2022 VW Tiguan Allspace Review: Practical 7-Seat Family SUV

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace stands out as a versatile seven-seater SUV that prioritizes family practicality without sacrificing driving enjoyment. This facelifted model refines the strengths of its predecessor, delivering a premium feel, efficient powertrains, and ample interior space in a relatively compact footprint ideal for urban and highway use.

Design and Exterior Updates

Volkswagen has given the Tiguan Allspace a subtle yet effective exterior refresh for 2022. The front end features slimmer, all-LED headlights with a sharper light signature, creating a more modern and upscale appearance compared to the previous boxier units. These changes enhance the vehicle’s visual appeal, making it look more premium from the grille to the bumpers.

The body proportions remain practical: at around 4.7 meters long, it’s extended by about 20cm over the standard Tiguan to accommodate the third row, with a longer wheelbase providing better stability and rear legroom. Side profiles highlight the extended roofline for seven-seat capability, while alloy wheels up to 20 inches on higher trims add a sporty touch. Available in trims like Life, Elegance, and R-Line, the Allspace offers customization with colors such as Atlantic Blue Metallic.[10]

• Key exterior pros: Modern LED lighting, sleek styling, good aerodynamics for efficiency.
• Potential drawbacks: Larger size may challenge tight parking spaces.

Interior Quality and Comfort

Step inside the Tiguan Allspace, and you’re greeted by a cabin that exudes Volkswagen’s signature solidity and conservatism. The layout carries over largely unchanged, but minor tweaks like a new steering wheel and revised climate controls with touch-sensitive sliders elevate the tech-forward feel. Materials are high-quality, with soft-touch surfaces, durable plastics, and supportive seats that prioritize long-haul comfort.

Front seats are firm yet adjustable—manual in base models, power-operated with lumbar support in higher specs. They provide excellent support for extended drives, though some note a slight forward-pitched base reminiscent of minivans. Visibility is strong thanks to the upright glasshouse design, aiding city maneuvering.

The second row slides and reclines for flexibility, offering generous legroom and ISOFIX anchors on outer seats. Climate vents and USB ports ensure passenger comfort. However, features like aviation-style tray tables have been removed in this update.

Technology and Infotainment

The digital cockpit shines with dual screens: a 10.25-inch driver display and matching infotainment touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay can be flaky at times, but the system supports navigation, app integration, and voice controls. Climate sliders require glancing away from the road, a step back from physical dials.

Seating Flexibility and Practicality

The Allspace’s defining feature is its seven-seat configuration, making it a true family hauler. The third row is best for children or short adult trips—access requires folding the middle row forward, and space is tight with knees near ears when the second row is rearward. Even with all seats up, boot space measures a usable 230 liters, expanding to 700-760 liters with the third row folded, and over 1,700 liters seats down.

In five-seat mode, it rivals larger SUVs for cargo, with a low load floor and tie-downs. Compared to the standard Tiguan, the Allspace adds 145 liters more in five-seat setup and better second-row room.

• Boot capacities: 230L (7 seats), 700L (5 seats), 1775L (2 seats).
• Ideal for school runs, weekends away, or gear-heavy hobbies like camping.

Performance and Engine Options

Power comes from refined units, with the 2.0 TDI diesel being a highlight at 148bhp and 360Nm torque. Paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic, it pulls strongly from low revs, achieving around 42-50mpg in real-world tests—excellent for a seven-seater. The engine is smooth highway, though low-speed shifts can hesitate.

Front-wheel drive is standard, with 4Motion AWD available for traction. Petrol options exist but diesel dominates for efficiency. Throttle response improves in Sport mode, minimizing lag.

Fuel economy improves solo (7.5L/100km) versus loaded, supporting long-range capability.

Driving Dynamics and Ride Quality

Despite its size, the Tiguan Allspace drives engagingly. Light steering and a composed chassis make it agile for parking and overtaking, with good body control on twists. The ride is plush over most surfaces, absorbing undulations well, but sharper potholes can jolt the cabin, especially on R-Line’s firmer setup.

Refinement is a strong suit: minimal road noise, no rattles, and solid damping create a premium ambiance. Adaptive cruise and safety aids enhance highway cruising.

Safety and Reliability

Standard kit includes autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, and adaptive cruise. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring. Volkswagen’s build quality shines, with reasonable servicing costs but no seven-year warranty option.

Pricing and Rivals Comparison

Pricing starts around £40,000 for base, rising to £50,000+ for R-Line, reflecting premium positioning. Supply issues hit desirable trims.

Ownership Costs and Verdict

Running costs are competitive with efficient diesel and capped-price servicing. It’s a solid family choice, blending space, quality, and fun, though rivals undercut on price or space. Perfect if you value VW polish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Tiguan Allspace good for seven adults?

No, the third row suits kids best; adults need short trips with middle seats forward.

What’s the fuel economy like?

Diesel achieves 42-50mpg combined, real-world 7.5L/100km solo.

How does it compare to the standard Tiguan?

Allspace adds length, seven seats, more boot space for £4-5k premium.

Any common issues?

Occasional DSG hesitation, CarPlay glitches; otherwise reliable.

Best trim to buy?

Elegance balances spec and comfort; R-Line for style.