The 10 best Volkswagen Tiguan alternatives in 2024

If you’re in the market for a new family SUV, the Volkswagen Tiguan is almost certainly on your radar. It should be as well, because the latest model is a fantastic all-rounder.

It’s spacious, practical, well-made and comfortable to drive, as well as being packed with all the latest tech. You also have a great choice of efficient engines. It’s a bit on the pricey side though, and the infotainment system isn’t the best either.

If that’s enough to put you off, we’ve compiled a list of Volkswagen Tiguan alternatives for you to mull over. Whether you want something a bit cheaper, are looking for something more fun to drive or you’re not a fan of the VW’s vanilla styling, there’s a car in this list to suit you.

The best Volkswagen Tiguan alternatives in 2024 are:

1. Citroen C5 Aircross
2. Skoda Karoq
3. Volkswagen Passat
4. Toyota RAV4
5. Skoda Kodiaq
6. BMW X1
7. Kia Sportage
8. Tesla Model Y
9. Volkswagen ID4
10. Alfa Romeo Stelvio

1) Citroen C5 Aircross

If the Volkswagen Tiguan seems a bit too expensive for you, the Citroen C5 Aircross is well worth considering. It’s a whopping £10,000 cheaper than the VW, and this low starting price is just one of the reasons it took home the Family Values prize in the Carwow Car of the Year Awards 2024.

It’s also got a massive boot – over 100 litres bigger than the Tiguan’s – and it’s just as comfortable on the road as well. It may not have quite the same badge kudos as something German, and it’s not as plush inside either, but in terms of value for money the C5 Aircross is hard to beat.

2) Skoda Karoq

Skoda’s reputation for no-nonsense practicality is encompassed perfectly by the Karoq. It won’t do much to get your adrenaline pumping, but it’ll prove to be a fuss-free family road trip companion.

It’s practical, well-made and it’s got clever sliding rear seats for added practicality. You’ll want to avoid the entry-level 1.0-litre engine because it feels sluggish, but go for the 1.5-litre petrol with an automatic gearbox and you have a great all-rounder.

3) Volkswagen Passat

SUVs aren’t necessarily the best family cars you can buy; the good old-fashioned estate still makes an excellent case for itself. The new Volkswagen Passat is one of the best as well thanks to its cavernous boot and palatial rear legroom.

The 690 litres of boot space trumps the 652 litres offered by the Tiguan, and the Passat is an excellent motorway cruiser. Sure, you don’t get the same commanding driving position as an SUV, but you can’t argue with the amount of interior space on offer here.

4) Toyota RAV4

Toyota has been making hybrid cars for decades now, and it’s pretty good at it. The RAV4 gets a hybrid engine as standard which is frugal and punchy, and it comes with Toyota’s reputation for bulletproof reliability.

If that wasn’t enough, all RAV4s come with the ‘Relax’ warranty, meaning you can get up to 10 years of coverage when you service the car on time at an approved dealer. Some of the cabin materials feel a bit cheap, but the RAV4 is also comfortable to drive and well-equipped.

5) Skoda Kodiaq

The second Skoda to appear on this list is the Karoq’s bigger brother: the new Kodiaq. It’s actually a similar price to the Tiguan, however you get an extra pair of seats in the back or, with them folded away, 258 litres more boot space than the VW.

It’s also got a plush interior – which is much more modern looking than its predecessor’s – and it’s packed with all the latest tech. You could have a SEAT Tarraco for even less money, but that car is starting to show its age now making it look like a less appealing proposition.

6) BMW X1

For some people only a posh German badge will do, and they don’t get much more upmarket than a BMW roundel. The BMW X1 offers more than just badge kudos though, because it’s also fantastic to drive.

You also get a high-quality interior, and it’s pretty spacious, too. It’s annoying that you have to control all the car’s functions through the touchscreen, but that’s a criticism you can level at the Tiguan as well.

7) Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is one of the best family SUVs in the business. This is partly down to its cavernous interior and boot, partly because it’s great to drive and it also comes with a reassuring seven-year warranty.

The front-end styling is a bit divisive, but if you can look past this then the Sportage makes a great family hauler. It’s available with a wide range of efficient engines as well, so it won’t cost the earth to run.

8) Tesla Model Y

Ready to make the switch to an electric SUV? The Tesla Model Y is a great option for families thanks to its cavernous boot. There’s 854 litres of space back there – over 200 litres more than the Tiguan – and you get a useful front boot as well.

The minimalist interior will take some getting used to because there are almost no physical buttons, but on the plus side it does look cool and modern. You also get access to Tesla’s excellent Supercharger network which makes long trips much easier.

9) Volkswagen ID4

What if you want to go electric but stick with a Volkswagen? Well the ID4 is the EV equivalent to the Tiguan in VW’s range. It has spacious back seats, it’s comfortable and you get loads of tech as standard.

It’s annoying that you don’t get a front boot like the Tesla does and, like the Tiguan, the ID4 is a bit pricey if you go for the range-topping model. That said, it’s still a great all-round family SUV which is still well worth your consideration.

10) Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Let’s finish off with something fun. SUVs aren’t always known for being driver’s cars, but the Alfa Romeo Stelvio can give some sports saloons a run for their money on a twisty road. Not only is it great to drive, it’s also stylish and well-equipped.

The trade-off for that sporty handling is that it;s a bit uncomfortable over bumps, and the interior – while it looks classy – isn’t as well-made as the Tiguan’s. That might not put you off though because the looks will be enough to sell it.

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