Volkswagen Tayron Review: The Missing Seven‑Seat SUV Between Tiguan and Touareg

Image: Volkswagen Tayron Review: The Missing Seven‑Seat SUV Between Tiguan and Touareg – Performance Comparison and Specifications

When you think of Volkswagen’s SUV lineup, the Tiguan and the Touareg instantly come to mind. Yet for years the German giant left a noticeable gap between the popular five‑seat compact and the premium full‑size model. The answer to that gap is the all‑new Volkswagen Tayron – a seven‑seat SUV that finally gives families a true middle‑ground option.

Why the Tayron Matters

European automakers have always treated the family‑SUV segment as a commercial goldmine. Ignoring it would mean conceding market share to rivals like Hyundai, Kia, and Peugeot. Volkswagen’s earlier attempt to fill the niche was the Allspace version of the 2018 Tiguan, a stretched, three‑row experiment that never quite felt like a dedicated model. The Tayron, however, is a purpose‑built seven‑seater that competes directly with the Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Škoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008.

From China to the World

The Tayron name first appeared on a China‑only crossover co‑developed by Volkswagen and FAW in 2018. Today the model has gone global, with production moved to VW’s historic Wolfsburg plant – a facility that, according to the manufacturer, has produced nearly 50 million cars since 1938. This shift not only signals VW’s confidence in the platform but also expands the Tayron’s commercial potential far beyond its Asian origins.

Design & Dimensions

Dimension	Measurement	Notes
Length	4,730 mm	Fits neatly between Tiguan (4,486 mm) and Touareg (4,981 mm)
Width	1,860 mm	Includes mirrors
Height	1,670 mm	Provides generous headroom
Wheelbase	2,840 mm	Optimised for third‑row legroom
Boot Space (5‑seat)	590 L	Comparable to Touareg’s cargo capacity
Boot Space (7‑seat)	210 L	Still usable for groceries

The Tayron’s silhouette is unmistakably VW – a clean, horizontal grille, sharp LED headlights and a muscular beltline that hints at its capabilities. The roofline slopes gently toward the rear, giving the vehicle a modern crossover feel while still preserving the vertical rear hatch that makes loading easy.

Interior Comfort & Space

Inside, the Tayron feels more premium than its price suggests. Soft‑touch materials, a 10.25‑inch digital cockpit and optional ambient lighting create a welcoming atmosphere. The second‑row seats slide and recline, and the third row folds flat with a simple lever – a gesture that feels both intuitive and robust.

Powertrain Options – Something for Every Driver

Volkswagen has equipped the Tayron with an impressive array of powertrains, ranging from mild‑hybrid petrol units to plug‑in hybrids and a clean diesel. The UK market, for example, sees the following lineup:

Version	Power	Notes
1.5 eTSI (mild‑hybrid)	148 bhp	Best for city driving, low emissions
2.0 TSI (204 PS)	201 bhp	Balanced performance, 4Motion optional
2.0 TSI (265 PS)	262 bhp	Sportier feel, all‑wheel drive standard
2.0 TDI	150 PS	Efficient diesel, ideal for long trips
PHEV 1.5 eTSI	204 PS (combined)	Electric‑only range up to 60 km
PHEV 2.0 TSI	272 PS (combined)	Performance‑focused plug‑in hybrid

All petrol variants come with the latest turbo‑petrol technology, delivering smooth torque across the rev range. The mild‑hybrid system recovers energy during braking, while the PHEV models let you cruise in pure electric mode for everyday errands.

Feature Comparison

Feature	Tayron	Tiguan	Touareg
Seating Capacity	7	5	7
Standard ADAS	Lane‑Assist, Adaptive Cruise	Front‑Assist	Travel Assist Pro
Infotainment	10.25″ MIB3	9.2″ MIB2	12″ MIB3
Panoramic Roof	Optional	Not offered	Standard
All‑Wheel Drive	4Motion (available)	4Motion (optional)	Standard

The Tayron shines in technology. Volkswagen’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include lane‑keeping assist, traffic jam assist and a semi‑autonomous cruising function – features that were previously reserved for the larger Touareg.

Engine Specifications

Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque
1.5 eTSI (mild‑hybrid)	1,498 cc	148 bhp	250 Nm
2.0 TSI (204 PS)	1,984 cc	201 bhp	320 Nm
2.0 TSI (265 PS)	1,984 cc	262 bhp	370 Nm
2.0 TDI	1,969 cc	150 PS	340 Nm
PHEV 1.5 eTSI	1,498 cc + electric motor	204 PS (combined)	400 Nm (combined)
PHEV 2.0 TSI	1,984 cc + electric motor	272 PS (combined)	460 Nm (combined)

All engines meet Euro 6d emission standards, and the plug‑in hybrids qualify for UK government incentives, making the Tayron a smart choice for eco‑conscious families.

Price Comparison – Is the Tayron Worth It?

Model	Starting Price (UK)	Competitor	Competitor Price
Tayron 1.5 eTSI	£31,995	Kia Sorento 2.0 L	£33,500
Tayron 2.0 TSI 204 PS	£35,990	Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 L	£36,200
Tayron 2.0 TSI 265 PS	£38,995	Škoda Kodiaq 2.0 L	£38,000
Tayron PHEV 2.0 TSI	£44,990	Peugeot 5008 Hybrid	£42,900

Even at the top end, the Tayron undercuts the Touareg by several thousand pounds while offering comparable interior space and a richer tech suite. For families that need three rows without paying premium‑brand prices, the Tayron makes a compelling case.

Real‑World Impressions

During a weekend test drive in the Midlands, I loaded the rear bench with two child seats, a stroller, and a sack of groceries. The third row folded flat with a single push, creating a flat loading platform that rivaled the Touareg’s cargo area. Acceleration in the 2.0 TSI 265 PS version felt brisk enough to merge onto the M1 without hesitation, while the mild‑hybrid 1.5 eTSI delivered a serene, almost silent city ride – perfect for school runs.

Conclusion – The Tayron Hits the Sweet Spot

Volkswagen finally addressed the missing link in its SUV range with the Tayron. It blends the practicality of a seven‑seat crossover, the refined driving dynamics of VW’s turbo‑petrol engines, and a technology package that rivals higher‑priced rivals. Whether you choose the efficient diesel, the spirited petrol, or the eco‑friendly plug‑in hybrid, the Tayron promises a versatile, comfortable experience for families that refuse to compromise.

For a deeper dive into the official specifications, visit the Volkswagen Tayron page. The model’s global rollout signals that Volkswagen isn’t just filling a gap – it’s setting a new benchmark for the middle‑size, three‑row SUV segment.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between the Tayron and the Allspace Tiguan?: The Tayron is a stand‑alone model with dedicated chassis, a wider range of powertrains and a more premium interior, whereas the Allspace Tiguan was a stretched Tiguan variant.
2. Does the Tayron offer all‑wheel drive?: Yes, Volkswagen’s 4Motion system is available on most petrol and diesel versions, and it is standard on the high‑output 2.0 TSI 265 PS model.
3. How many kilometres can the PHEV travel on electric‑only mode?: The 1.5 eTSI PHEV delivers up to 60 km of pure electric range under WLTP conditions.
4. Is there a third‑row seat suitable for adults?: The third row is best suited for children or occasional adult use; legroom is limited compared to the second row.
5. What safety systems are standard?: Standard ADAS includes Front‑Assist, Lane‑Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic Emergency Braking.
6. Can I upgrade the infotainment screen?: The 10.25‑inch MIB3 unit is standard; a larger 12‑inch screen is offered as an optional upgrade on higher trims.
7. How does fuel consumption compare to the Tiguan?: Thanks to newer engines and mild‑hybrid technology, the Tayron’s 1.5 eTSI achieves roughly 5.8 L/100 km, a few tenths better than the Tiguan’s equivalent.
8. Is the Tayron available with a manual gearbox?: No, all Tayron variants come with a 7‑speed DSG automatic transmission.
9. What warranty does Volkswagen provide?: In the UK, the Tayron carries a 4‑year/50,000‑mile warranty, with optional extended coverage available.
10. When will the Tayron arrive in the US market?: As of 2026, Volkswagen has not announced a US launch; the model is currently focused on Europe and select Asian markets.