2026 Volkswagen Tiguan review

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

Following the clean, if uninspiring, design of its second-generation predecessor, the latest model aims to go back to a time where Volkswagens were lauded as ‘premium cars for the people’ – and on first impression, it does this in a few ways.

The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan 150TSI Elegance you see on test here is perhaps the best example of this. With restrained, ‘elegant’ design touches, a plush cabin, and more tech than you can think of, the penultimate grade in the Australian lineup offers the sort of understated luxury that VWs were once known for.

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.

Big screens, trick headlights, and extensive customisation options for the chassis and steering systems headline the premium tech inclusions, while the smaller 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.

MY26 brought some minor changes and price rises across the range, including Turning Assistant 2.0 – which enhances collision avoidance capability by detecting oncoming traffic that is about to turn towards the vehicle, in addition to detecting and braking when the driver turns across oncoming traffic that’s driving straight ahead (as before).

All Tiguan Elegance and R-Line vehicles will come with illuminated VW emblems at both the front and rear for the first time – note our test car was an MY25 example, and doesn’t have the illuminated front grille. Finally, the Elegance and R-Line trim levels will soon add ‘eHybrid’ PHEV options in the coming months.

These changes saw price rises of around $700-$1100, depending on variant. Pricing for the new plug-in hybrids is still to be announced, though expect price premiums over the corresponding turbo-petrol versions.

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

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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 all out with the glitz and glamour for the Tiguan’s cabin, going hard on display tech while also re-honing in on tactility and perceived quality for the major touch points.

The banishment of fiddly touch-capacitive buttons on the steering wheel is a highlight, as is the smart dial on the centre tunnel that can be configured to toggle different functions, and it can light up in different colours based on the selected ambient lighting.

The massive 15-inch multimedia touchscreen looks a little tacked on and won’t suit all tastes, but it’s running the latest version of Volkswagen’s software interface, meaning a dedicated (virtual) toolbar for climate controls, snappier load times than the infotainment system that launched with the pre-update Mk8 Golf, and a simplified menu structure.

It worked well during my time with the car, when I spent the bulk of time using wireless Apple CarPlay with my iPhone 16 Pro Max. VW Australia doesn’t offer proprietary connected services, but does offer a third-party-supplied solution via the GoConnect smartphone app.

I also liked the Harman Kardon premium audio system, which offers really clear and deep sound with the option to dial up the bass and surround effects for a more immersive experience.

The uplift in material quality is noticeable too, with more soft-touch surfaces and stitched leather-look detailing. As many premium brands continue to lower their standard of fit and finish, VW is heading in the right direction here.

While the presentation has improved in most ways, I’m not sure about how I feel about the bluff gloss-black dash insert that sits behind the touchscreen and incorporates the driver's display.

Combined with the etched ambient lighting cutouts, it’s a little naff and looks a little too much like VW is trying to ape the Chinese brands – just my opinion.

Storage remains a Tiguan strong point, with plenty of nooks and crannies to stow your belongings in. Of particular note are the huge, flock-lined door bins, which put the ones in my Golf to shame. The cubby under the centre console, complete with wireless phone charger, is also a nice touch.

Despite being one of the smaller models (at least in length) in its class, the Tiguan’s well-packaged rear means there’s surprisingly good passenger and boot space.

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

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.

Oddly, the 150TSI quotes the same combined fuel consumption as the base 110TSI with front-wheel drive, largely because the older 1.4-litre turbo doesn’t get idle stop-start. It’s also an older engine compared to the newer 1.5 TSI that’s being rolled out across the VW Group, often paired with fuel-saving 48V mild-hybrid tech.

The Elegance trim will soon be offered with a more efficient plug-in hybrid drivetrain (‘eHybrid’ in VW-speak), which pairs the new 1.5-litre turbo engine with an electric motor and battery pack. System power output is rated at 150kW, though fuel consumption should be cut to less than 1.0L/100km thanks to the 100km-plus EV range. Unlike the 150TSI, however, the 150kW eHybrid is FWD-only.

In markets like Europe and the UK, the Tiguan is also offered with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel outputting 110kW, as well as the aforementioned 1.5 eTSI turbo-petrol with 48V mild-hybrid assistance.

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

How does the Volkswagen Tiguan drive?

The third-generation Tiguan has moved to the new MQB Evo architecture, which has brought many improvements to the on-road behaviour of various VW Group models.

Key advancements include the brand’s latest adaptive chassis systems as well as the possibility for improved electrified drivetrains – the latter not quite applicable here, but you get the idea.

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

I didn’t quite dive into every little setting the new Tiguan offers, rather sticking to Comfort mode with the occasional squirt in Sport, but the added breadth of ability brings a maturity usually offered by luxury-branded products.

The Tiguan 150TSI Elegance rides on 19-inch alloys, which were shod in 235/50 Hankook Ventus tyres on our tester, and while the rolling stock is on the larger side, the adequate sidewall and supple damping make for a comfy ride.

In a world where almost everything rides on massive rims and sports suspension, it’s refreshing to see a mainstream brand offer smaller wheels and adaptive chassis tech on a high-spec variant, reinforcing that old-school VW premiumness.

The 150kW 2.0 TSI powertrain is also a peach, with effortless low-down torque and a quick-shifting DSG dual-clutch auto that almost gives it warm hatch-like straight-line performance. Compared to most other ICE-only rivals in the segment, it’s quite peppy and refined.

However, in this lower-spec tune of the excellent EA888 motor, the transmission can be a little lazy off the line, discouraging more spirited throttle applications to avoid the elastic sensation as the clutches engage to get the 1.7-tonne Tiguan moving.

It’s a far cry from the shuddering and hesitant DSGs of old, but it’s something to note if you’re used to, say, conventional torque converter automatics or CVTs.

The electric power steering is typical Volkswagen – light and fluid in feel, but accurate in response. It can be dialled up 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 the Progressive Steering rack in R-Line models, though.

It’s an adept handler though, offering tight body control and a keen front-end that gives off more hatchback than SUV vibes in terms of handling feel, which is fitting given how closely related 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.

Insulation from wind and road noise is also among the best in class, with good suppression of rougher blacktop and limited wind whistle off the big mirrors and front pillars.

Volkswagen’s driver assistance systems remain one of the benchmarks amid the latest safety standards. Travel Assist is one of the best semi-autonomous highway driving systems out there, with the intuitive adaptive cruise and lane centring functions combining well to take the load off you during extended stints on the open road.

Likewise, Side Assist – combining blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic detection – works as you’d expect, and there’s no incessant speed or driver attention system beeping and bonging at you like an increasing number of new models do if you are 2km/h over the signed limit or glance away from the road briefly.

VW’s trick IQ.Light Matrix LED headlights are also wonderfully bright and offer an intuitive adaptive headlight function that illuminates leading and oncoming vehicles to avoid dazzling fellow drivers, and can also detect and light up road signs in poor light – this sort of stuff is underappreciated 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).

In the 110TSI Elegance, the $2700 Sound & Vision Package adds a 700W 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, a projector-type head-up display, and a larger 15-inch Discover Pro Max navigation system.

The Sound & Vision Package is standard equipment with the 150TSI Elegance. Both 110TSI and 150TSI Elegance models are also available with a Mistral Grey light interior upholstery as a special-order option ($NCO).

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.

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?

Like the wider VW range, the Tiguan is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty. There is 12 months of complimentary roadside assistance as part of the purchase, with service-initiated cover thrown in each time you visit a Volkswagen workshop.

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

CarExpert’s Take on the Volkswagen Tiguan

The more luxury-focused Elegance trim was my pick of the old Tiguan range, and that hasn’t changed for this newest generation.

Too many Euro brands in Australia have succumbed to rationalising their lineups to include only sport design packages and big alloy wheels, which are aesthetically pleasing but not always practical for the daily grind in major cities.

A supple ride courtesy of adaptive damping and generously sidewalled tyres, a punchy turbo-petrol engine, generally well-sorted tech and a mostly tactile cabin are all highlights. It definitely feels more like the premi-ish Volkswagens of old.

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, the interior display integration could be less iPad-like and more classic, which would age better, and the friendlier face of the third-generation Tiguan is more ‘cutesy’ than ‘sexy’ or ‘aggressive’ – make of that what you will.

Those looking towards a hybrid SUV may not be sold on the TSI’s fuel consumption either, which is not helped by its thirst for premium fuel, but the incoming plug-in eHybrid variants will address that with benchmark EV range and strong efficiency once the battery is depleted – as demonstrated by Cupra vehicles with the same drivetrain.

But if these criticisms aren’t an issue for you, the Tiguan Elegance is a very good example of the Euro-flavoured mid-size SUV breed, rather than just being another RAV4 or CX-5 clone in the car park.

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MORE: Explore the Volkswagen Tiguan showroom