2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace review
A seven-seater from Volkswagen packed with safety and tech that falls under $50K. What’s the catch? This lowest-spec variant isn’t the most powerful model in the line-up, but how much does power matter when you’re looking at a car of this size?
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 110TSI Life
Volkswagen recently announced that 2025 will see the launch of the Tayron – the successor to the brand’s existing seven-seater, the Tiguan Allspace. While prices are yet to be announced, it is predicted that they will rise given the car will have more power and technology than its predecessor.
At the moment, the lowest-spec Tiguan Allspace, the 110TSI Life, comes in at less than $46K (before on-road costs) – pretty impressive for a seven-seater from a brand that straddles the mass market and premium brackets.
But there’s no escaping the obvious: it’s not a car with heaps of power. So how much does power matter in this seven-seater? After all, it’s affordable, it’s spacious, and the tech and safety features are pretty schmick.
I’m testing the car over the course of a week – let’s see whether this base-level model cuts the mustard.
How much is a Volkswagen Tiguan?
I’ve already alluded to affordability but let’s talk numbers. This base-level 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol Tiguan Allspace 110TSI Life costs $43,990 plus on-road cost. That is a snip less expensive than the next step up, the 132TSI Life, which has a 2.0-litre engine and costs $47,990 plus on-road costs.
The more expensive sibling in the line-up is the 162TSI Elegance priced at $57,590 plus on-road costs, or the 162TSI R-Line, from $60,590 plus on-road costs.
Other seven-seaters in a similar price bracket include the Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire, with a 2.5-litre non-turbo engine that starts at $44,840 plus on-road costs. Or the Nissan X-Trail ST-L, which shares its 2.5-litre engine with the Outlander, but comes standard with all-wheel drive in seven-seat configuration and starts at $46,790 plus on-road costs.
In slightly more expensive territory, the Honda CR-V VTi L7 is $53K drive-away, while the Skoda Kodiaq Style starts at $56,490 drive-away, though note that the Kodiaq and Tiguan Allspace are classified as large SUVs: the other rivals mentioned above are all considered medium-sized SUVs.
If a seven-seater is required, then the obvious alternative to a large SUV would be a people mover. While they’re noticeably bigger than most large SUVs (and arguably a bit less aesthetically pleasing), valuable boot space isn’t compromised in favour of seats. Consider the Kia Carnival that has won Drive’s Family Car of the Year in both 2023 and 2024, while the Hyundai Staria and Volkswagen’s Caravelle are other options for consideration, albeit at a higher price point.
However, if you’re put off by the cumbersome appearance of people movers or large SUVs in general, then the Tiguan Allspace is a nice safe middle-ground. Despite being an elongated version of the five-seat Tiguan, Volkswagen hasn’t sacrificed design in order to create more space.
My test model comes in Pure White, which doesn’t have an extra cost attached to it, but more vibrant metallic colourways are available and cost upwards of $900. The Allspace has got the same polished finish and streamlined contours we’ve come to expect from Volkswagen vehicles, and comes with LED daytime running lights and headlights, as well as 18-inch alloy wheels. Design details vary slightly with each spec, as does wheel size, but retains the model’s distinctive body line no matter the variant.
The 2025 Tiguan is said to mirror other recent new Volkswagen models, being less angular and more simplified. So consider whether you would find the design of the current Tiguan Allspace a little tired knowing that its 2025 successor will be restyled.
| Key details | 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 110TSI Life |
| Price | $43,990 plus on-road costs |
| Colour of test car | Pure White |
| Options | Easy Open & Close electric tailgate – $600 |
| Price as tested | $44,590 plus on-road costs |
| Rivals | Mitsubishi Outlander | Nissan X-Trail | Honda CR-V |
How big is a Volkswagen Tiguan?
Unsurprisingly for a car with a 4734mm footprint, the interior of the Tiguan feels spacious. In this lowest spec, the seats are covered in cloth, which isn’t the most practical option with a toddler on board, and the surrounding materials are hard plastic. So it’s not the most elegant of interiors, but it’s finished with thoughtful features that feel as though the driver and their passengers are at the front of mind.
The infotainment system is clear and easy to use. The steering wheel, which is big and light, doesn’t hamper the view of the large driver instrument cluster ahead.
Touch-panel buttons below the infotainment screen for the climate control aren’t easy to use when you’re trying to keep your eyes on the road, but proper dials next to the screen and buttons on the steering wheel are more driver-friendly.
The central console houses a wireless phone charger, the gear stick and two large, adjustable cupholders. The storage bin tucked away behind is small, but you’re not short of other nooks and crannies to store your stuff, including two sunglasses holders tucked into the ceiling and an extra storage bin on the dash. The door bins are also deep in both the front and second-row seats for you to slot large water bottles and the like.
Further into the second row, passengers do have their own climate controls. There is just one USB-C charger in this row, though, which I anticipate could cause a few arguments between second-row passengers on low charge.
There are no charging ports in the third row, but passengers get some storage space either side. If the seats are down, these become storage spots in the boot.
Head and leg room aren’t a problem if you’re in the front or second row. I’m 171cm tall but my taller passengers had no complaints. Naturally, leg room was a little more compromised in the third row, but this is nothing out of the ordinary for a medium-sized seven-seater, and an adult could still put up with a short drive in that back row, though I’d say it’s mostly suited to children. On that note, there are ISOFIX points on the outer two seats in the second row and top-tether anchorage points on all three of the second-row seats.
You’ve got 1775 litres of boot space with the second and third row of seats down, 230L with both rows up. When you have the second row up and third down, you’ve got 700L of space. For reference, this sits in the middle compared to other seven-seaters: the Skoda Kodiaq Style for example has more space, while the Mitsubishi Outlander has less. Uniquely, one feature of the Allspace is the ability to fold down every single seat bar the driver’s seat, should you need the space. Ideal if, for example, you’re moving furniture or packing a lot of gear for a trip.
In terms of optional extras, my test model also comes with the Easy Open & Close electric tailgate, which is an extra $600 and certainly handy when my hands are full with bags and toddlers.
If you’re happy with this spec but looking for a little something extra from the interiors, the $5700 Luxury Package includes electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, individually heated and ventilated front seats, Vienna leather appointed upholstery, and a panoramic glass sunroof.
| 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 110TSI Life | |
| Seats | Seven |
| Boot volume | 230L seats up 1775L seats folded |
| Length | 4734mm |
| Width | 1839mm |
| Height | 1689mm |
| Wheelbase | 2790mm |
Does the Volkswagen Tiguan have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
The 8.0-inch infotainment screen has both wired and wireless smartphone connectivity, and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For reference, an 8.0-inch screen is what you’d also get in the Nissan X-Trail ST, but you can get a bigger 9.0-inch screen in the Mitsubishi Outlander LS and Honda CR-V.
I flicked between wired and wireless connectivity and had no trouble with either, though the wireless phone charger does make your phone extremely hot if left in there for too long and won’t charge if overheated.
There’s Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, but if you don’t want to rely on your phone, the car comes with digital radio, AM, FM and navigation. The graphics are clear, although perhaps feel a little outdated.
Meanwhile, the digital instrument cluster is also clear and offers a variety of different displays depending on your preference including navigation, should you find it easier to read maps from that position.
Is the Volkswagen Tiguan a safe car?
Notably the Volkswagen Tiguan does not have a current ANCAP rating. When it was last tested in 2016, it received the full five stars, but this rating expired in January 2023. Because ANCAP criteria evolve and become stricter over the years, it may not be possible to compare an older result with a current five-star assessment.
We do know, however, that the car has seven airbags. This includes driver and front passenger airbags and side airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, and curtain airbags for the front and rear.
| 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 110TSI Life | |
| ANCAP rating | Unrated |
What safety technology does the Volkswagen Tiguan have?
Even this base-model Tiguan Allspace comes equipped with Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive safety suite. It also offers lane-keeping and lane-centring assist, blind-spot assist, and front and rear park sensors for when you’re pulling in and out of tight spots.
As standard with IQ.Drive is Travel Assist, which allows for partially automated driving, using the combined functions of adaptive cruise control and lane assist to accelerate, brake and maintain the Tiguan’s lane position.
The car also comes with driver fatigue detection, and a rear-view camera that comes complete with dynamic guidance lines, which is useful when you’re navigating smaller spots in busy areas.
Finally, you will get pinged with little alerts and warning notifications if any seatbelts aren’t fastened.
The only time I’ve found the safety technology to be a hindrance rather than a help is when I’m in a traffic standstill, usually on the daily commute, when the sensors are quick to alert me of the proximity of other vehicles – unavoidable in a jam. But I can turn this alert off if I wanted to, so overall I found the safety technology helpful and unobtrusive.
| Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) | Yes | Includes cyclist, junction, night-time awareness |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes | Includes traffic jam assist |
| Blind Spot Alert | No | |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | No | |
| Lane Assistance | Yes | Lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centring assist |
| Road Sign Recognition | No | |
| Driver Attention Warning | Yes | Includes fatigue monitor |
| Cameras & Sensors | Yes | Front and rear sensors, rear-view camera |
How much does the Volkswagen Tiguan cost to run?
Volkswagen offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and 12 months’ roadside assistance, which is topped up with every service if you receive your service at a Volkswagen dealership. This impressive roadside assistance coverage makes up for the cost of servicing, which is on the whole dearer than rivals. Comparatively, Mitsubishi and Honda both offer more frugal servicing programs.
If you opt in for Volkswagen’s Care Plan, you can buy either three or five services at a fixed price and save considerably more than you would if you purchase servicing on a pay-as-you-go basis. For this variant of Tiguan Allspace, you’ll pay $1565 for three years’ servicing or $3340 for five, with Volkswagen claiming a $504 saving compared to post-paid pricing.
To insure the Tiguan Allspace, one leading insurer quoted $1342 annually. This is based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
This is the same amount it costs to insure the Mitsubishi Outlander almost down to the penny, whereas other competitors were about $100 dearer.
By comparison, I had a quick check of the cost to insure a people mover – namely the Kia Carnival and Volkswagen Caravelle – and they were both a few hundred dollars more expensive yearly.
Another consideration is resale value, in which the Tiguan Allspace performs strongly. When we tested the 110TSI Life as part of Drive’s Best Family SUV in Australia comparison back in June 2023, this particular Tiguan Allspace spec was crowned most affordable to own.
| At a glance | 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 110TSI Life |
| Warranty | Five years, unlimited kilometres |
| Servicing costs | $1565 (3 years) $3340 (5 years) |
Is the Volkswagen Tiguan fuel-efficient?
I used 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres during my week in the car, which was mostly highway and suburban driving. This is higher than the 7.7L/100km that Volkswagen claims, though on the days when I was almost exclusively highway driving, I was matching Volkswagen’s claimed highway consumption of 6.5L/100km.
The car takes a minimum of 95-octane premium unleaded, which does make refuelling more costly.
| Fuel efficiency | 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 110TSI Life |
| Fuel cons. (claimed) | 7.7L/100km |
| Fuel cons. (on test) | 9.4L/100km |
| Fuel type | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| Fuel tank size | 58L |
What is the Volkswagen Tiguan like to drive?
The Tiguan Allspace 110TSI Life is a two-wheel-drive car with a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine. As the name of the vehicle would suggest, the car produces 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque. How does this compare to its closest rivals? Well, most notably two more affordable rivals, the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Nissan X-Trail, have non-turbo 2.5-litre engines and outputs of 135kW/244Nm.
Meanwhile, the Honda CR-V has a 1.5-litre turbo engine and power and torque outputs of 140kW and 240Nm. Torque is really the number that matters here – loaded up, or for rolling acceleration around town, you’ll rely on it.
For the most part, the Tiguan Allspace is an easy car to drive. It requires very little effort to turn the steering wheel at highway speeds or urban speeds alike, and is also light enough to make parking manoeuvres effortless. The car felt smooth and stable on various terrains, and moving from one gear to another was smooth thanks to Volkswagen’s dual-clutch transmission.
During our time together, I never felt conscious of the size of the car when I was driving, which I admittedly feared I would. It feels nifty enough, especially around the suburbs where I’m navigating more corners, tight turns, and smaller parking spots. In fact, this is where the car’s active safety features help, nudging me when I’m getting too close to a kerb or another car – and aiding me as I squeeze into the one remaining spot in a Woolies car park on a rainy Saturday.
That said, the car is lacking a bit of welly. When I accelerate, it feels as though the car is having to work very hard and yet I’m not getting much in return. Most of the time it was only me and my toddler in the car. So, given the Tiguan is built for up to seven, I’m not sure how it would handle the extra weight of more passengers.
As the base engine seems to struggle a bit with a car of this weight (1620kg), I wondered how this variant compared to its higher-powered, higher-specced siblings. When my colleague Tom Fraser reviewed the 132TSI Life back in June 2023, he concluded that “the power out of that engine [the 110TSI Life] doesn’t feel all too different from the more powerful 132TSI’s experience … buyers who desire a bit more power under their foot will appreciate the top-spec 162TSI engine far more”.
I also have reservations about Volkswagen’s dual-clutch transmission. While this may be the reason it glides seamlessly from gear to gear, it is also the reason I found myself rolling back on even the slightest inclines. After a week in the Tiguan, I became used to it and knew that it would take a split-second longer for the car to respond to my foot pressing the accelerator, but the first couple of times it was disconcerting.
| Key details | 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 110TSI Life |
| Engine | 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol |
| Power | 110kW @ 5000–6000rpm |
| Torque | 250Nm @ 1500–3500rpm |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 67.9kW/t |
| Weight (tare) | 1620kg |
| Spare tyre type | Space-saver |
| Tow rating | 1800kg braked 750kg unbraked |
Can a Volkswagen Tiguan tow?
The Tiguan Allspace can tow up to 1800kg braked or 750kg unbraked. These figures would mean that the Allspace would have the capacity to tow a small camper trailer or jet-skis. It would rule out anything like a large boat or campervan.
The Tiguan weighs 1620kg and has a gross vehicle mass of 2290kg. This means it can carry a maximum of 670kg in people and luggage.
Should I buy a Volkswagen Tiguan?
On paper, there’s not a lot wrong with a competitively priced seven-seater Volkswagen that’s packed with safety and tech, even in this lowest-priced variant.
In reality, its biggest weakness is its powertrain, as I highlighted above.
Seven-seaters are sensible by default, and this is a sensible car in every sense of the word. A practical exterior, thoughtful interior, affordable and safe. And, if you can live with its lack of power, then it might just be the seven-seater for you.
How do I buy a Volkswagen Tiguan? The next steps.
There is good supply of the MY23 and MY24 Tiguan Allspace in Australian showrooms, and you’ve still got a fair while before the car’s successor, the Tayron, arrives in late 2025.
I would advise you to take the higher-spec variants of the Tiguan Allspace for a test drive at your local Volkswagen dealership to get a sense of the performance of the different engines on offer. It is also worthwhile test-driving a couple of the Allspace’s rivals again to properly compare and contrast.
The Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander have come up time and time again in this review as the Tiguan Allspace’s closest competitors based on price, ownership costs and relatively similar tech. Although twins beneath the sheet metal, both offer slightly different features and accommodation for your family. Whether this will make a difference to your final decision is only something you can decide, once having tested all the models on your shortlist.
You can find your local Volkswagen dealership here. Keep up to date with all Tiguan Allspace news and reviews here.
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