2026 Volkswagen Tiguan review

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Volkswagen’s popular Tiguan mid-size SUV has gone all fancy for its third generation.

After clean, if uninspiring, design of its second-generation predecessor, the new model hopes to return it back into a time when Volkswagen was known for being ‘premium cars on people’ and first impression is that in dozens of ways.

Possibly the best example of this is the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan 150TSI Elegance you see on test here. The Australian penultimate grade has the kind of understated luxury that VWs once characterized for their former glory, with restrained, ‘elegant’ design touches, a plush cabin and more tech than you can imagine.

Priced from just over $61,000 before on-road costs, the 150TSI Elegance competes with top-spec versions of most mainstream-branded rivals, and even edges towards premium-branded (but admittedly smaller) premium SUVs that it competes with back home, like the (related) Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Spectacular tech inclusions are headlined by large screens, trick headlights and extensive customisation options for the chassis and steering systems underpinning big screen features; small wheels (and chubby tyres) promise a cushy, comfortable ride.

WATCH: Paul’s video review of the Volkswagen Tiguan 150TSI Elegance

It’s available for the time being solely with turbo-petrol power, so does the Tiguan Elegance have what it takes to sway buyers from petrol-powered rivals like the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson, even in a hybrid-hungry market?

Well, we spent a week with this one to find out…

How much does the Volkswagen Tiguan cost?

For model year 2026 (MY26), the Volkswagen Tiguan 150TSI Elegance is priced from $61,590 plus on-road costs.

| Model | Price before on-road costs |
| — | — |
| 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan 110TSI Life | $45,650 |
| 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan 110TSI Elegance | $51,450 |
| 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan 150TSI R-Line | $56,850 |
| 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan 150TSI Elegance | $61,590 |
| 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan 150kW eHybrid Elegance | $TBC |
| 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan 195TSI R-Line | $71,550 |
| 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan 200kW eHybrid R-Line | $TBC |

Several minor changes and price increases were made in the range of MY26, including Turning Assistant 2 (as well as other small variations) to his . In addition to detecting and braking when the driver turns across oncoming traffic which’s driving straight ahead (as previously) it improves collision avoidance capability by identifying ongoing traffic that is about to turn towards the vehicle.

The first time, all Tiguan Elegance and R-Line cars will have illuminated VW emblems at both the front and rear – note our test car was an MY25 example but does not have the illuminateed front grille. At last, Elegance and R-Line trim levels will soon add ‘eHybrid’ PHEV options in the next few months.

Prices were increasing by about $700-$1100 in these changes (depending on variants). Pricing for the new plug-in hybrids is still to be announced, but price premiums are expected over the turbo-petrol versions of the corresponding plug in hybrid.

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What is the Volkswagen Tiguan like on the inside?

The exterior marks a wholesale change compared to the old Tiguan, and the interior does even more so.

VW really went out with the glitz and glamour of the Tiguan’s cabin, hard on display tech but also again in tactility and perceived quality for the big touch points.

The most notable is the banishment of fiddly touch-capacitive buttons on the steering wheel, as well as the smart dial in the centre tunnel which can be set up to toggle various functions and it may glow down in different colours depending on selected ambient lighting.

This hefty 15-inch multimedia touchscreen looks like a little bit on and won’t be suitable for everyone, but it’s also the latest variant of Volkswagen’s software interface an dedicated (virtual) toolbar for climate control; snappier load times than infotainment system that was introduced with pre-update Mk8 Golf.

While I was in the car with it, that worked well when I spent much time using wireless Apple CarPlay on my iPhone 16 Pro Max. Volkswagen Australia has no proprietary connected services, but does provide a third party-supplied solution through the GoConnect smartphone app for use with its own personal application.

Also I like the Harman Kardon premium audio system that really gives a very clear and deep sound with the option of dial up the bass and surround effects for’more immersive experience’.

This is also reflected in the uplift of material quality, with more soft-touch surfaces and stitched leather-look detailing. Volkswagen’s right direction here is the way as many premium brands continue to lower their quality of fit and finish.

Although it’s been a better presentation in most ways, I don’t know what my thoughts are about the fact that there is bluff gloss-black dash insert behind touchscreen and adds to driver displays.

With the etched ambient lighting cutouts, it’s a little naff and looks just like VW trying to pee Chinese brands – I think this is only my opinion.

Tiguan stronghold Storage still has nooks and crackles to tie your belonging in storage, as well as crannies that keep you safe. Special note The huge, flock lining door bins are the ones in my Golf that made it embarrassing to put them on their own. Another cool addition to this is the cubby under the centre console, complete with wireless phone charger.

Despite being one of the smaller models (at least in length) that is part of its class, the Tiguan’s well-packaged rear means there’re no doubt good passenger and boot space.

| Dimensions | Volkswagen Tiguan |
| — | — |
| Length | 4539mm |
| Width | 1842mm |
| Height | 1659mm |
| Wheelbase | 2681mm |
| Cargo capacity | 652L – rear seats up, to roof 1650L – rear seats folded, to roof |

To see how the Volkswagen Tiguan lines up against the competition, check out our
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What’s under the bonnet?

Tiguans with the ‘150TSI’ designation get the low-output version of the ubiquitous EA888 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, which is related to the hearts of hot hatches like the Golf GTI and R, as well as the Cupra Leon.

| Specifications | VW Tiguan 150TSI |
| — | — |
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Power | 150kW at 6000rpm |
| Torque | 320Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch auto |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1758kg – tare |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 7.1 seconds |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 7.6L/100km |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 8.0L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 58L |
| Fuel requirement | 95 octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 173g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capacity | 2300kg |

However, the 150TSI quotes a combination of fuel consumption similar to that of base 110TSIT with front-wheel drive (mostly due to older 1) in its context. Why doesn’t stop-start of 4-litre turbo get a little bit off the ground? And it’s also an older engine than the newer 1. TSI 5 (which is being introduced across the VW Group) are usually used with 48V mild-hybrid tech, which saves fuel.

It is a new plug-in hybrid drivetrain (‘eHybrid’ in VW-speak), which will soon be available with the Elegance trim, and pairs the new 1 with an even more effective plug–in HybriD drive train. A 5-litre turbo engine with electric motor and battery pack, a 5-liter Turbo Engine. It is rated at 150kW of system power output (although fuel consumption should be reduced to less than 1) but the reduction in emissions for system use must be made by cutting off all sources. 100km-plus EV range, meaning that the has been 0L/100km. In contrast to the 150TSI, however, the FWD-only eHybrid is only an FkW model of its own brand (FWD) power.

The Tiguan also has a 2 in markets such as Europe and the UK, where it is also available with. Its output is 110kW, as well as the 1 0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that has been mentioned above. A 48V mild-hybrid help for 5 eTSI turbo-petrol with 47V light-Hyr.

To see how the Volkswagen Tiguan lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

How does the Volkswagen Tiguan drive?

Several VW Group models have had many improvements in their on-road behaviour, with the new MQB Evo architecture being adopted as part of the third-generation Tiguan’s transition to the more modern version.

The key innovations include the brand’s new adaptive chassis systems and the potential for improved electrified drivetrains – the latter is not quite practical here, but you get the idea.

Myriad settings for the steering, throttle and driver assistance system sensitivities are myriad. With Dynamic Chassis Control Pro – or DCC Pro for short – you have no more than 12 stages of control for systems such as the adaptive dampers.

The new Tiguan offers a very different set of s I didn’t really get into every little setting, but instead stuck to Comfort mode with the occasional squirt in Sport (although it is often said that the breadth of ability makes an adult product usually available for luxury-branded products).

Tiguan 150TSI Elegance is a 19-inch alloys, which were tested in 235/50 Hankook Ventus tyres on our tester and the rolling stock is larger than the proper sidewall and supple damping make for ‘a comfortable ride’.

Considering that almost everything is on massive rims and sports suspension, it’s refreshing to see the mainstream brand with smaller wheels and adaptive chassis tech on an expensive variant of high-spec, reinforcing old-school VW premiumness.

The 150kW 2 – . Similarly, 0 TSI powertrain is a peach with low-down torque that has been effortless and DSG dual-clutch auto which almost gives it warm hatch-like straight-line performance. It’s a bit peppy and refined, as is the case with most other ICE-only competitors in the segment.

But in this low-spec tune of the great EA888 motor, transmission can be a little lazy off the line, discouraging more aggressive throttle applications to avoid the elastic feeling as clutches engage to get the 1 (i.e. Tonne Tiguan – 7-tonne moving by .

A long cry from the shuddering and hesitant DSGs of old, but it’s something to note that you used to, say, conventional torque converter automatics or CVTs.

Electric power steering is a typical Volkswagen-style model of the car’s electric power, with light and fluid in feel but correct in response. A little in Sport, but it’s not going to challenge the related Cupra Terramar for feel or engagement; you can bridge the gap with Progressive Steering rack in R-Line models.

A good handler, though, is a tight body control and an aggressive front-end that gives more hatchback than SUV vibes in terms of handling feel (which is fitting given how close the Tiguan is to the Golf).

The 4Motion on-demand all-wheel drive system ensures confident grip in adverse conditions, be it rain, gravel or bumpy surfaces. As demonstrated in our recent SUV Mega Test, it’s a good system for light off-road work or slippery scenarios, but doesn’t turn the Tiguan into a bush-basher.

Other class-wise superiors include Insulation from wind and road noise, which is good suppression of rougher blacktop (and limited wind whistle off the big mirrors and front pillars) and insulation from the less harshest black top.

With the new safety standards, Volkswagen’s driver assistance systems remain one of the benchmarks. Travel Assist is one of the best semi-autonomous highway driving systems in the world; its intuitive adaptive cruise and lane centring functions combine well to take the load off you during long stints on the open road.

Side Assist – Combining blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection works as you’d imagine, there is no incessant speed or driver attention system beeping and bonging at you if 2km/h over the signed limit or glance away from the road for a short time.

VW IQ trick VW’s . Light Matrix LED headlights are also wonderfully bright and have an intuitive adaptive headlamp system that enables leading and oncoming vehicles to avoid blinding fellow drivers, and can detect and light up road signs in poor light – this type of stuff is underrated in Australia.

To see how the Volkswagen Tiguan lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

What do you get?

2026 Volkswagen Tiguan 110TSI Life equipment highlights:

• 17-inch ‘Venezia’ alloy wheels
• Space-saver spare wheel
• LED headlights
• LED tail-lights
• Keyless access incl. alarm
• Power tailgate
• 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro
• 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment

• Satellite navigation
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio

• Wireless phone charger

Tiguan 110TSI Elegance adds:

• 18-inch ‘Napoli’ alloy wheels
• LED Plus headlights
• LED front grille strip
• LED tail-lights incl. centre strip
• LED illuminated badging
• Chrome exterior accents
• Rear privacy glass
• Leather-appointed upholstery
• Comfort sport front seats

• Power adjustment
• Heating, ventilation functions
• Massage function

Tiguan 150TSI R-Line adds (over 110TSI Life):

• 19-inch ‘Coventry’ alloy wheels – R-Line specific
• LED Plus headlights
• LED Plus headlights incl. 3D animation
• LED front grille strip
• LED tail-lights incl. centre strip
• R-Line exterior styling
• Sports front seats incl. integrated headrests
• Sports cloth upholstery
• DCC Pro – 15-stage adaptive dampers
• Progressive steering

Tiguan 150TSI Elegance adds (over 110TSI Elegance):

• HD Matrix LED headlights
• Adaptive high-beam
• LED Plus tail-lights incl. dynamic indicators
• 15.0-inch Discover Pro Max infotainment
• DCC Pro – 15-stage adaptive dampers
• Sound & Vision Package

• Head-up display
• Harman Kardon premium audio

Tiguan 195TSI R-Line adds (over 150TSI R-Line):

• 20-inch ‘Leeds’ alloy wheels
• HD Matrix LED headlights

• incl. Dynamic light assist

• Premium LED tail-lights incl. dynamic indicators
• Leather-appointed upholstery
• Front comfort sport seats

• Electric adjustment
• Memory function
• Heating, ventilation functions
• Massage function

• Heated steering wheel
• 15.0-inch Discover Pro Max infotainment
• Sound & Vision Package

• Head-up display
• Harman Kardon premium audio

To see how the Volkswagen Tiguan lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

Options

The Tiguan 150TSI Elegance is available with optional premium paint ($800-1100) and a panoramic sunroof ($2100).

For example, the $2700 Sound & Vision Package in 110TSI Elegance features an audio system of 700W 10-speaker Harman Kardon (a projector-type head up display), a larger 15 inch Discover Pro Max navigation system.

Standard equipment is a 150TSI Elegance Sound & Vision Package with the Audio. The special-order option ($NCO) is a Mistral Grey light interior upholstery for both 110TSI and 150TSIT Elegance models.

To see how the Volkswagen Tiguan lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

Is the Volkswagen Tiguan safe?

The latest Volkswagen Tiguan has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2024.

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| Category | Volkswagen Tiguan |
| — | — |
| Adult occupant protection | 83 per cent |
| Child occupant protection | 88 per cent |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 84 per cent |
| Safety assist | 78 per cent |

Standard safety equipment includes:

• 9 airbags incl. front-centre
• Autonomous emergency braking

• Pedestrian
• Cyclist
• Oncoming vehicle

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Dynamic Road Sign Assist
• Front cross-traffic alert
• Park Assist Plus

• Semi-autonomous steer
• Semi-autonomous throttle/braking

• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Safe exit warning
• Surround-view camera
• Travel Assist

• Adaptive cruise control incl. stop/go
• Adaptive lane guidance – centring
• Traffic Jam Assist

• Turning Assistant 2.0 (NEW)

• Oncoming turn AEB

To see how the Volkswagen Tiguan lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

How much does the Volkswagen Tiguan cost to run?

Just like the larger Volkswagen line, this Tiguan is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty. For the purchase, there is 12 months of free roadside assistance (service-initiated cover thrown in each time you go to a Volkswagen workshop).

| Servicing and Warranty | Volkswagen Tiguan |
| — | — |
| Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | 12 months |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5-year Care Plan |
| Total capped-price service cost | $3320 |

To see how the Volkswagen Tiguan lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Volkswagen Tiguan

This is not a change for this new generation, but I chose the older Tiguan range in my choice of the more luxury-focused Elegance trim.

Too many Euro brands in Australia have succumbed to rationalising their lineups, mainly with sport design packages and large alloy wheels (aesthetically pleasing but not always practical for the daily grind of major cities).

Highlights include a supple ride with adaptive damping and generously sidewalled tyres, ‘an aggressive turbo-petrol engine that generally has well-sorted tech and largely tactile cabin’. It certainly feels like the old Volkswagens of a premi-ish age.

That said, we had two successive Tiguan press cars in which the passenger-side mirror squeaked and creaked every time it opened or folded – it was like scratching a chalkboard – and the climate controls remain fiddly touch-capacitive units (albeit newly illuminated). You get used to it, but the new ID. Polo’s cabin previews a more complete return to form for the German auto brand.

Subjectively, interior display integration may be more’synthetic and classic’ than the iPad-like Tiguan’s ‘cutest’ face (along with its friendlier face) rather than “sexy’ or ‘aggressive’ – make of that what you will choose to do.

The TSI’s fuel consumption may be low, as it is not due to its thirst for premium fuel but the new plug-in eHybrid variants will address that with benchmark EV range and high efficiency once the battery runs out – like Cupra cars which have the same drivetrain.

The Tiguan Elegance is a very good example of the Euro-flavoured mid-size SUV breed, not just another RAV4 or CX-5 clone in the car park but more than that If these criticisms aren’t an issue for you.

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