Will there be a new Volkswagen Tiguan?

There will almost certainly be a fourth-generation Tiguan. Considering the current car launched in 2024, we'd expect the new model to arrive at some point around 2032. In the meantime, we expect Volkswagen will release a purely electric ID. Tiguan, which will be sold alongside the fuel-powered standard model.

What is the highest-spec Volkswagen Tiguan?

In most cases, you'll want R-Line trim. This is the sportiest setup available for the Tiguan, with big alloy wheels and a mean-looking body kit. It also includes interior luxuries like advanced ambient lighting and a heated sports steering wheel.

Which Volkswagen Tiguan model is best?

Of the current Tiguan lineup, there's a strong case for sticking to entry-level Life trim. It's the most affordable option but still includes climate control, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors and a full infotainment system. Alternatively, check out R-Line models, which gain a mean-looking body kit and massive alloy wheels.

Which Volkswagen Tiguan engine is best?

Most Tiguan engine options are well-matched to the car, with petrol options suiting owners who cover mixed motoring, and diesel options for high-mileage drivers. However, we also hold a candle for the second-generation Tiguan R, which featured a 320hp 2.0-litre petrol engine for mighty acceleration.

Models

Volkswagen Tiguan models and trim levels explained

• 3 min read

Mike Vousden

Content Editor

Mike is a Content Editor at Motorpoint. He's written for several motoring mags, and worked as an electric car analyst. He likes EVs, V8s and '60s American cars

The Tiguan is nothing short of Volkswagen's most important model.

It's the brand's biggest-selling model and its largest money-earner – and it's easy to see why. The Tiguan has the solid quality and easygoing nature you expect from a VW, in an oh-so-desirable family SUV format.

This guide will take you through the Volkswagen Tiguan lineup, explaining the different trims available and the model's history over time.

Volkswagen Tiguan models explained

By the mid-2000s, all mainstream car brands could see how fast the SUV segment was growing. Volkswagen had already introduced the sizeable Touareg in 2002, but needed a medium-sized, medium-priced family offering to cement its spot in the segment.

Enter the Tiguan in 2007, built on a lifted version of the chassis that underpinned the contemporary Volkswagen Passat and Skoda Superb. It drew customers both from the traditionalists that might've chosen a Passat, and those who wanted to stretch up from a Golf hatchback, and is now VW's best-selling car.

We are now into the Tiguan's third generation on sale, and its position in the range should be secure for a long time to come.

Volkswagen Tiguan rivals include:

Check out our complete list of Volkswagen Tiguan alternatives

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

During the Tiguan's second model generation, Volkswagen also offered the Tiguan Allspace. This is an elongated version of the popular family SUV, with a third row of seats added behind the second for seven seats in total.

While the Tiguan Allspace name wasn't renewed alongside the third-generation Tiguan, it actually lives on as the Volkswagen Tayron. Unlike the old Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace, Volkswagen has very slightly changed the Tayron's styling to make it more distinct from the current Tiguan.

We still think they missed a trick not calling it the 'Biguan'…

Volkswagen Tiguan trim levels

Current Volkswagen Tiguan trim levels:

Life – entry-level trim but well-equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, park assist, parking sensors, and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Match – mid-range trim adds a powered boot lid, silver roof rails, heated front seats, tinted rear windows, a reversing camera and enhanced exterior lighting
Style – gains 19-inch alloy wheels, more advanced ambient cabin lighting and a massaging function for the front seats
R-Line – sporty trim with a meaner body kit and arch-filling 20-inch wheels, plus a heated sports steering wheel inside

Previous Volkswagen Tiguan trim levels:

SE Nav – affordable trim level featuring a basic infotainment setup with built-in sat nav, plus air conditioning
SEL – mid-range option with heated seats, more advanced lighting and part-suede upholstery

Volkswagen Tiguan generations

Third generation – 2024-present

Despite its monolithic front end, the new Tiguan's drag coefficient dropped from 0.33 to 0.28Cd, helping improve efficiency and performance
Model code – CT1
Facelift likely around 2028
One of the first plug-in-hybrid cars in the UK that can DC fast charge at a public charger
Choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in-hybrid engines

Second generation – 2016-2024

The second Tiguan gained a more powerful and confident look
Model code – AD (BW for Tiguan Allspace)
Facelifted in 2020
The second-gen Tiguan swapped to a platform shared with the Skoda Kodiaq and Audi Q3
Choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in-hybrid engines

First generation – 2007-2016

All early Tiguans came standard with 4Motion all-wheel drive, with front-wheel drive added later
Model code – 5N
Facelifted in 2012
When it launched the Tiguan had a class-leading 2,500kg braked towing capacity
Choice of petrol and diesel engines

What's the best Volkswagen Tiguan model?

Volkswagen Tiguan in blue, rear three quarter

Usually, we'd say buy the most up-to-date version of whatever model you're considering buying. Of course, that's a good strategy with the Tiguan – the latest car feels much more modern than its predecessor, with a cleaner, more tech-led design.

That said, the second-generation Tiguan sold until 2024 is widely available on the used market, often at a big discount over the current model. It offers similar practicality and, while it definitely looks and feels more old-fashioned, its button-heavy dashboard might be easier to use if you're a luddite like us.

Browse nearly new and used Volkswagen Tiguan cars for sale, or read our Volkswagen Tiguan review to find out what it's like to drive.