Volkswagen Tayron review: Space, Practicality & Performance
In this comprehensive video review, David Taylor takes a detailed look at the new Volkswagen Tayron, the long-awaited successor to the popular Tiguan Allspace.
The Tayron steps in as the dedicated 7-seat family SUV in the Volkswagen range; this review explores whether it offers enough space, refinement, and performance to lead its highly contested segment.
See also: Volkswagen Tayron (2025) Price & Specs
Volkswagen Tayron: Platform & Line-up
The Tayron is built on the newest version of the VW Group’s modular architecture, known as the MQB Evo. It’s an enhanced version of the Wolfsburg-based brand’s revered compact-car platform, designed to facilitate better electronic integration and accommodate electrified powertrains, such as hybrids.
Crucially for a 7-seater medium SUV, the Volkswagen Tayron has grown in size compared to the Tiguan Allspace, being longer and slightly wider – essential for maximising occupant comfort across all 3 rows.
At launch, the Tayron range comprises a trio of variants: an entry-level 5-seater, a 7-seater specified in Life trim grade, as well as the range-topping R-Line (also a 7-seater), which is featured in this review.
See also: Honda CR-V (2025) Review
Engine, Power & Driving Experience
Powering the derivatives in the launch line-up of the Volkswagen Tayron is the familiar 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine, paired with a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch auto transmission driving the front wheels.
This setup delivers 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque. Volkswagen claims a 0–100 kph sprint time of 9.6 seconds and a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.6 L/100 km, but during the test, the Tayron’s onboard computer showed a long-term average fuel consumption of 8.7 L/100 km. David goes on to estimate that with gentle driving, the VW’s average consumption could settle just under 8.0 L/100 km.
David raises an important question regarding the 1.4-litre engine: is it truly adequate for moving such a sizeable, 3-row SUV? While the solo driving experience is noted as “adequate,” our reviewer expresses reservations that the engine may struggle when the vehicle is fully loaded with 7 occupants or when towing, suggesting that the small engine would be “working harder than, say, a conventional diesel.”
Volkswagen has confirmed that more powerful engine options are coming, including a 2.0-litre 4Motion all-wheel drive model and a 2.0-litre mild-hybrid variant, both expected in early 2026.
On the road, the Volkswagen Tayron, thanks to its enhanced MQB Evo underpinnings, maintains the Wolfsburg-based brand’s reputation for offering SUVs with mature, refined driving experiences. The model’s balance of comfort and dynamic handling is commendable; it feels composed, but engaging.
However, our test team notes a key caveat with the R-Line derivative’s optional Black Style Pack, which includes larger 20-inch “York” alloy wheels.
These larger wheels and lower-profile tyres can negatively affect the ride quality, feeling firm and jarring over rougher surfaces compared to rival models fitted with the mid-spec wheel options.
See also: Mitsubishi Outlander – should you choose it over a Fortuner?
Volkswagen Tayron: Interior Tech & Comfort Features
VW has made significant improvements inside the Tayron. The cabin build quality is a clear step forward, with a more substantial feel, plush touches, and premium finishes like Alcantara and detailed stitching.
The infotainment system has been upgraded, featuring a large, responsive screen that is noted for its intuitive operation and high-quality graphics. It supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Importantly, Volkswagen has listened to feedback regarding its previous-gen models by reintroducing physical buttons for critical controls, such as the lights and drive modes, as well as on the multifunction steering wheel, which no longer features the capacitive swipe pads that our testers so loved to hate.
As the flagship R-Line, the test unit features a host of luxury options, including a heated steering wheel and massage seats, the latter of which are highly praised for their effectiveness and range of settings.
See also: Nissan X-Trail (2024) Review
Testing the practicality of the Volkswagen Tayron
A primary focus of the review is the Volkswagen Tayron’s practicality. The 2nd row of seats provides a decent, though tight, fit for David (who’s 1.91 metres tall), and includes useful features like privacy blinds.
However, standard 2nd-row storage and connectivity options are noted as sparse, though additional USB ports can be configured via an optional navigation system.
Although lanky, David thoroughly tests the 3rd row to determine its real-world usability. The space, once deployed, is determined to be best suited for younger passengers, likely children under the age of 7…
Despite the tight 3rd row, the load bay’s luggage capacity remains impressive. The review demonstrates the generous luggage capacity available when the 3rd row of seats is stowed, which is aided by a two-pin inverter in the load bay and the inclusion of a space-saver spare wheel under the boot board.
See also: Kia Sorento (2025) Launch Review
How much the Volkswagen Tayron costs & its rivals
Priced around the R900 000 mark before options (November 2025), the Volkswagen Tayron 1.4TSI R-Line faces stiff competition in the 3-row SUV segment. Key unibodied rivals to the Tayron include fellow 7-seaters, such as the Honda CR-V, the Mitsubishi Outlander, and the Nissan X-Trail.
A particularly compelling rival mentioned is the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max, which offers all-wheel drive and a more powerful 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine at a more accessible price point. The review also posits that for buyers with similar budgets, compelling diesel alternatives like the Kia Sorento 2.2-litre must be considered, highlighting the enduring importance of diesel power in the South African market.
See also: Haval H6 vs Chery Tiggo 8 Pro – Which Should You Buy?
| DERIVATIVE | PRICE |
| Volkswagen Tayron 1.4TSI DSG (5-seater) | R811 800 |
| Volkswagen Tayron 1.4TSI Life DSG (7-seater) | R853 800 |
| Volkswagen Tayron 1.4TSI R-Line (7-seater) | R899 900 |
Prices (correct in November 2025) above include a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).
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Summary
The Volkswagen Tayron represents a significant step forward in terms of build quality, interior technology, and a generally refined driving experience based on the newcomer’s advanced MQB Evo platform.
While the 1.4TSI R-Line test car featured impressive optional extras like massaging seats, the no-more-than-willing performance of the Tayron’s 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine raises questions about its adequacy for a 7-seater family car that is fully occupied, towing a trailer, or both. Buyers should consider their specific needs and also keep in mind that large optional wheels will ultimately diminish ride comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What model is the new Volkswagen Tayron replacing?
A: The Volkswagen Tayron is the long-awaited successor to the popular Tiguan Allspace, stepping in as the dedicated 7-seat SUV in the brand’s range.
Q: Did Volkswagen address feedback on the touch-sensitive interior controls in the Tayron?
A: Yes, Volkswagen listened to feedback by reintroducing physical buttons for critical controls (like the lights and drive modes) and eliminated the previous generation’s widely disliked capacitive swipe pads.
Q: Is the 1.4-litre engine powerful enough for the 7-seater Tayron?
A: The reviewer notes the 1.4TSI is adequate for solo driving, but expresses concern that it may struggle or be overworked when fully loaded with seven occupants or when towing.