Currently reading: 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan brings new interior, long-range PHEV

VW's best-seller reinvented with upsized infotainment screen and overhauled hybrid powertrains

Volkswagen has revealed the third-generation Tiguan, due in the UK in early 2024, as a comprehensively restyled and re-engineered version of its best-selling car.

Development of the new Tiguan has largely been undertaken in parallel with the latest Passat, with which it shares VW’s upgraded MQB-Evo platform, plus much of its upgraded digital and connectivity functions, including the latest version of VW’s MIB infotainment platform and new over-the-air software update capability.

At 4539mm long, 1639mm tall (without roof rails) and 1842mm wide, the heavily restyled Tiguan is 30mm longer, 4mm taller and the same width as its popular predecessor. Its wheelbase also remains the same as before, at 2680mm.

The headline changes are inside, where the third-gen Tiguan receives a new cabin that sports a cleaner look, more upmarket materials, improved technology and more space than its predecessor.

Among the extensive list of changes is a redesigned dashboard featuring a new control matrix, illuminated trim elements and new-look air vents. It supports a 10.3in digital instrument display as well as a central touchscreen infotainment display that measures 12.9in as standard or 15.0in in upgraded guise. 

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan interior

The infotainment display incorporates a backlit slider controller similar to that of the latest Passat and ID 7. It also adopts a new MIB4 digital menu structure, with touchscreen air-con controls incorporated into the lower section.

In a move that VW design boss Andreas Mindt says will be reflected on other models, the steering wheel forgoes the fiddly touch-sensitive capacitive controls of the old Tiguan for more traditional buttons and switches.

There's also a new centre console, hosting a rotary controller that is used to alter the driving modes, the audio volume and what VW calls ‘Atmospheres’ – essentially pre-programmed settings for the ambient lighting and other functions, such as playlists from Spotify and Apple Music. The settings include Lounge, Energetic, Joy, Minimal and Me.

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2023 Volkswagen Tiguan infotainment screen

With all new Tiguan models receiving an automatic dual-clutch gearbox as standard, the gear selector is relocated to a stalk mounted on the steering column.

Volkswagen claims head room has increased by 8mm in the front and by 10mm in the rear. Boot space for non-plug-in hybrid models has also risen by 37 litres to a nominal 652 litres.

Options include a new head-up display unit, which projects information onto the windscreen instead of a plastic panel as with the old Tiguan, as well as a wireless phone charger.

Red 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan – rear quarter parked

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Among the turbocharged four-cylinder engines is a new mild-hybrid 1.5-litre petrol developing either 129bhp or 148bhp in a pair of front-wheel-drive eTSI models. There is also an updated version of the more conventional 2.0-litre petrol engine, which develops 201bhp and 261bhp in two new four-wheel-drive TSI 4Motion models.

The turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel remains but with detailed changes to its exhaust system. It continues to develop 148bhp in the front-wheel-drive 2.0 TDI and 190bhp in the four-wheel-drive 2.0 TDI 4Motion models.

The petrol-electric drivetrain used by plug-in hybrid Tiguans has been heavily reworked. It is now based on the 1.5-litre engine from the new eTSI models instead of the older turbo 1.4-litre unit and it is paired with a more powerful electric motor. However, the two front-wheel-drive eHybrid models retain the same power as those they replace, at 201bhp and 268bhp.

Red 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan boot open

With a new 19.7kWh battery, they are also claimed to offer electric ranges of up to 62 miles. The capacity for DC charging at up to 50kW means top-ups will be far quicker. Petrol and diesel Tiguans use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (DSG), with the plug-in hybrids running a six-speed DSG.

VW has also reworked the Tiguan’s MacPherson-strut front and four-link rear suspension with new dampers and revised anti-roll bars. In combination with the new independent rear suspension, these are said to provide increased stiffness and improved stability

Buyers can optionally specify new twin-valve constantly variable dampers as part of a revised Dynamic Chassis Control Pro system. This set-up controls the properties of the electronic differential locks and now also includes a Golf GTI-derived Vehicle Dynamics Manager that allows the driver to alter the characteristics of the suspension across a choice of 15 settings.

Red 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan front static

Since the Tiguan’s introduction in 2007, it has regularly been Volkswagen’s best-selling model on a worldwide basis. Some 7.5 million have been produced to date, including 1.2 million in the past two years alone.

This latest version is set to be available from launch in four trims, kicking off at around £30,000 in base form and rising to the mid-£40,000s for the top-rung R-Line.

A more powerful Tiguan R is also in the works, according to VW. This is due to run the latest 315bhp version of the firm's turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder power plant, as featured in the Golf R.

The seven-seat Tiguan Allspace has been axed, and will be replaced in European markets in 2025 by a new SUV called the Tayron.

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00se7en 20 September 2023

I'm on my second Tiguan (mk2 facelift) and by the looks of this, it will be my last.  OK from the rear, but the front is too high.  Weirdly the base model looks way better than the R-Line.  Based on interior shots, looks like the new Kodiaq will be the one to have.  A pity because the Mk2 Tiguan really is a fantastic family car in terms of boot and cabin space compared to overall size.

sbagnall 19 September 2023
Insipidly derivative, could be straight out of a Chinese sweatshop.
RichardSW15 19 September 2023

It's ok, not sexy but perhaps if you want to fly below radar, fine.  There's enough targeted car crime where I live, it has appeal.  That being said, the sat nav screen looks like an after-thought.  Certainly not integrated which will happen on the re-fresh in a couple of years.