What suspension does the Tiguan L use?
4 Answers
The Tiguan L uses a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. The suspension system consists of elastic elements, guiding mechanisms, shock absorbers, buffer blocks, and a stabilizer bar. Its functions are: 1. Providing cushioning when the vehicle passes over uneven ground; 2. Ensuring the wheels move within a fixed angle to maintain steering stability; 3. Supporting the weight of the wheels; 4. Maintaining good contact between the wheels and the ground. Taking the 2018 Tiguan L Comfort version as an example, it belongs to the mid-size SUV category, with body dimensions of: length 4712 mm, width 1839 mm, height 1673 mm, and a wheelbase of 2791 mm.
Last time I accompanied a friend to test drive the Tiguan L, I specifically studied its chassis. The front uses a MacPherson strut suspension, making the steering wheel very responsive and providing solid support during cornering. The rear suspension varies by trim: the base model features a three-link setup, where you can feel the shocks absorbing bumps over speed bumps; the higher-end four-link rear suspension is more advanced, with a design that separates the springs and shock absorbers to free up a huge trunk space—last time we went camping, we fit three suitcases in there without any issues. The overall tuning leans towards that German-style supple feel, making it rock-solid at high speeds. This combination can also be seen in the Teramont and Tayron, making it something of a golden duo for Volkswagen SUVs.
When studying Volkswagen's chassis, I found the Tiguan L's suspension quite interesting. The front wheels use a MacPherson strut design, which saves space and reduces costs, but engineers added reinforcement at the top mount to improve rigidity. The rear suspension varies by version—a detail easily overlooked. For example, the entry-level 330TSI model uses an E-type multi-link setup with springs directly mounted on the rear axle, while the 380TSI employs a four-link design with an H-type control arm, noticeably improving tire contact over continuous bumps. I recall comparing data showing a 12% reduction in rear-seat bumpiness with the four-link version—no wonder elderly passengers didn't get carsick in my colleague's top-trim model on mountain roads. Recently, the new Tayron improved its rear suspension bushings, further enhancing shock absorption.
As a frequent construction site driver, I'm very familiar with the Touareg L's suspension. The front suspension uses the most common MacPherson strut design, offering precise steering but don't drive too fast on rough roads. The key difference lies in the rear suspension tiers: the Elite version uses a three-link setup with integrated shock absorber and spring design, while the Luxury version upgrades to a four-link system with independent springs that better absorb longitudinal vibrations. The most noticeable difference was during last year's Qinghai-Tibet trip on rough roads - the high-end model showed significantly less rear-end bouncing, keeping trunk cargo from flying around. Here's a lesser-known fact: its rear suspension trailing arm uses stamped steel plates, which are 3kg lighter than the cast iron components in the old Touareg.
