Volkswagen Tayron driven: Is it a bona fide posh SUV, or is it just an XL Tiguan?
May 14, 2025 by Mario Christou
Car changing is a big deal
Senior reviews writer Mario Christou gets to grips with the new seven-seater Volkswagen Tayron to find whether Volkswagen has made it a stand out addition to their SUV range
Think of the Volkswagen Tayron as the Tiguan’s bigger, slightly posher cousin – the one who insists on bringing extra friends along. Basically, Volkswagen has taken its trusty Tiguan, stretched it, and added some bougie touches, turning it into a genuinely practical seven-seater SUV.
On the outside, it has plenty of presence. Its boxy wheel arches, tall roofline, and assertive front end give it that chunky SUV look. Admittedly, the VW badge might not scream luxury quite like Audi or Mercedes, but it holds its own against alternatives like the BMW X1 or Volvo XC40, especially if you pick the R-Line model with its sporty body kit and snazzy 20-inch wheels.
Inside, the Tayron takes things upmarket with some stylish touches; some swanky dashboard trim, customisable ambient lighting and comfy seats that tall drivers will appreciate. The infotainment system is sharp and user-friendly, available with either a 12.9-inch or a whopping 15.0-inch screen. Admittedly, the rotary knob in the middle can be a bit of a faff, but it’s forgivable considering how good the rest of the system is.
Practicality is where the Tayron shines brightest. Boot space is generous at 850 litres with the third row folded away – enough room for all your family’s luggage. Pop up those rear seats and you’re still left with as much space as a small hatchback. The middle-row bench slides easily to help adults clamber into the surprisingly roomy third row, which will accommodate a six-footer without them needing yoga lessons.
There’s something for everyone when it comes to engines. The entry-level 1.5-litre petrol engine does the job for day-to-day duties, but it’s a bit grumbly getting onto motorways. Regular long-distance drivers might prefer the 2.0-litre options for smoother performance. The plug-in hybrid versions promise around 70 miles of electric range, though realistically expect closer to 60 miles.
The Tayron is surprisingly capable for its size on a twisty road. It’s no sports car, but it corners confidently, grips well, and is comfortable around town – though watch out for bigger bumps if you’ve splashed out on the 20-inch wheels. The steering is light, making town driving far less intimidating than you’d expect from a big SUV. On motorways, it cruises effortlessly and keeps wind and engine noise to a minimum.
Safety tech is generous, too, with adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and emergency braking as standard. Volkswagen might not have the best reputation for reliability at the moment, but the Tayron’s solid construction should offer peace of mind.
Overall, the Tayron is a cracking family SUV – spacious, stylish, practical, and easy-going. It’s not exactly thrilling, but it gets the important stuff spot-on. If you’re after a well-rounded seven-seater with just the right amount of poshness, it definitely deserves a look.
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