The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, priced from $43,990 before on-road costs, delivers remarkable value as a 7-seater SUV. Combining style, spaciousness, and performance, the Tiguan Allspace offers a comfortable and confident driving experience. It is an excellent choice for families seeking a practical yet stylish vehicle.

Pros:

• Affordable and good value
• Impressive tech and safety features
• Spacious with flexible seating arrangements
• Good driving dynamics, even in low-power trims
  

Cons:

• Third-row is not as spacious as alternatives
• Middle-row comfort could have been more comfortable
• Touch-panel buttons can be less user-friendly
  

What’s new:

• Price reduction
• Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Wolfsburg to be available in Australia
  

The Volkswagen Tiguan has been a stalwart in Australia's mid-size SUV market, offering a compelling blend of practicality and style. Its seven-seat configuration, called the Tiguan Allspace, has made it a popular choice for growing families. However, Volkswagen has announced the upcoming launch of the Tayron, poised to replace the Allspace with enhanced power and technology. Can the aged Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace still justify its place in the competitive 7-seater mid-size SUV market, or is it simply bridging the gap until the arrival of its new-age successor? Let's find out.

Exteriors

When we look at the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, it’s clear that this SUV stands out with its commanding presence and sleek design.

Styling elements

The latest generation of Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace's design takes a fresh, eye-catching approach. The newly introduced horizontal LED light bar across the grille for the Elegance and R-Line variants is a standout feature. This LED bar integrates with the IQ's daytime running lights and enhances the vehicle's bold look. Matrix LED headlights are now standard on these trims, providing an adaptable beam pattern that adjusts to driving conditions.

Volkswagen has thoughtfully differentiated each variant of the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace through unique styling elements. The top-of-the-range R-Line variant, in particular, underscores its sporty character with premium LED tail lights that feature an alternating ‘click/clack’ effect, a signature Volkswagen touch. This trim also boasts prominent R-Line front and rear bumpers, side sills, and a distinctive rear spoiler, all meant to give the mild-mannered family SUV a sporty appearance. On the other hand, the Elegance trim is more relaxed with chrome and silver accents and tinted rear windows, while the Life trim maintains a classic, clean look.

Colour options

When it comes to colour choices, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace offers a variety of appealing options to suit different tastes. For a more timeless look, one can choose from the classic Pure White or Deep Black Pearl Effect.

If you prefer something with a bit more flair, the range of metallic colours includes Pyrite Silver, Platinum Grey, Atlantic Blue, and Kings Red Premium. All colours except solid white will cost you extra, between $900 and $1,100.

However, it is worth noting that the Kings Red Premium Metallic is not available for the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace R-Line.

Wheel design

The Life variants have stylish and practical 18-inch ‘Kingston’ alloy wheels. The Elegance trim steps up the game with 19-inch ‘Auckland’ alloy wheels, adding a touch of sophistication. For those who want to make a statement, the R-Line variant features the sportier 20-inch ‘Misano’ alloy wheels, complemented by aggressive front and rear bumpers, side sills, and an eye-catching spoiler. Each wheel design is tailored to enhance the respective trim’s unique persona.

Interiors

The interiors of the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace have primarily been designed with families in mind, focussing on comfort and convenience.

Interior layout and space

The primary appeal of the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace is that it has more space and an extra row of seats over the regular Tiguan, making it an ideal choice for larger families and adventurous trips. The cabin offers ample room with a front and rear width of 1503 mm, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The effective headroom is generous, measuring 1054 mm in the front and 1002 mm in the rear (with the optional panoramic sunroof).  

Up front, you’ve got some nifty features like push-away cup holders that cleverly transform into additional storage space when needed. The wireless phone charger and USB-C ports are conveniently placed, and there’s a small yet functional covered centre console bin. The door pockets are lined bottle holders, which is a thoughtful touch, and the glove box, while not enormous, is perfectly adequate for a vehicle of this type. The seats are sporty, with an "R" embroidery, and the high-grade version includes an optional panoramic glass roof—a nice feature but one that feels a bit cheeky to charge extra for, given the car’s price point.

Regarding the second row, there’s ample room for passengers, even when the front seat is set for someone tall. You get enough knee and foot room to be comfortable for long rides, and the second row also has its own climate control panel, heated outboard seats, and a USB-C port. The 60/40 split seats slide forward to access the third row, which is a practical touch. However, the third row is where things get a bit tight. Once back there, space is limited—ideal for kids or short trips but not suited for adults, particularly in terms of headroom. There are no child seat anchor points in the third row, making it less practical for families who need permanent seating for three rows. Still, it’s serviceable for occasional use, offering decent visibility and a few storage sections, though it lacks a charging port.

Comfort and ergonomics

Inside the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, the cabin features a range of upholstery options depending on the grade. The base Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Life comes with soft 'Life' Titan Black cloth trim, with the option to upgrade to leather-appointed seats through the Luxury Package. Higher trims are equipped with smooth Vienna leather upholstery: 'Titan Black' and 'Storm Grey' for the Elegance variant, and sophisticated R-Line Vienna leather with Crystal Grey decorative stitching for the R-Line. In terms of comfort, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace offers comforts like heated front and 2nd row outboard seats and electrically adjustable front seats. The second row provides practical features like split-folding seats and a centre armrest with cup holders, enhancing the vehicle’s versatility and comfort.

The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace R-Line, positioned at the top of the range, adds a touch of luxury with exclusive in-cabin features. It includes an R-Line steering wheel, ‘Carbon Grey’ decorative inserts, a black headliner, and stainless steel foot pedals, creating a more premium and stylish interior atmosphere.

Boot

The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace has a limited luggage capacity of up to 230 litres when both the second and third-row seats are upright. This expands to 700 litres with the third-row seats folded and an impressive 1775 litres with both the second and third rows folded, providing plenty of space for all your travel essentials.

Technology and infotainment

The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace hosts a variety of tech features that truly make it a fun and upmarket experience.

Driver's display

The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace offers advanced digital displays to keep you well-informed. It features 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro digital instrumentation for all variants with multiple visual configurations. This provides the driver with abundant vehicle and infotainment details, which they can navigate using the steering-mounted controls.

Infotainment Screens

Nothing has really changed with the latest Tiguan Allspace, as it still gets the 8-inch touchscreen for the Life variants as standard, which still supports gesture controls for increased convenience. The pricier grades get a bigger 9.2-inch touchscreen unit in the middle of the dashboard, which is better suited for the overall upmarket cabin of the Tiguan Allspace.

Connectivity

The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace offers modern technology like wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It includes a Qi wireless charging pad, allowing you to charge your smartphone without messy cables.

Navigation system

In case you’re not looking to use your smartphone’s map applications, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace provides a sophisticated navigation system itself. The Life variant comes with the 8-inch Discover Media system, while the Elegance and R-Line variants benefit from the larger 10.2-inch Discover Pro system. This system includes voice and gesture controls, making setting routes and accessing navigation features easy.

Audio and entertainment

Crystal-clear audio is a standard feature across the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace range, with 8 speakers, and a Digital DAB+ radio has been added. This advanced radio technology delivers superior sound quality to traditional AM and FM broadcasts, enhancing your in-car entertainment experience. If you are particularly invested in the audio experience in your car, Volkswagen is offering the optional package of a 10-speaker Harman and Kardon audio setup for the R-Line variant.

Climate control

The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace offers 3-zone climate control to ensure each passenger's ideal temperature and comfort. While it may not be to everyone’s preference, Volkswagen has stuck with a touch-based climate control panel for the updated Tiguan Allspace. These use touch-sensitive surfaces to adjust fan speed and temperature. The second row also features a touch control panel for the rear AC, thus adding convenience. The Elegance and R-Line trims also offer ventilated front seats, which can be added to the Life variant through the Luxury package.

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)

Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE suite is integrated across all Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace models to enhance safety and driving ease. This includes Travel Assist, a feature for partially automated driving that combines Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Assist to help maintain the vehicle's position and speed. The Travel Assist system can be activated with a button on the steering wheel, which in the R-Line variant features touch-sensitive buttons with haptic feedback.

Parking and access

The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace includes Park Assist to simplify parking in tight spaces for convenience. Keyless entry is also standard, allowing you to open the vehicle easily, even when your hands are full or the key is not in hand.

Performance and engine

Three of the four available variants of the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace deliver robust performance powered by a responsive engine that ensures a smooth and confident driving experience.

Engine specifications

The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace offers a selection of engine variants to suit various driving preferences, each with distinct power and torque characteristics. The base model, Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 110TSI Life, features a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Moving up the range, the 132TSI Life is equipped with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Lastly, the 162TSI Elegance and 162TSI R-Line models are also fitted with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine in a higher state of tune for those desiring even greater power. These variants come with the 4MOTION  all-wheel-drive, offering superior acceleration and dynamic driving capabilities. The R-Line, in particular, enhances the driving experience with sportier features and a more engaging handling response, making it a top choice for enthusiasts.

Transmission and drivetrain

The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace’s engines are paired with a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) dual-clutch automatic transmission. Only the entry-level 110TSI grade uses a 6-speed, while all others benefit from the 7-speed DSG. The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, featured in the 2.0-litre engine variants, ensures optimal traction by distributing power to all four wheels, improving stability and grip, especially in adverse conditions.

Fuel efficiency

The 1.4-litre 110TSI engine is designed to be economical and appealing to those prioritising fuel savings. The 2.0-litre 132TSI engine, while providing more power, still maintains a respectable fuel economy for its class. Though more performance-oriented, the 162TSI engines in the Elegance and R-Line models are engineered to balance power with efficiency, ensuring that drivers get both exhilaration and reasonable fuel consumption. However, Volkswagen’s engines do need the slightly more expensive RON 95 fuel for optimal performance.

Handling and ride quality

The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace delivers a refined driving experience with precise handling and a smooth ride. It offers direct and engaging steering feedback, giving you the confidence to chuck it around a bend. The R-Line variant further amplifies this experience with its contoured steering wheel that offers progressive steering, enhancing vehicle response through corners. That sportiness does come at the cost of a slightly firmer ride, but it still deals with most road bumps with ease.

Acceleration and performance

Putting your foot down in the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace is an invigorating experience for the 2-litre turbo-petrol engine variants, especially the 162kW grades.  The 1.4-litre 110TSI engine offers sufficient power for everyday driving, while the 2.0-litre engines deliver more robust acceleration for those who enjoy a more dynamic driving experience. While the 4MOTION system is not capable of off-road adventures, it does make the Tiguan Allspace better suited for some mild trails and driving on limited-grip surfaces so you won’t get stuck as easily in slippery or muddy conditions.

Future prospects

The upcoming 2025 Tiguan is expected to showcase Volkswagen's new design direction, featuring less angular and more streamlined aesthetics. There will be a 7-seat version as well but it won’t be called the Tiguan Allspace. Instead, we will be getting the Volkswagen Tayron SUV for the updated design and feature-set.

Safety features

The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace is a safe vehicle, but its current ANCAP rating is unavailable as it expired in January 2023. The last assessment in 2016 awarded the Tiguan a full five-star rating, but it is important to note that safety standards and testing criteria have evolved since then. Regardless, the Tiguan Allspace is equipped with robust safety features. It includes seven airbags and Volkswagen's IQ Drive safety suite, which includes essential technologies such as lane-keeping and lane-centering assist, blind-spot assist, front and rear park sensors, and a rear-view camera with dynamic guidance lines. Travel Assist offers partially automated driving with adaptive cruise control and lane assist functionalities. Driver fatigue detection and alerts for unfastened seatbelts further enhance safety. While some drivers may find the proximity alerts in heavy traffic a bit intrusive, these can be turned off. The Tiguan Allspace also includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with cyclist and junction detection, though it lacks features like Blind Spot Alert and Road Sign Recognition.

Some of the safety features include the following:

• Driver and front passenger airbags
• Driver’s knee airbag
• Driver and front passenger side airbags
• Curtain airbags covering the front and rear
• Electronic engine immobiliser
• Fully galvanised body with 12-year anti-corrosion perforation warranty
• Door-side impact protection
• Rigid safety cell with front and rear crumple zones
• Automatic flashing brake lights activated in emergency braking situation
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Brake Assist
• Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD)
• Electro-mechanical parking brake
• Auto hold function
• Multi-collision brake
• Child seat top tether anchorage points (mounted on row 2 seat back)
• ISOFIX child seat anchorage points (outer row 2 seats)
• Remote central locking
• Keyless Access (keyless entry and starting system including starter button)
• 2-stage unlocking (programmable)
• Automatic locking after take-off (programmable)
• One-touch lock/unlock for driver
• Child safety locks on rear doors
• Front height adjustable with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters
• Outer row 2 seat belts with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters
• Visual and acoustic warning for front and rear seat passenger seat belts not fastened
• 3-point seat belts for all passengers
• Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
• Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
• Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)
• Extended Electronic Differential Lock (XDL)
• 4MOTION Active Control all-wheel drive with hill descent control (available on selected variants)
• 360-degree surround view camera

Ownership experience

Owning a Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace provides a well-rounded and enjoyable driving experience, particularly for those seeking a blend of practicality and sophistication in a larger SUV. Owners frequently highlight the Tiguan's handling dynamics, strong performance and efficient fuel economy. The R-Line trim, while sportier in appearance and feature-rich, adds to the vehicle's aesthetic appeal with options like memory seats and dynamic driving aids, although the basic trims are well-equipped with essential features. The Tiguan Allspace's interior, with its high-quality materials and advanced driver assistance systems, including a 360-degree camera, contributes to a secure and convenient driving experience. Overall, the Tiguan Allspace is appreciated for its practicality, comfort, and impressive build quality, making it a reliable choice for those looking for a spacious and stylish SUV, offering good value for the price.

Major strengths:

• Spacious interiors with ample room for passengers and cargo, ideal as a 5-seater.
• The advanced safety features include comprehensive safety tech like lane assist and a 360-degree camera.
• You get a comfortable ride and a smooth driving experience, suitable for daily commutes and long trips.
• The build is of high-quality. The construction of the car is solid and has a premium feel and durable materials.
• The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace offers more than enough performance with the range-topping 162 kW turbo-petrol engine.
  

Minor drawbacks:

• Third-row seats for small children only, lack space and amenities
• Larger wheels can make the ride less comfortable and noisier.
• Turbo-petrol engines consume more fuel compared to diesel options.
• Advanced features could lead to higher repair costs.
• Older safety ratings may not meet current standards.

Maintenance costs and Warranty information

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace comes with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and 12 months of roadside assistance, which is renewed with each service at a Volkswagen dealership. Service costs are generally higher compared to rivals, but opting for Volkswagen’s Care Plan can offer savings, with three years of service costing $1565 and five years $3340, potentially saving you $504 over pay-as-you-go pricing. Insurance for the Tiguan Allspace is estimated at around $1342 annually for a 35-year-old male driver in Chatswood, NSW, which is comparable to the Mitsubishi Outlander and slightly less than other competitors. The Tiguan Allspace also holds strong resale value, highlighted as the most affordable to own in a 2023 comparison test.

Verdict

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace stands out as a spacious, well-rounded SUV. Although positioned as a 7-seater SUV, it is better considered as a 5-seater family SUV with the choice of extra cargo space or extra seats. It boasts versatile engine options, advanced safety features, and a high-quality build, providing a comfortable and engaging driving experience. The range of trims caters to different preferences, from practical to sporty. While its older safety rating may not fully reflect current standards, the Tiguan Allspace’s overall reliability and strong resale value make it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and functional SUV.

References

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