Volkswagen will rely on the all-new 2024 Tiguan to keep itself relevant in the ridiculously competitive small SUV market. Is it going to be priced right? Will it have enough interesting features and what will the 3rd-gen model look like? That’s what we’re here to find out.
The all-new 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan made a surprise appearance this week, emerging for testing with basically no camouflage and a brand new design. And we can show you exactly what it will look like as a production vehicle thanks to accurate renderings from both angles.
Kolesa took the time to analyze spy photos of the Tiguan and came up with these two rendering images. Basically, all was already revealed by Volkswagen during road testing except for the lights, which were covered up by stickers.
The 2024 Tiguan is not only different from the old model, but it also differs from other Volkswagen models that are currently in production. Just like with yesterday’s 2024 Golf rendering set, we’re seeing headlights that look quite similar to the electric cars. It’s a simple, minimalist look compared to Korean or Japanese CUVs which dominate the market.
The other major difference is the shape of the grille, which almost looks like it’s smiling, very reminiscent of old Mazdas. Otherwise, the proportions are quite similar to the current Tiguan. And from the back, the 2024 Tiguan is mostly differentiated using a wrap-around taillight design.
Based on the size and aggressiveness of the front grille, we could actually be looking at the R-Line model and not the basic configuration. That’s the expensive cosmetic package that makes even 150 horsepower models look like the real Tiguan R performance version which Americans sadly can’t buy.
This grille also tells us the 2024 Tiguan has an engine under the hood. Most likely, it’s based on an updated version of the MQB platform and carries a lot of four-cylinder powertrains from the previous generation. In Europe, the 2.0 TDI should still be offered with outputs ranging from about 120 to 200 hp. However, true hybrid powertrain will probably become more common as new emissions regulations are approaching.
America’s Tiguan should continue to offer a 2.0-liter turbo with an intercooler and direct injection, although it should receive a mild bump from the current 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. Here too, they should start offering hybrids, since they’re so popular with Honda and Toyota buyers. The Germans already have two plug-in hybrid powertrains developed for Europe. But they haven’t offered a self-charging (normal) hybrid since the Jetta Hybrid was discontinued in 2017. That’s what many people want because it’s cheaper to buy and simpler to own.
The current Tiguan has been in production for 6 years and the cabin is functional, but a bit bland. Unfortunately, the replacement will get the controversial infotainment system from the Golf 8, which sits on top of the dash and incorporates climate control functions.
The Volkswagen Tiguan has become steadily more expensive since its introduction to the American market back in 2007. The company seems to offer as much equipment as it can with the basic S trim, including the digital dash, heated seats, and assistance tech. Thus, we expect the price will be increased to around $29,000 by the time the 2024 Tiguan is launched.
