2024 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line Black - What's New Review

2024 Volkswagen Tiguan model year update :

Built on one of the elder MQB platforms, the automotive portmanteau between Tiger and Iguana remains best selling VW in America. Now in it's seventh year (third year since refresh) it is surely awaiting some form of electrified successor.

In the meantime, the Mk. 2.5 Volkswagen Tiguan, exclusively available in long wheelbase for the U.S. marker remains at the top of compact crossover SUV spaciousness, offering a German engineered and designed (if Mexican build) at a competitive value.

CONTINUED REVISIONS FROM '22-'23:

• Revised slimmer, wider upper grille + slim LED headlamps
• R-Line Black appearance package with gloss black exterior embellishments and 19" wheels. (SEL R-Line includes 20" wheels and illuminated lateral grille bar & VW emblems, front + rear.)
• ID Drive advanced driver assistance with Travel Assist semi-autonomy
• Finger tap & slide center stack climate temperature control as well as a smooth, haptic touch & slide steering wheel controls are the major concession to cabin technology. (In other VWs, the steering wheel controls have been partly walked back to more traditional buttons.)
• 8.0" MIB 3.0 Composition voice command infotainment display (simpler to operate than newer MIB 3.0 Discover app system.)
• 8.0" Digital Cockpit instrument cluster + (available) native navigation map projection

CARRIED OVER, MOSTLY UNCHANGED:

• three row large compact family SUV, 7 occupant seating (front drive models)
• two row large compact family SUV, 5 occupant seating (4Motion models)
• EA-211 TSI turbocharged 2.0L DI DOHC Budac (Miller) cycle petrol I-4 engine + 8-speed torque converter automatic transaxle + (available) PTU to viscous clutch 4Motion all-wheel drive.
• Power ratings remain at 184 hp, 221 lb-ft. Observed combined driving fuel economy registers at 28 miles per gallon (3.6 gal. / 100 mi.). Highway range is 430 miles.
• Fully independent suspension + four wheel disc brakes, front vented.
• "Top Safety Pick Plus" rated by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( 2022 MY)

BOTTOM LINE:

• $37,450 price, as tested SE R-Line Black 4Motion in King's Red ( S front-drive from $30,305)
• 4 years / 50,000 miles bumper to bumper warranty; 2 years scheduled maintenance

LIKES ABOUT THE 2024 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN R-LINE BLACK 4MOTION:

• Well equipped family SUV keeps the price below $40,000 w/ above average warranty
• Slim details lighten streamlined chunky square-back look
• Smooth German touring responsiveness and quiet highway ride
• Rich exterior paint, pleasant cabin color contrast, refined carpet weave
• Decent fuel economy (for a non hybrid electric vehicle)
• Impressive spaciousness and versatility (including split sliding 2nd Row seating)
• Clear concise instruments with ambient night lighting
• Decent audio from base sound system & wireless Android Auto + Apple CarPlay phone app projection

NOT PREFERRED ABOUT THE 2024 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN R-LINE BLACK 4MOTION:

• Mk.3 re-design + oversize Discover MIB3.0 infotainment already out overseas
• Start stop idle & no hybrid electric option (yet)
• Slightly anemic highway passing, slow brake pedal response
• Stiff seat cushions & the leatherette lacks suppleness
• Austere looking and feeling plastic panels
• Lacks the latest app heavy infotainment
• Tap to slide soft touch controls a challenge to use while in motion
• No dedicated dashboard mounted illumination control (only accessible from infotainment display)
• Third row unavailable with 4Motion all-wheel drive

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line Black - New Tech, White Tiger -uan, Re- Driven Review

PEOPLE’S BIG JUNGLE CAT & LIZARD ROARING LINE : On the road to battery electrified de-carbonization it was revealed that half a Tiger and half an Iguana inspired a more useful modern People’s Car than did a Beetle. To its credit Germany’s volume automaker, Volkswagen, has kept cars and manual transmissions relevant

RoadBlazingGeorge Straton