What's the Difference Between Volkswagen Tiguan and Tiguan L?
4 Answers
Volkswagen Tiguan and Tiguan L have the following differences: 1. Different appearance: The Tiguan L's front grille design incorporates a large amount of chrome trim, horizontally stretching the visual effect, with the front headlights on both sides connected to the grille; the Tiguan has a rounded appearance without standout features, while the Tiguan L is an upgraded version of the Tiguan. 2. Different platforms: The Tiguan uses the older PQ35 platform, while the Tiguan L adopts the latest MQB platform. 3. Different powertrains: The Tiguan mainly offers 1.4T, 1.8T, and 2.0T engines, with the 1.4T paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the 1.8T and 2.0T with a 6-speed automatic transmission; the Tiguan L mainly offers 1.4T and 2.0T engines, with the 1.4T paired with a 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission and the 2.0T with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Additionally, the Tiguan's engine still uses direct injection, while the Tiguan L employs the more advanced mixed injection.
When choosing a car, I particularly prioritize family practicality since I often take my wife and kids out. The Tiguan L has a significantly extended wheelbase, offering truly spacious rear seating—three adults can sit comfortably without feeling cramped, and legs can stretch out. In contrast, the original Tiguan is smaller with tighter rear space, better suited for smaller families. During long drives, the L version’s softer suspension handles bumps more comfortably, and its larger trunk can easily fit a stroller. Fuel consumption is similar for both, though the L is slightly higher but worth it. Safety-wise, the L often includes upgrades like automatic emergency braking. Ultimately, the biggest difference is the space, which directly impacts the whole family’s experience, so I chose the L version without regrets.
As a car enthusiast, I've studied a lot of data. The Tiguan L is over 100mm longer than the standard Tiguan, but both come with the same 1.8T or 2.0T engines, delivering nearly identical power output. The L version feels slightly slower in acceleration due to its increased weight. In terms of handling, the standard Tiguan offers precise steering and higher agility, making it more suitable for cornering, while the L version provides better stability at high speeds with a more comfort-oriented suspension setup. Technically, components like the transmission and chassis design remain largely unchanged, but the extended length of the L version does affect driving pleasure. The L variant may come with more advanced driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, making long-distance driving more effortless.
I drive this car to work every day, and the difference is quite noticeable. The Tiguan L is larger and a bit more challenging to park, while the original version is more flexible and easier to reverse, but both are fine for city driving in terms of comfort. The L version has a spacious back seat, so colleagues don't complain about legroom when catching a ride. Fuel costs are slightly higher for the L, but maintenance is about the same. In terms of features, the L often comes with automatic air conditioning and rear USB ports, which are much more practical. Budget-wise, the original version might be a bit cheaper, but you sacrifice daily convenience due to the smaller space. Overall, it depends on your habits—if you need more space, go for the L; otherwise, the standard version is sufficient.
