In the SUV market, it can seem that luxury, technology, and bling have become the new normal with all three of these things contributing to the increased prices that you might see in the segment. However, for buyers who prefer a more functional experience, there are still a few options out there that can fit the bill. One of them is the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan S which attempts to bring some of Volkswagen’s core attributes into a more affordable package. But is the S a good gateway model into the brand? Or is it a few cards short of a full house in the entry-level SUV market.
Minor upgrades add polish to the Tiguan S
The S model was once often considered a penalty box on wheels with some of its low-rent appointments not helping the cause. Volkswagen has attempted to address this in 2024 by giving the S a bit of a makeover. The model now gets faux leather steering wheel, an upgraded infotainment system, and wireless phone charging. These items help make the S feel more upscale but it’s a shame that some of the low-rent plastics are still present which detracts from the upgraded interior pieces.
A bigger change though is the addition of the IQ.Drive driver assistance feature which now wafts its way into the base S model. This system bundles several popular driver assistance features into one place with the S now getting standard adaptive cruise control with the system including an integrated lane-centering feature. Auto high-beam headlights are also standard but the Tiguan’s exterior styling is otherwise largely carried over with the look continuing to age with dignity albeit with a presence that’s as bland as a dishwasher. Look for most budget buyers to not mind this small caveat for the sake of maximum value.
Comfort continues to play key role
Look past the updates and the rest of the interior largely follows the same core script that has defined the Tiguan for a while now with the first and second-row seats delivering decent amounts of leg and knee room. The Tiguan is also one of a select few in its slice of the segment to have an optional third-row seat but it’s best to not go for that particular item, it’s still cramped and makes you feel like you’re in a cramped box of hot pockets.
The S gets six-way adjustable front seats but cloth continues to be the standard upholstery available. All S models get a 6.5-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay being standard equipment. Both options are also better than VW’s default software which is difficult to use. The rest of the cabin is functional and while the layout is not that exciting (SE and higher models solve that problem) it can still haul decent amounts of cargo. It’s this usefulness that helps the S stand out in a crowd and that should please buyers that don’t want frills getting in the way of long-term value.
Tiguan performance is middle of the road
The Tiguan has never been the fastest SUV in Volkswagen’s fold of SUVs but that’s not a bad thing since the company chose to focus on fuel economy and practicality instead. All Tiguans (including S models like our tester) are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes a paltry 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard but buyers can add Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system as an option if they want to have more all-season capability. An eight-speed automatic is the lone transmission offering but the Tiguan will never be mistaken for a track star with our tester jogging to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds.
As mentioned, the Tiguan makes up for it by delivering fuel economy with S models like our tester getting 24 mpg in city driving and 31 mpg on the freeway. All-wheel drive requires a small sacrifice in mileage with city mileage dropping by 2 mpg while the freeway figure dips to 29 mpg. Handling in our tester is composed but leave corner carving to the GTI hatchback since the Tiguan will balk at the notion of twisty roads and instead prefers gentle cruises on the freeway and trips to the mall.
Value Quotient
Pricing for the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan starts at $28,880 for the base S model which puts it in the higher reaches of its budget-minded subsegment. Our tester had a light helping of options and various fees which helped cause the price to creep past the $30,000 mark. That’s not bad when you consider that higher trim levels command a hefty premium with the range-topping SEL R-Line having the potential to go over $40,000 when loaded with options.
If we were looking for a Tiguan, we would actually stick with the S model versus moving up to a higher trim level. It has enough baked in to please most buyers and some of the upgrades that it got for the 2024 model year help it be a more balanced SUV offering. While the Tiguan still has to grapple with some of the wrinkles that its aging exterior styling is beginning to show. The Tiguan will also be holding down the fort in dealerships as the company prepares to release a revamped version of the SUV in the near future.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.