclusively to the first registered owner for 5 years or 100,000 miles. While the general 3-year manufacturer warranty can be transferred, the specific battery health warranty is non-transferable.

Safety

The Tiguan scored the full five stars for safety when it was tested by Euro NCAP in 2024, which is the same score the Countryman and MG HS achieved in the same year.

All versions come with automatic emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keeping assistance, as well as traffic-sign recognition and a system that monitors driver fatigue. You also get blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert to warn of approaching vehicles behind you.

Reliability

The third-generation Tiguan performed poorly in the What Car? Reliability Survey, finishing at the bottom of its class with a low overall score. A high proportion of cars experienced faults – most commonly with the infotainment, braking and electrical systems – and repairs were often lengthy, leaving many vehicles off the road for extended periods. Volkswagen didn’t do well in the brand rankings, either.

To find out more about used Volkswagen Tiguan reliability, visit our dedicated reliability page.

Engine

The 1.5-litre eTSI 150 provides the best balance of performance and running costs, yet is similar in price to the eTSI 130 and diesel TDI 150. If you do high-mileage, the diesel could be worth your while for its added efficiency, but it’s worth considering the higher price of diesel at the pumps compared with petrol. The PHEV isn’t worth the premium at the time of writing.

Specification

While mid-spec Match is more common on the used market, we think the entry-level Life trim is the best option. It’s quite a bit cheaper than Match, yet it still gives you a good level of standard kit, with features such as three-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, power-folding door mirrors, wireless phone-charging, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Our favourite Volkswagen Tiguan: 1.5 eTSI 150 Life

The Volvo XC40 is a fantastic used family SUV. It might have a premium badge on its nose, but because it’s been around for a while now, it’s really good value when buying used. You get a classy, well-built interior, generous space, plenty of safety technology and a smooth, comfortable driving experience. It’s an excellent all-round choice.

The Hyundai Tucson stands out as one of the best used family SUVs. It offers impressive rear-seat and boot space, so it’s a highly practical option for everyday life. Equipment levels are generous, yet used prices are very competitive compared with similar models. A choice of petrol, hybrid and PHEV engines only adds to its appeal, along with Hyundai’s five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

Closely related to the Tucson, the Kia Sportage takes a slightly more upmarket approach. It tends to cost a little more, but rewards you with a more refined feel, better ride comfort and a slightly more upmarket interior. It shares the same engine options as the Tucson, while Kia’s seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty is a big plus for long-term peace of mind.

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If you're interested in buying a used Volkswagen Tiguan or any of the cars we've mentioned, head over to our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at a great price.