The Volkswagen Tiguan is among the best-selling compact SUVs on the world automotive market. It has undergone three generations of evolution, establishing itself as a combination of utility, performance, and modern technology. With its inherent versatility, the Tiguan can accommodate nearly all driver personalities from the jaded urban commuter to the weekend adventurer.
This article goes into Volkswagen Tiguan’s history, design, performance, safety, and marketing, thoroughly explaining why it is still among the best choices in a very competitive SUV sector.
First Generation Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen launched the first-generation Tiguan in the year 2007 as a vehicle to fill the gap between the T-Roc compact SUV and the larger Touareg. Volkswagen designed the Tiguan on the PQ46 platform, which also supports the Passat B6, to offer a functional and stylish option for families and city dwellers. It came with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, among them a popular choice of 1.4L and 2.0L TDI.
The Tiguan featured bold design elements such as a pronounced wheel arch and a front grille, allowing two very different trims to appeal to both urban and off-road driving. In Pntrast, power outputs ranged from 138 hp to 200 hp. One could also opt for the 4MOTION all-wheel drive by Volkswagen.
Key Specifications
Feature | Details |
Production Years | 2007–2018 |
Platform | PQ46 |
Engine Options | 1.4L TSI (petrol), 2.0L TDI (diesel) |
Power Output | 138 hp to 200 hp |
Drive System | Front-wheel drive; optional 4MOTION all-wheel drive |
Trims | Sport & Style (urban), Track & Field (off-road) |
Facelift Year | 2012 |
Facelift Changes | LED lighting, refreshed exterior design, upgraded interior materials |
Second Generation Volkswagen Tiguan

The second iteration of Volkswagen’s Tiguan is released in the year 2016 appreciably virtually entire construed parts. Advances occupy design, space, and technology. This particular model runs on the MQB A2 platform that permits an extension of the wheelbase by 77 mm. Adaptive cruise control, plus the IQ.DRIVE semi-autonomous driving features available from Volkswagen, may be found in this model.
Major variants were the Tiguan R, which was released in 2020 with a whopping 316 hp, and came with standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive, plus the Tiguan X, a sleek coupe-style SUV that was made really only for the Chinese market in China.
Key Specifications
Feature | Details |
Production Years | 2016–Present |
Platform | MQB A2 |
Seating Options | Standard 5-seater; optional 7-seater in Tiguan Allspace (LWB version) |
Engine Options | 1.4L TSI, 2.0L TSI, diesel variants, eHybrid (plug-in hybrid) |
Notable Variants | Tiguan R (316 hp, 4MOTION), Tiguan X (coupe-style, China-only) |
Technology Features | Digital cockpit, adaptive cruise, IQ.DRIVE semi-autonomous features |
Facelift Year | 2020 |
Facelift Updates | Redesigned front end, new infotainment system, enhanced driver assists |
Third Generation Volkswagen Tiguan

The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan is moving towards a completely new sharp design. This new Tiguan adapts a sleeker and more aerodynamic look inspired by those of VW’s ID. In North America, however, an altogether different automobile, the Tayron, has taken the place of the third-generation Tiguan the a slightly bigger SUV built on the same platform and sharing most of the engineering DNA with the Tiguan.
Feature | Details |
Production Years | 2024–Present |
Platform | MQB Evo |
Design Highlights | LED light bars, aerodynamic shape, ID-inspired styling |
Interior Technology | Large touchscreen, OLED digital cockpit, Level 2 autonomous driving |
Powertrain Options | Mild-hybrid petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid (eHybrid) |
Autonomous Features | Level 2 (semi-autonomous driving assist) |
Design and Interior
Exterior Styling
- A Tacoma has always ruggedness and sophistication, and now it bears:
- Sleeker LED headlights for dynamic turn signals.
- Bolder grille for integrated VW logo.
- More bolder sport R-Line trim with aggressive bumpers and larger wheels.
Interior Comfort & Technology
- The car’s cabin is big and can comfortably seat five passengers onboard, while the Allspace variant can also take seven.
- The inside of the car has materials that feel top quality having soft-touch surfaces and an optional leather covering.
- The infotainment system comes with a standard 10-inch touch display.
- In addition, the digital cockpit measures 12.3 inches and is fully customizable to display any important driving information and controls.
- Read More: Sedans With All Wheel Drive: Luxury & Performance Leaders
Performance and Engine Options
Powertrains for the Volkswagen Tiguan can extend infinitely, having one suited for every road, fuel-efficient in the city, through performance-oriented adventure.
Petrol Engines
The Tiguan petrols are at best at balancing efficiency and power delivery:
- 1.4 L TSI (150 hp)
- 1.5L TSI mild hybrid (160 hp)
- 2.0L TSI Tiguan R(190-320 hp)
Diesel Engines
When long-running torque offer highway mileage and efficiency, the Tiguan has:
- 2.0 L TDI (150-240 hp)
A perfect partner for cars that want to run on highways-the one with thumping torque and impressive fuel economy.
Plug-In Hybrid
A unique feature of the Tiguan eHybrid is that it integrates a 1.4 L TSI petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined power of 245 hp.
Safety and Reliability
Euro NCAP and IIHS crash tests done quite successful on the Tiguan.
- It has Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).
- Lane Keep Assist is there to keep it within its lines.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring warns the driver of hidden vehicles.
- Euro NCAP in 2024 rated it 5 stars, 88 percent for child safety, and 84 percent for pedestrian safety.
- In 2022 it received Top Safety Pick+ honors from the IIHS due to good results in all crash tests.
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FAQ’s
Q1) What is meant by the term Volkswagen Tiguan?
The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s small SUV, what it has proven to be a very good all-rounder in terms of comfort, dynamic performance, and modern tech. In terms of practicality, it approaches even premium features and engine options to meet all kinds of driving needs.
Q2) Is the Tiguan all-wheel drive?
Yes, a lot of Tiguan models are equipped with Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive that allows you to enjoy better traction where you would need it. While going through bad weather or off the beaten track.
Q3) How many people fit inside a Tiguan?
It offers a comfortable trip for up to 5 adults. Tiguan Allspace is available with an optional configuration up to 7 passenger seating capacity.
Q4) What kinds of engines are available?
There are two major types of engines. Normal petrol and diesel engines, less potent and more efficient standard mild hybrid versions, above all, a plug-in hybrid.
Q5) Does it rank among hybrids?
Yes, this will however be called the Tiguan eHybrid with its 1.4-liter petrol powertrain and an electric motor giving up to 245 hp altogether while consuming much less fuel.