2021 Volkswagen Tiguan in-depth review - still the best all-round family SUV?

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan review: carbyr.uk/3wQMHqf
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The Volkswagen Tiguan is VW’s most popular model. The latest version is here and it gets updated styling and an array of new technology to help keep it a bestseller. It also has a very practical interior, a vast boot and an excellent choice of engines. Is it enough to tempt buyers away from stylish rivals like the Peugeot 3008 or the much-improved Hyundai Tucson? Nicola Hume puts the new TIguan to the test to find out.
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Every week, Carbuyer's KZbin channel brings you simple and entertaining reviews on every major make and model that's available for sale in the UK. Plus you'll find frequently-updated top 10 features and the occasional group test for good measure. If you want even more helpful information, head over to Carbuyer.co.uk where you'll find in-depth reviews of more than 500 cars, alongside the best buying advice and dozens of features helping you to narrow down your car buying shortlist.

[@philg6613]

I've watched hundreds possibly thousands of car reviews and this review is the best of the best. All the information you need in an intelligent, entertaining and easily understood analysis. Brilliant.

[@carbuyer]

Wow, thanks Phil!

[@Danny-204]

I got a Tiguan r line 2 years ago on a pcp. My wife is the main driver as she take our little girl around in it, and I have to say it is a fantastic family car, it good to drive, it has all the kit you need and it is fantastic to go away on holiday in. I can not recommend this car enough. We will be getting another one next year when the contract is up. I will be getting the Tiguan R

[@otekki]

I’ve just got rid of mine after 2 years. 22 plate. I just found it a little ‘meh’ and VW customer service has been awful for the entire 2 years

[@welshben23]

Great review, good presentation & actually mentioning other similar sized Cars in the same class. Unlike some other reviewers who seem to think the Volvo XC40 & BMW X1 are the same size as the Tiguan, Kuga & others.

[@teacherjosep8948]

I like the classy design( I want a car not a plastic spaceship) and the dolphin grey metalic color😍 The perfect familiar car😀

[@jamesmccormack3229]

Love your reviews, enjoyable and fun with a simple flair for everyone to understand. Really think this is more of a why fix Wats not broke kind of update for the VW group, and nothing wrong with that Wen it seems to be such a capable all-rounder.

[@carbuyer]

Thanks James. And yes, you're right - mild updates keep the Tiguan very close to the top of the class!

[@kalervonuolenpaa2452]

Why is every single Tiguan review done with the R-Line and the smallest infotainment screen? Where are the Elegance reviews with leather seats and a proper screen? Are the VW dealers not giving those cars to vloggers or what is the deal? These videos available today from different video makers don't differ from each other at all??? Sorry.

[@stevena9305]

The reason is that in U.K. the Elegance and R-Line get the same size infotainment screen and neither have leather interior as standard.

[@austinokomol]

Now we want a drag race Mat watson vs Yianni vs nicola.

[@chubbyBunny94]

Need*

[@damoville66]

Love this lady, she is so natural at talking and great at keeping your attention. Beautiful too but that's a bonus

[@zomils]

Why you simping

[@HUMC5]

She is the female version of Mat Watson from Carwow :d

[@shanjanusman9974]

She's a proper journalist the best since Clarkson to date.

[@Silver-st2zq]

@@shanjanusman9974 😂

[@carbuyer]

Wow, that's quite the statement, Shanjan!

[@doubledee223]

I’ve just purchased the Tiguan elegance diesel 150PS with a few optional extras and of course 4Motion which is brilliant for the UKs limited amount of snow and muddy tracks love the air stop tyres on the Tiguan and the IQ lights are just brilliant they are not actually standard on the r-line trim nor is the sunroof or electric tailgate hence why I chose the better elegance trim and upgraded to the 20” wheels and DCC

[@carbuyer]

Very nice!

[@stevena9305]

Something that does not seem to be mentioned in reviews is that the Elegance has conventional steering wheel buttons rather then the touch ones on the R-Line.

[@doubledee223]

@@stevena9305 correct you can fit the touch sensitive steering wheel without coding as far as I’m aware but personally I prefer the buttons getting used to the touch climate is hard enough lol I dread to think what I would be pressing by accident if I were to be manoeuvring there that sensitive

[@stevena9305]

@@doubledee223 I’m very happy to keep with regular buttons. In my view it counts against the R-Line.

[@lewisjohnston6831]

Great presentation and nice range defining

[@carbuyer]

Thank you kindly!

[@podunkman2709]

That was a real pleasure to see u doing this review. What energy! 🙂

[@ronnieochieng2603]

this is the most entertaining,informative car review--bravo

[@rc7059]

Really enjoyed this review, the journalist is really chatty and engaging making the review enjoyable to watch, but still packing plenty of detail and trustworthy opinion. I’m dismayed to see VW using touch sensitive controls for the air-conditioning, this is one of the few controls which I probably use every single time I drive (- I suppose there’s an argument to say you just get used to using touch sensitive controls!).. but from a convenience and safety point of view I think having physical knobs for the temperature is so much better... in-fact I would not buy a car with touch sensitive climate control! I like the video editing in this review - I much prefer this more ‘direct’ approach than the slightly arty shots with lots of cuts to a presenter who is talking ‘accross’ the camera at a strange angle (as I’ve seen in several of your recent reviews)… Been watching Carbuyer for years, and it seems that this review is really on top form! Thanks Carbuyer!

[@carbuyer]

Thank you.

[@stevena9305]

Still using touch controls? They have only just introduced them!

[@rc7059]

@@stevena9305 apologies I will edit accordingly - but the car I looked at a year ago had touch controls and the one I looked at last month also had the same controls.. I appreciate that they are only likely to change things like this every few years rather than annually.

[@rc7059]

@@stevena9305 apologies I have amended my comments, it’s just that I seem to remember about a year ago seeing the touch controls on VW - of course I realise these things only get changed every few years rather than annually! I really like VW group cars which is why I’m quite disappointed they have gone down this route… I know for many people this won’t be a problem, it’s just my own opinion.

[@stevena9305]

@@rc7059 they were introduced in the mk.8 Golf and now gradually creeping though the ranges sadly.

[@stephenketcher1]

make sure you keep this reviewer for the long haul cuz mat watson is just around the corner to drag race for her. she's absolutelty talented for this

[@Lecruque]

God I love this reviewer! Just another level. Good job!

[@cosmicjohn174]

We just got a 2017 and we love it. I love how simple VW's are, I'm going to get myself a Gli next year for myself!

[@shellycochran6330]

My 2021 SE R-line is the best SUV I’ve ever owned. Drives like a Jetta or Golf and it’s sexy looking. 💜💜💜💜

[@malt2585]

I have a new Tiguan R line 2.0ltr diesel 200BHP 4 motion and it quite comfortably returns 50+ mpg and that’s filling tank to tank and combination of town and motorways 👍🏼

[@alucard18582]

Really?? I'm getting mine tomorrow and I really hope to reach the same consumption!!

[@grahamcole4240]

I have the 190 bhp auto diesel and it doesn't get anywhere near 50+ miles per gallon, 40mpg if I take it easy. Would you like to swap with mine.

[@markkeeble4648]

Hi What do you think is best for towing a caravan?

[@graemecouch5010]

You didnt mention economy , the excellent Led headlights or the great electric tailgate that is fast & silent !

[@albuquerquenm3543]

C5 or this? This segment has so many options that i have completely lost it at this point 😂 Do you guys have Mitsubishi Eclipse or Ford territory there?

[@subhashkalathil7088]

Hi can you compare this car with JAGUAR E PACE,Range Rover Evoque and the SUBARU FORESTER ? Regarding Diesel benefit, Price ,market reputation and utility convinience

[@MeirCohen.kingbibi]

I love my polkswagen tiguan 2021( life plus in israel) . An excellent car. I gave my skoda kamiq( style 1.5 litre 2020) to my girlfriend. Beautiful review !!!

[@carbuyer]

You're a very generous man!

[@MeirCohen.kingbibi]

@@carbuyer Thank you very much💕

[@muneebmirza917]

car buyer finally found a good replacement for Mat LOOOL

[@MrManjHussain]

Well done good efforts although in the beginning started of with few hiccups... Lol

[@seamushennessy554]

I'd like people's opinion on the 1.5 tsi petrol dsg? I've only got small journeys, with a long motorway trip once a month. Would you pick diesel or petrol. Thanks

[@me-ju3fv]

Best review by far. Love the presenter

[@nickhickson8738]

Why are these test always featuring top of the range models? And why are VW and other makes foisting on us the ghastly Privacy glass all the time. Make it an optional extra if they must.

[@frazzzz1066]

Best review I’ve seen 👍

[@theonesillyboy]

it ever so slightly annoys me when reviewers keep commenting on vw's design inside and/or outside being not adventurous enough, and there being many more exciting exteriors/interiors out there ... yes, there are also many people listening to Justin Bieber but that doesn't make his music good ... I so much prefer this adult, mature design of vw than the plasticky kitsch of Asian cars or vulgar extravaganza of the American ones. we can all see what happened with bmw's grill, no thank you

[@ramspo9800]

What is the colour? Dolphin grey? Or any different

[@robloxtransportsimulation3416]

we just got a life one yesterday and came with an electric boot!!

[@islammesallam4474]

Great review, thank you c:

[@teoleo5120]

Forget the tiguan.. U r so good

[@andyking5670]

You forgot the folding front passenger backrest.

[@antonthompson7838]

Awesome review by the best reviewer on KZbin! I have a question do you think this is the most practical SUV or do you think the new Tucson is even more practical and just as reliable, thanks?

[@carbuyer]

There's actually not a lot in it. The Tucson is marginally bigger overall but both are very practical family cars.

[@hermandebeer8389]

Tucson has 5 Year warranty with no limitation

[@RacexEV]

2021 tiguan in title but.....there is a 70 plate????????????? Lovely review regardless but isn't it a lie? This model in the video is registered from October 2020. ?

[@stevena9305]

Yes but it’s a 2021 model.

[@shanjanusman9974]

The UKs best female journalist and presenter by far

[@carbuyer]

Thanks!

[@alanwayte432]

Maybe trying to hard to be perky ...um not sure , dial it down be nice to see real person not perky high on sugar rush

[@andrewwheeler8591]

Very good but I think your forgetting Vikki Butler Henderson! 🤔

[@JackKing12.]

Shame no knobs for the climate control n buttons on the steering wheel 😐 What is vw doing? BTW I don't have a family - just want a SUV that's all 👍

[@carbuyer]

You and many others, Jack. Thanks for watching!

[@georgedowns4034]

I had a Citroen C4 with this same issue but it rly doesn't take that long to get used to...

[@stevena9305]

Elegance has normal steering wheel buttons.

[@jeffchristie1541]

Great presenter lovely voice

[@faizanashraf1350]

Is it Dolphin grey color ?

[@bernboncay7644]

Absolutely amazing car! love mine I have white best car ever.

[@mphantata7811]

whoa! i love this car, is spacious and beautiful and its performance as well is amazing well done. i love your programs by the way

[@MrDunk74]

Missed you from Heart. ❤️

[@josephotoo8862]

Rising star. Great review.

[@carbuyer]

Wow, thank you!

[@DivyaanshDawar]

By far the best review , who is she ? Srsly !

[@jakiewang8479]

Hey guys,how much money is TIGUAN L 2.0T in your country?

[@dr.neshamohabeer2225]

Tiguan vw is the best . Fast reliable strong ❤

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

Keep in mind, the automatic is a DCT transmission here.

[@jayess7236]

What does that mean?

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

DCT - dual clutch transmission.

[@okosmostonlego5590]

Is that good or not?

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

More efficient than a torque converter but less reliable. It’s good.

[@albinnygren2367]

For when you like the Golf Estate but hate good value.

[@carbuyer]

Now you might have a point there, Albin...

[@zuti071]

So what is fuel economy in L/100km ? That is elementary info for subscribers outside UK.

[@carbuyer]

Unfortunately if we gave all these numbers and conversion we'd be here all week! You can find simple conversion tools online.

[@SuperEtab]

I wish we had the short wheel base Tiguan in Canada. We get a weird looking long version one here

[@doubledee223]

You guys have the all space we have that to which is a little more pricy the SEL trim is the one to go for in the all space shame the 3rd row seats have little leg room 👍🏼

[@carbuyer]

We get the longer Allspace in the UK, too. That version hasn't been facelifted yet, however.

[@doubledee223]

@@carbuyer still no signs of any update i wonder if they will roll it out.....I have noticed there’s a new trim for the Tiguan it’s called Active same with other models, golf, t roc etc, would you possibly do a video for cars that’s are ideal for wheelchair users like myself I currently use a left foot accelerator I currently don’t have to pay VAT on any vehicles due to my disability but not many videos on cars that are suitable for wheelchair users I would be happy to give you hand on advice on what we need and why 5 doors are a nightmare let me know if I can help or anything

[@petersmith2040]

The short wheel base Tiguan is built in Germany. But, the long wheel base is built in Mexico specifically for the North American market but other markets also sell the LWB Mexican built Tiguan. Most people outside of N. America prefer to buy the SWB German built VW Tiguan..

[@pcluvvw7129]

Yes we get one engine and only the LWB here in the US. Need a more powerful engine for the R line. Would love a diesel engine option as well. I like the refresh shame they only changed buttons to touch. A bit distracting while driving.

[@ldkdinesh]

I checked twice to see if I am watching CarWow!

[@yudhabagaskara98]

Worth of the price even karoq and ateca are cheaper

[@carbuyer]

There's so much choice in this class now, but the Tiguan continues to be a huge seller for Volkswagen.

[@everythingeric5889]

is the variable boot floor not standard on this?

[@stevena9305]

No. You have to pay extra for the space saver spare wheel to get it.

[@dronedad5784]

She’s like the female Matt Watson Carwow snap her up!

[@Wildcatjames1]

My goodness, that dash and controls looks so dated! I’m sure it’s a great car, but my new Q3 looks light years ahead internally, and it’s essentially the same company.

[@andrewwheeler8591]

Getting my black edition Thursday and couldn't agree more, furthermore the Q3 hasn't got Harry Fandango fake exhausts! 🙄

[@darkbassi5911]

@@andrewwheeler8591 so you two think a volkswagon interior should rival that of an AUDI 🤔, you do realise the Audi is the prestigious brand of VW.

[@lucassitanggang5154]

This Car video site is Like Carwow

[@carbuyer]

Carbuyer - the original, and best!

[@garysmeltzersmeltzer319]

No commentator explains the need for premium petrol which comes at a cost

[@dr6124]

5ft 6in person reviewing a car. So representative of the population.

[@AdrianSams]

Bit Harsh.................................

[@nikky1456]

Nikola, she is complete, she is pretty, she has personality, presentable, i can go on and on about Nikola. 😍

[@daveh9415]

I hate fake vents and fake exhausts, dealbreaker right there

[@Optiktube1]

for when the review of the hyundai Tucson?

[@carbuyer]

Very soon. We've filmed it and it's being edited as we speak!

[@Optiktube1]

@@carbuyer Great! Because I just bought the Hybrid 230hp version, and would love to know what you think of it.

[@graemecouch5010]

Those other cars you mentioned are rubbish with no resale value ! The Tiguan is far ahead of Tuscon or 3008 in all areas ! Lights & stereo for one are A1 in Tiggy !

[@bighands69]

I think she is just comparing them and stating where VW could make improvements. A RAV4 would be more reliable but not as nice to drive.

[@richgl31]

Not so sure … owned a 3008 and VW; and value for money,comfort and standard equipment ; 3008 better for me. 3008 needs more powerful engines though. Styling also better for me - but that is subjective- the R alone looks good.

[@moonsapling]

Not getting 4motion in the Tiguan is a very dumb idea.

[@serbanhv9338]

It's called a F A C E L I F T and not the new Tiguan. Of course that when you have a facelift of a car you won't be expecting major changes or redesigns of interior/exterior. But hey, this is today's journalism...

[@petersmith2040]

This latest version of VW Tiguan is a much better choice than the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CRV.

[@grahamcole4240]

I had a Honda CRV EX diesel auto for over 5 years and it had 113,000 miles on it when I changed it, and still drove like new. Because Honda no longer do a diesel I went for the Tiguan, I hope it will be as reliable as the Honda was.

[@hermandebeer8389]

Do not count on that if you had to believe the statistics.

[@EvzenEmanuel]

I hate all those touch sensitive buttons. It's cheaper to manufacture and it's dissatisfying to press them. Also because of no haptic feeling, it's a lot less safer to use them, because you have to look at the controls prior using them and thus not looking at the road ahead of you. 👎 Very bad trend.

[@cyrilkeating7828]

Class review 5 Star

[@flyingdipper6732]

Great car.....But the Touareg is much better

[@carbuyer]

If you're after something huuuuge! Sure.

[@Lex15Rus]

Thx

[@carbuyer]

No, thank you!

[@dimimiseracunar9296]

mat watson worked here

[@kevhippo]

So she’s compared it with a Ford Puma? Really?

[@MOSSFEEN]

Whats wrong with KNOBS a Physical BUTTONS VW buy a Skoda KODIAK bigger & better

[@redone2969]

Test drove 2 ltr diesel versions of the Skoda Kodiqk and Seat Ateca and the Ateca felt best of those 2. Bought an R line though. Expecting it this week. Can’t wait.

[@M3goon]

Buy a Skoda superb. Cheaper, better to drive and more room.

[@island717]

Apple to arranges comparison. Is Skoda Superb an SUV? Does it at least match Tiguan in ground clearance? No? So thank you, but no. Besides, Skoda’s design language is not everyone’s cup of tea. I agree that this Tiguan looks to be overpriced for what it is, but Skoda Superb is not an answer either.

[@georgedowns4034]

@@island717 with the higher driving position and improved tech. This car is great but the Superb has got to be one of the best cars money can buy- it just has everything

[@eponymous7910]

Superb will be more reliable too. Tiguans have always been poorly made compared to the Golf & Passat range...

[@M3goon]

@@island717 I beg to differ. Comparing price point and space requirements. Also it’s a compact SUV. It’s the said state of car design these days. Deceiving, slightly elevated driving position and not much more space than a Golf. I think the Skoda Superb is the answer. VW don’t command the badge snobbery anymore.

[@bartgugelot5788]

@@island717 ground clearance? The Tiguan is the same as a golf...

[@migteleco]

Hola from Spain! It is Ibiza, like you pronounce India, Italia, Internet... (not "a-e-biza") Apart from that, I like your videos and I like the girl, Nicola, it´s nice, intelligent and beatiful. :D

[@cyim720]

Sad to see this channel doing so badly since Mat Watson left for Carwow

[@georgedowns4034]

And Mat does have some major flaws...

[@Lecruque]

Huh? She is on fire! Matt’s jokes are getting stale real quickly if you watch 2 reviews.

[@eulie717]

Goodness, I hate that guy. Such a whiny voice which he thinks he uses to clever effect but it’s like nails on a chalkboard.

[@richarddastardly6845]

DSG no good, manual mated with a 2.0TDI engine is best, too bad it’s been discontinued

[@mtavassoti]

I DON'T BUY THIS CAR just because of touch buttons. Touch buttons? God, touch buttons in a car are stupid! Do these clever engineers don't understand that an iPhone is different from a car. Just because apple sells well you can't make buttons touch and expect to improve sells.

[@carbuyer]

We share your frustrations, Mohammad. Perhaps they're encouraging us not to make adjustments or change the radio station on the move?!

[@vogahl34]

Love the car, but fake exhausts are just a deal breaker..why VW? Why?

[@michaelneale7813]

ill wait for the hybrid

[@carbuyer]

Not long to wait! It should be in showrooms soon.

[@peter.russell]

Great job, good review. I shall award you a 🦔 🙂

[@carbuyer]

A hedgehog? Thanks!

[@peter.russell]

@@carbuyer you are very welcome :-)

[@25myma]

For the money you pay, vw cars are so boring and plain, I'm quite baffled with their sales, especially when you think their reliability status has been eroded quite a bit these days,..but never underestimate inertia🙄

[@martint251]

Yes you right boring looks inside .

[@markuslc1888]

certainly a good car but the interior is sooooooo dated ans boring.

[@carbuyer]

This facelift has given the Tiguan a new lease of life - it certainly feels more modern inside now. But why must the designers persist with touch-sensitive buttons we wonder?!

[@markuslc1888]

@@carbuyer because they think touchsensitive buttons, aren't actual buttons, so they can say "we designed a tesla ish button free interior" altough everyone hates that :D nothing is more satisfying, than a good old tactile metal audi button from the past :D

[@andrewwheeler8591]

Nooooooooo 😱 Harry Fandango fake exhausts 🙄 Q3 for me?

[@garethbarrow4694]

ID 4 is better

[@beachbumis]

only one engine choice in the USA.

[@fordmustang5763]

How much higher pitched can you make your voice? Geeeezzeee

[@ВасяВасиков-ю9э]

Ниче не понял что она говорит(((

[@gordonmccartney5648]

Really poor seating

[@phphph6022]

Sorry but I've had mine for 6 months now and it's overrated. So many faults, thirsty on fuel, oil consumption at 1 litre per 2k miles, and that door trim! It's all hard plastic. Very disappointing...

[@travelwithme7133]

Looks great on the outside but the inside 🤢

[@MachielGroeneveld]

So it looks like more rugged than a Golf but appeals to an even more practical (boring) customer segment. Confusing.

[@hawkermustang]

Americans like more power.

[@hawkermustang]

@@jon1801 She says 140 HP is plenty. In the USA they say 180 HP is not enough.

[@hawkermustang]

@@jon1801 True, and the USA is a much larger country than any of these European nations also. Texas is 90% larger than Germany for example. So they are just doing town and city driving on narrow roads. You never see larger pickups over there.

[@albuquerquenm3543]

@@hawkermustang 90% larger? Have you lost it?

[@hawkermustang]

@@albuquerquenm3543 look it up

[@georgedowns4034]

@@hawkermustang texas is not 90% larger than Germany. Germany is a pretty large country with a population of around 85 million

[@sanjeevchauhan05]

U looks more beautiful than car 😍☺

[@savethebees2506]

Classic means outdated. 😜

[@02werewolf]

still the best all-round family SUV ? is it a toyota ? no and no

[@kristians2704]

what has this anything to do with Toyota? This is def better than the RAV4

[@georgedowns4034]

I prefer RAV4 as it's more reliable, well equipped and interesting

[@tochukwuezinwa2122]

Dull VW... as usual

[@SayemTabla]

Very comical review lol