Bigger, posher and higher tech. It’s a refrain that you can hear throughout the motoring industry when a manufacturer wants to replace a model with an all-new version, and that’s exactly what Volkswagen did when it released the second-generation Tiguan in 2017.
The new car was significantly larger and heavier than the old one, all of which makes it an even better option for those looking for the best used tow car.
What’s a used VW Tiguan Mk2 like inside?
The Tiguan is a medium-sized SUV tow car, so you’d be disappointed if it were anything less than roomy inside. Well, no need to feel let down, because the VW is perfectly spacious for a family of five (but not seven).
The driver and front-seat passenger benefit from loads of headroom and legroom, and there’s plenty of adjustability to the seats and steering wheel, making finding a good driving position child’s play, always important when choosing a tow car.
And even with the optional panoramic sunroof (standard on Elegance trim), there’s still going to be enough headroom for the tallest of occupants.
Passengers sitting in the rear shouldn’t feel short-changed in any way, either, because there’s more than enough headroom and legroom for them, too.
That said, if you happen to be the shortest of the three rear-seat passengers, you will likely find yourself sitting in the middle, because the central tunnel reduces foot space.
The boot space is huge, at 615 litres with the rear seats up and 1655 litres when they’re down, so you have plenty of space for taking all of the best caravan accessories. However, it is a shame that the rear seats don’t lie completely flat when folded.
Even early entry-level S cars come with air-conditioning, an 8in touchscreen infotainment system and 17in alloy wheels.
SE adds climate control (with separate control for the rear seat), cruise control and rear parking sensors.
Later SE Nav models add, guess what, sat-nav. This is the model that we’d choose.
Elegance trim adds a rear-view camera, which makes edging up to your tourer easy. And yes, the top-spec R Line models get a surround-view camera system, but the extra expense and the stiffer suspension reduce its desirability somewhat.
However, after the vehicle’s 2021 facelift, the numerous conventional buttons and dials were replaced on the dashboard by touch-sensitive or haptic controls, and these don’t
work nearly as well.
See how a 2025 model compares too, as we reviewed the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI 265PS R-Line 4Motion, finding it towed with stability and was easy to manoeuvre.
How does a used Volkswagen Tiguan (2017-2024) drive?
Overall, diesel is still the best option for Tiguan buyers, given its low-rev pulling power and overall economy, as we found when we put the 2021 VW Tiguan Allspace to the test at the time.
The 2.0-litre TDI engine is available with 148bhp or 187bhp. The former produces 266lb ft of torque, the latter 295lb ft.
You can have either version linked to an automatic DSG transmission, which swaps ratios smoothly and makes towing easy. However, DSG models don’t ‘creep’ as well as conventional autos, which can make manoeuvring tricky.
No matter which engine is up front, the Tiguan is a superb tow car. It pulls strongly, remains unfazed in poor weather conditions and makes short work of any emergency manoeuvres or hill starts. It stops quickly and in a straight line. The ride on most models is comfortable, and there’s little wind, engine or road noise to speak of.
What will a used VW Tiguan tow?
When it comes to matching a car to a caravan, the Tiguan Mk2 comes with:
- Kerbweight: 1715kg
- Towing limit: 2500kg
- Noseweight limit: 100kg
- 85% match: 1458kg
What to pay
- High: Price: £42,299; Model: 2.0 TSI R; Year: 2023; Miles: 12,500
- Sweet spot: Price: £17,200; Model: 2.0 TDI SE Nav; Year: 2019; Miles: 34,000
- Low: Price: £6995; Model: 2.0 TDI SE Nav; Year: 2017; Miles: 176,000
Running costs
- Insurance group: 16
- Annual VED: £625*
*Applies for first five years of vehicle’s life if it originally cost more than £40,000, after which, the annual rate drops to £195
- Average economy: 42.8mpg
- Interim/full service: £195
Servicing price supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262, servicingstop.co.uk
Is a used VW Tiguan reliable?
Early in the car’s life, it was found a faulty towbar might have been fitted, so 531 had to have this replaced. Then 2495 were recalled because the rear spoiler could detach. A small number were recalled because of brake discs that were the wrong thickness. A faulty fuel tank was the source of another recall.
A full list of recalls can be found at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk.
Verdict on the VW Tiguan Mk2 (2017-2024)
There are few finer tow cars available at the size and price of the VW Tiguan. It’s roomy, comfortable, well-equipped and capable with the 2.0TDI engine fitted, in any state of tune.
Alternatives to consider
Ford Kuga (2020-present)
The Ford Kuga 2.0 EcoBlue mild hybrid is the sort of tow car you’ll be really happy to drive when it isn’t hitched up. It handles neatly, steers well, the engine is punchy and it’s roomy, although the boot could be bigger. It also has a higher towing limit than its plug-in hybrid sibling, making this the more capable towing machine. It’s a shame that the interior quality isn’t better, though.
See our full review of the Ford Kuga 2.5 FHEV 183PS ST-Line X AWD
Seat Ateca (2016-present)
The Seat Ateca is one of the best options in the Tiguan’s class. It has a choice of superb engines, is entertaining to drive solo and makes light work of towing a hefty tourer. All of which you could expect, given that it shares its underpinnings with the VW. Better still, the Ateca is available with seven seats. The downside? The ride feels a bit on the ‘sporty’ side, especially around town.
See our review of the Seat Ateca 2.0 TDI 150PS 4Drive Xperience Lux DSG
Used Volvo XC40 (2018-present)
Volvo absolutely nailed it with the XC40. It was (and remains) a chic-looking SUV that still feels thoroughly modern, despite being seven years old. It’s a truly capable towing machine, remaining unflustered by a heavy trailer. It’s also well equipped and good to drive. It’s a pity there’s a bit too much road noise, and the thick rear pillars make reversing tricky. The boot is a bit small, too.
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