Volkswagen Tiguan 2021 review: We test the facelifted midsize SUV - is it a true Toyota RAV4 rival?

00:00 Intro
00:44 Pricing
03:26 Design
05:55 Practicality
08:18 Engine & Transmission
09:01 Driving
13:33 Fuel Use
13:54 Safety
14:28 Ownership
14:58 Verdict

Slowly but surely, the VW Tiguan mid-size SUV has become the German brand's most important model, even more so than its iconic Golf. In fact, we're told when people think Volkswagen, they now think Tiguan first. It makes sense in this SUV obsessed world, but does the Tiguan have the chops to keep up with rapidly changing buyer demands?

We're going to take a look at the updated Tiguan range for 2021. In some areas a lot has changed, but in others it remains the same. Will the new spread of Life, Elegance, and R-Line appeal to buyers? Should they hold out for more interesting 2022 Tiguan variants like the seven-seat Allspace, or the wild Tiguan R? We'll take a look at the full range and more, covering our eight key areas.

These include price and features, design, practicality, engine and transmission, fuel consumption, driving experience, safety, and ownership, to see if the Tiguan deserves your dollars over its competitors.

Competition is fierce too, with the newly launched Hyundai Tucson, equally semi-premium Mazda CX-5, or the Toyota RAV4 which is available with a key hybrid option.

Will this built-in-Germany SUV, now VW's most important model, be able to keep up? Watch to the end to see what we think.

CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

#Volkswagen #VolkswagenTiguan #VolkswagenTiguan2021

[Flimonez]

Just bought a used 2020 Tiguan SE with a nice package and the panoramic sunroof. I travel a lot for the company I work for, have driven lots of Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Hyundai &Kias are all nothing but plastic and a boring drive even with all the bells and whistles, Toyota are clumsy to drive and an odd mix of technology on the interior that does not match the exterior, also a bit cheap looking interior. The Tiguan which is my first VW just looks more polished, more refined interior, elegant and also fun to drive, reminds me of a go cart, I also like that the infotainment screen does not look like a bolted on tablet like everyone else, even though the digital dash looks nice I prefer my analog dash, just looks sportier, plus I have the All space version, it is a roomy midsized suv that I really enjoy. Some of my cons:
Engine sound is strange growls, a little underpowered, gas mileage could have been better, but other than that pretty impressed with this vehicle.

[barrycrane]

Superb car for the money. My 2018 TDI, R line, Allspace with full suite of accessories, at only 26k continues to justify my choice of vehicle. Love it!!

[patricklin]

162TSI R-line is a better car than RAV4, although I own a RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid AWD. BUT you are actually paying for the "Better" and it should be better when the price is 10K more.

[mickeyizblue]

Ive got a 2019 R-line tiguan with a 2.0 tsi 230hp engine (same as the 7.5 GTI engine)
and its simply a pleasure to drive. Such an improvement to my previous 2012 model Tiguans.
Its fully specked out with all the extras and im not noticing anything really new feature wise with the new 2021 models in comparisson to my 2019 one except for the new touch controlls that I would rather not have. Yes the DSG can sometimes be a little clumsy in normal driving or Eco modes but when put into sport or manual mode it really unleashes the full potential of the engine and just goes like a rocket lol. Coupled with a set of 19 inch wheels it handles amazingly in any situation, even on the windy mountain roads here in Switzerland as its possible to change the dynamic steering to improve the handling of the car. All in all if your after a Tiguan and dont like the newer interiors then I say go for one of the previous models with a decent engine.

[jpch]

People that buy a Rav4 are different clients than the ones that buy a Tiguan. You buy a Rav4 if you only care about fuel economy and reliability while you buy a Tiguan if you value comfort, quality, and a much more dynamic refined ride. Nothing bad with either choice, I personally find the Rav4 ugly and tinny.

[jordanemily]

Great review
This SUV is something else, love the car

[ejandersen]

The Tiguan is streets ahead of its Japanese and Korean rivals in everything bar servicing costs. I want an R Line TDi.

[filipealves]

I’m a previous VW owner, very nice cars to drive but not reliable and very expensive to repair!

[stephenmuller]

I like that there is no reflective surfaces on the dash, great when the sun is directly overhead. That has been an issue with our earlier model Passat.

[synamit]

Can you please also mention 0-100km/h for R lines(petrol&diesel) 😉

[ahwahjai]

Are you doing a review on the allspace Wolfsburg ?

[peoplelikeus]

Which engine is the better performer the 147tdi diesel or the 162 turbo.

[TheCuttz]

Would really like a diesel r line review

[csean]

Did you do this review at Magdala Park? Great review :)

[stephengriffin]

Great review just watched this actual R LINE on a other channel there claim the ride was perfect thank you for the actual truth about the ride being Brutal .

[pollawatthongsrinoon]

Hi Tom, All the VW still got a problems with DSG gearbox? Heard every 4 years required big service or change.

[BaggySu]

How much the R will be? I'm guessing it will be close to RS Q3?

[alihkhalaf]

What is the color of car in the review is it green or blue ?

[mostafaelhariry]

Audi Q3 Sportback ??===(or WV Tiguan Or Skoda Kodiaq or 3008 or DS7 and Safe Some money ???) Plz advice

[admindme]

Is this Mid Size SUV is coming on CNG Version. Because patrol price is very high.