Volkswagen Tiguan in Tenerife: Driving Review

Welcome to Tenerife. The island is a driving paradise, but it demands absolute versatility from any car you choose to pilot. From sea level highways to volcanic peaks, the terrain changes rapidly and without warning. We wanted to see how a highly popular mid-size SUV copes with these wild variations in altitude, weather, and road width during a typical holiday itinerary.

We spent several days putting the Volkswagen Tiguan through its paces across the island. Instead of just looking at the specification sheet, we drove it exactly where most visitors actually go. This is our honest take on what it feels like from the driver seat on real Canarian tarmac, dealing with everyday tourist routes and challenging mountain passes alike.

How it drives on Tenerife roads

Our journey began on the TF-1 motorway along the south coast. This road is characterized by long fast sweepers and heavy crosswinds blowing in from the Atlantic. Here, the Tiguan feels incredibly planted. The suspension absorbs the expansion joints effortlessly, and wind noise is kept to an impressive minimum. You can comfortably hold highway speeds while having a quiet conversation with your passengers. The steering is light but precise, making lane changes and overtakes feel secure and predictable.

Leaving the coast, we pointed the nose up the TF-21, climbing steadily towards Mount Teide. Driving up to 2,100 metres above sea level introduces two major factors: thin air and a big temperature drop. We were driving the Automatic, 2.0 L, 5 seats version, and the turbocharged engine proved its worth here. Naturally aspirated engines often gasp for breath at this altitude, but the turbocharger in the Tiguan kept the power delivery smooth and consistent. The automatic gearbox shifted down intelligently on the steeper gradients, ensuring we never bogged down in a low rev range. As the temperature outside plummeted from a balmy 26 degrees at the beach to a crisp 12 degrees near the caldera, the dual-zone climate control kept the cabin perfectly comfortable.

Things got much more complicated when we tackled the TF-436 descending into Masca. This road is famous for its extremely narrow cliff hairpins and steep drop-offs. Small cars definitely have the advantage here. The Tiguan is not a massive vehicle by global standards, but on a road where you frequently have to fold your mirrors in to pass an oncoming local bus, it suddenly feels quite wide. You sit high up, which gives you great forward visibility over the bonnet, but the sheer width of the car means you will be holding your breath around the tightest blind corners. The brakes, however, are excellent. They provided strong, fade-free stopping power on the long, steep descent into the ravine.

Finally, we took the car to the Anaga forest roads in the north. This region is often damp, twisty, and frequently misty. The all-weather capability of the Tiguan shone through the gloom. The traction control system managed the slippery, leaf-strewn tarmac beautifully. The headlights cut through the thick fog effectively, and the sure-footed chassis gave us plenty of confidence on roads that twist like a coiled snake through the ancient laurel trees.

Where this car shines (and where it does not)

The Tiguan truly shines as a long-distance cruiser and a comfortable sightseeing platform. The elevated seating position gives everyone in the car a fantastic view of the volcanic landscapes and coastal cliffs. The suspension is tuned for comfort, meaning the rougher, unpaved tracks leading to hidden beaches in the north will not rattle your teeth out. It is a car that makes long days of exploring feel effortless.

However, we must be honest about its drawbacks. As we discovered on the way to Masca, the physical footprint of the Tiguan is a liability on Tenerife’s oldest, narrowest roads. If your itinerary consists entirely of remote mountain villages with single-lane access roads, you might find the driving experience stressful rather than enjoyable. Furthermore, the suspension that feels so comfortable on the motorway does allow for some body roll in tight corners. It is not a sports car, and if you try to push it hard through a series of switchbacks, the weight of the vehicle becomes very apparent.

Practical notes

Navigating the resort streets in Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Playa de las Americas brings its own set of challenges. Tight parking is the norm, and finding a space that accommodates an SUV requires patience. You will need to keep a close eye out for the blue-line meters, which indicate paid parking zones. Fortunately, the parking sensors and reversing camera on the Tiguan are absolute lifesavers when squeezing into a parallel spot between two closely parked rental cars.

Fuel economy is reasonable for a vehicle of this size and weight. We averaged a respectable figure during our mixed driving, though the steep climb up Teide understandably caused a spike in consumption. Petrol stations are plentiful along the TF-1, but they become scarce in the mountains, so always fill up before heading into the national park.

Luggage space is a major strong point. The boot easily swallowed three large suitcases and two soft weekend bags, with room left over for day packs and beach gear. This makes the Tiguan an exceptional choice for families or groups of four adults who do not want to travel light. The rear seats offer generous legroom, ensuring that even taller passengers will not complain during a cross-island transit.

Verdict

Driving the Volkswagen Tiguan in Tenerife is a largely brilliant experience, provided you understand the limitations of its size. It devours motorway miles, climbs mountains with turbocharged ease, and keeps your family comfortable and safe in unpredictable weather. While it might raise your heart rate on the terrifyingly narrow roads of Masca, it rewards you everywhere else with refinement, space, and rock-solid reliability. If you want a commanding view of the island and plenty of room for your luggage, it is a superb companion for your Canarian adventure.

Where to book the Volkswagen Tiguan in Tenerife

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