► Volkswagen Tiguan R tested in full
► 316bhp 2.0-litre provides plenty of power
► One of the more capable hot SUVs to drive
The Volkswagen Tiguan R is perhaps not a vehicle you might expect CAR magazine to fete for its all-round desirability. After all, high-performance SUVs are a fundamentally flawed concept in many ways, and your average, everyday Tiguan wasn’t exactly the front-running SUV in the conventional mid-size segment.
However, since buyers’ tastes show no sign of shifting away from taller, heavier transport, it is at least heartening to know that driving enjoyment is still being catered for. If you’re in the market for a used fast SUV with a more challenging centre of gravity, it’s good to know that there are still some decent options.
Including this one.
Should you buy a Tiguan R? It’s a rare case where a high-performance SUV makes more sense than it should. The Tiguan R is fast, composed and not without appeal for the keen driver.
Here’s how we test cars, and why you should trust us.
At a glance
Pros: startling acceleration, tenacious grip from clever AWD, comfortable enough to use daily
Cons: not as playful as a hot hatch, some body roll in corners, infotainment controls are fiddly
What’s new?
The Tiguan R was introduced in 2020 as the high-performance range-topper for the facelifted second-generation Tiguan. It was Volkswagen’s answer to cars like the Cupra Ateca and Mercedes-AMG GLB 35, aiming to combine speed and precision with day-to-day usability.
As of 2023, the standard Tiguan has moved on to an all-new generation, and the R version was quietly dropped from the UK range. That makes the Tiguan R something of a fleeting hero – but it’s proving to be a popular buy used these days, and worth considering if you’re in the market for a subtle, quick family hauler that won’t attract too many avaricious glances.
What are the specs?
Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 316bhp and 310lb ft of torque. That’s enough to fire the Tiguan R from 0–62mph in just 4.9 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of 155mph.
Power goes to all four wheels via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. Crucially, it features a clever torque-vectoring rear differential that can split power between the back wheels, sharpening its behaviour in corners. It’s most noticeable in Race mode, where the system is most aggressive and responsive.
The rest of the spec list is equally serious: 21-inch alloy wheels, adaptive dampers and beefed-up brakes all feature, along with a typically slick Volkswagen interior fitted with sports seats and digital displays.
How does it drive?
The Tiguan’s R character depends very much on which of its three driving modes you opt for. Sport is the default, and thus it should remain – flip into Comfort and though the ride is undeniably relaxed the gearbox shifts into an Eco mode which saps any enjoyment whatsoever and makes the Tiguan R feel lethargic. Keep the gearbox in D in Sport mode and you’ll enjoy acceleration when you need it but a gearbox that’s more than happy to cruise in a high gear.
Driving modes can now be selected from a button on the steering wheel, and if you hold down the R button you’ll immediately be put into the most aggressive of the Tiguan’s driving modes: Race. It’s here you’ll feel the effect of that special rear diff best. The system’s able to send 100% of rear torque to the outside wheel when you’re cornering hard, leading to cornering ability unthinkable in the standard car. It turns in sharply and barely understeers, while the steering is light and pinpoint accurate.
Despite the lowered ride height, 21-inch wheels and firmer dampers, the Tiguan R still rides well, too – comfort levels are more than high enough for this weapon to be used on a daily basis. Here come the usual moans – it’s not as poised as a smaller, lighter hatchback would be with the same system. It rolls more and leans on its traction control to stop things getting out of hand. It’s rapid, but not especially playful – but that’s been a hallmark of VW R models since the beginning.
What about the interior?
This generation of Tiguan brought a digital refresh. That means a large central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, and a clean dashboard layout. Unfortunately, the touch-sensitive climate panel and steering wheel buttons are fiddly and distract from the driving experience. We still prefer proper buttons.
Space is excellent. Rear passengers get generous legroom, and the boot offers 615 litres of luggage space, which is more than enough for most family needs. The front sports seats – trimmed in blue check fabric and Alcantara – are both stylish and supportive. There’s enough visual drama to feel special, without losing the Tiguan’s everyday usability.
Before you buy
At launch, the Tiguan R was offered in a single well-equipped trim level, with a handful of options including the Akrapovič exhaust, panoramic sunroof and upgraded audio. It slotted in above the R-Line versions of the standard Tiguan.
Prices started at just over £45,000 when new, though you’ll now find examples on the used market for around £30,000 depending on mileage and condition. That’s impressive depreciation – good news for those selling, not so great if you’re looking to buy. Rivals include the aforementioned Cupra Ateca and Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 as well as the BMW X2 M35i and even the more recent Ford Puma ST Powershift, although that plays in a lower weight class, and it nowhere as fast.
Compared with these, the Tiguan R stands out for its polish and poise. It’s not as fun as the lighter Cupra or Ford, but it feels more resolved. As a high-performance all-rounder, it still stacks up well.
Verdict
The Volkswagen Tiguan R was a brief but brilliant entry into the fast SUV segment. It proved that performance, refinement and practicality could co-exist, even in a taller, heavier body. Now that it’s no longer available new, it’s become an even more interesting proposition for used buyers.
It may not be the most exciting hot SUV to drive and it won’t ignite your synapses to the point where you’ll deliberately take the long road home, but it’s one of the most competent. Grip, balance and acceleration are all deeply impressive, and it does a great job of staying civilised when you just want to get home. For many, that might be the ideal mix.