Volkswagen has just revealed its latest crossover, the Volkswagen Tayron, for the European market, which will serve as the replacement for the Tiguan Allspace. Although this model is exclusive to Europe, it provides a strong indication of what the next-generation Tiguan might look like when it arrives in the U.S. While Volkswagen has confirmed that the American Tiguan will differ in several key areas—such as design and engine options—the Tayron gives us an exciting preview of what to expect when the new Tiguan makes its debut later this year.
What Makes the Tayron Unique?
Design: Bold, Rectangular Lines
The Tayron introduces a striking exterior design that blends classic Volkswagen styling with a modern twist. It’s slightly larger than the current U.S. Tiguan, stretching roughly 189 inches in length, making it just a bit shorter than the Volkswagen Atlas. This gives the Tayron a solid presence without veering into oversized territory. The bodywork is full of straight lines and geometric shapes, highlighted by the signature Volkswagen front grille, complete with a thin LED light bar that connects the headlights and an illuminated Volkswagen logo at the center.
From the side, the Tayron sports a strong character line that sweeps from the front wheel arch to the taillights, accentuating the sleek, elongated look. Chrome accents along the windows and D-pillar add a touch of elegance. At the rear, a full-width taillight design continues the modern theme, while vertical air vents at the front and rear give the vehicle a balanced, structured appearance.
Interior: A High-Tech, Airy Cabin
Inside, the Tayron continues to impress with a luxurious and tech-forward cabin. It follows the design language seen in Volkswagen’s ID lineup, featuring a large 12.6-inch touchscreen display as the centerpiece of the dashboard. This touchscreen is vertically positioned and provides access to most of the vehicle’s controls, giving the cabin a minimalist, uncluttered look.
Materials are premium, with open-pore wood trim stretching across the dashboard and illuminated elements around the cabin, creating a light and open atmosphere. The cabin design prioritizes comfort and style, with seating for five as standard, though buyers can opt for a third-row seating configuration to accommodate up to seven passengers.
Powertrains: A Range of Efficient Options
Volkswagen has equipped the Tayron with several powertrain options tailored for the European market, starting with a 148-horsepower mild-hybrid system. While this entry-level engine focuses on fuel efficiency, the real excitement comes from the upcoming plug-in hybrid models, which will be available with either 201 or 268 horsepower. These plug-in hybrids feature a 19.7-kWh battery that promises more than 62 miles of electric range, making them ideal for short commutes and city driving. Charging options include 11 kW on AC and 50 kW on DC fast-charging, ensuring quick top-ups whether you’re at home or on the road.
For enthusiasts of traditional engines, the Tayron will also offer turbocharged gasoline and diesel options, with the most powerful turbo-diesel engine delivering 190 horsepower and all-wheel drive as standard. All engines come paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and responsive performance. However, it’s worth noting that Volkswagen hasn’t confirmed whether these hybrid and diesel options will make their way to the U.S. market.
Safety and Technology: Packed with Features
The Volkswagen Tayron is loaded with safety and tech features aimed at enhancing both convenience and safety on the road. Some of the key standard features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-change and lane-keeping assist
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Digital rearview mirror
- Road sign recognition displayed in the digital gauge cluster
- A door safety system that prevents accidental door opening if an object is approaching
Optional extras include a voice assistant with ChatGPT integration, which brings conversational AI technology to the car, making hands-free control more intuitive than ever. Other optional features include a panoramic sunroof, a 700-watt Harman Kardon sound system, and power-adjustable leather seats with massage and ventilation functions, adding a touch of luxury to the driving experience.
What Does This Mean for the U.S. Tiguan?
Although Volkswagen insists that the Tayron and the next-generation U.S. Tiguan will differ in several aspects, the Tayron offers an excellent preview of the direction VW is taking with its compact SUVs. The U.S.-spec Tiguan is expected to share a similar platform with the Tayron but will likely feature different powertrains and interior configurations to suit American preferences.
This November, we can expect to see the next-generation Tiguan’s official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where we’ll finally get a clearer picture of how this European cousin has influenced Volkswagen’s U.S. offering.
Conclusion: A Glimpse into Volkswagen’s Future
The Volkswagen Tayron provides a fascinating look into what could be the future of Volkswagen’s compact SUVs in the U.S. With its sleek design, spacious interior, and variety of powertrain options, the Tayron sets a high bar for what to expect from the next-generation Tiguan. Whether you’re drawn to its stylish looks, hybrid powertrains, or tech-laden cabin, the Tayron is a testament to Volkswagen’s commitment to innovation in the crowded crossover market. U.S. buyers should keep a close eye on this model, as it offers many clues about what’s to come later this year.