Exclusive! Volkswagen Tayron Review: The Practical Family SUV That Plays it Safe

Volkswagen is set to launch the Tayron in India — a three-row SUV positioned above the Tiguan. Designed for families prioritising practicality over pizzazz, the Tayron has a seven-seat layout. But does size and utility translate into genuine desirability? This review examines the Tayron's design philosophy, real-world practicality, interior refinement, and driving dynamics to determine whether it's the pragmatic family SUV the market has been waiting for or another safe, uninspiring addition to a crowded segment.

VW Tayron Design

The Volkswagen Tayron sits strategically between the Tiguan and the Atlas, and its design reflects this positioning. While the front end maintains the family resemblance to the Tiguan with VW's characteristic design language, there's a deliberate attempt to differentiate it. The fascia is more angular and squared-off compared to the Tiguan's rounder appearance, drawing aesthetic cues from both Volkswagen's EV lineup and the Atlas to create a distinctly boxy, chunky SUV stance.

However, the design doesn't quite inspire excitement. It's functional and intentional, but lacks the head-turning appeal that modern premium SUVs often deliver. The stretched middle section, necessary for accommodating the three-row layout, is accentuated by character lines and visible metal panels, making the extended wheelbase obvious rather than seamlessly integrated.

The rear end tells a different story. The lighting design is sophisticated and imaginative, representing a significant step up from the previous generation's uninspired rear fascia. The connected tail lights and Tayron badge give it a more distinctive identity. While some may find the vertically-stacked VW logo embedded in the tailgate to be a contemporary signature move, others might perceive it as slightly gimmicky. Nevertheless, clean lines and minimal fussiness define the roofline, which clearly communicates that there's a third row and it's actually usable.

VW Tayron Boot Space and Third Row

The Tayron's true strength lies in its spaciousness and utility. The boot is impressively large with all three rows up—a critical differentiator for a family-focused SUV. Accessing the third row requires some gymnastics, but the squeeze is par for the course with three-row vehicles.

The second row is surprisingly comfortable. It features a nicely reclined backrest and sliding functionality, allowing occupants to adjust legroom based on whether the third row is occupied. Under-thigh support is commendable, and overall build quality is evident. The second row becomes the true gem of the Tayron, making it ideal for families who occasionally use the third row but prioritie comfort for regular passengers.

The third row, as expected, is suitable primarily for small children. With knees-up seating, minimal leg room, and negligible under-thigh support, it's a compromise inherent to three-row vehicles rather than a Tayron-specific limitation. 

VW Tayron Interior

The cabin philosophy is refreshingly minimalist, with a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system as the centrepiece. Importantly, there's a complete absence of cheap plastics. Everything feels tactile and built to last—a hallmark of Volkswagen's engineering standards.

The fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster is customisable, allowing drivers to display relevant information without distraction. The steering wheel is thoughtfully laden with controls, enabling drivers to manage functions without taking their eyes off the road or glancing at the touchscreen.

Comfort features are well-distributed across variants. The front seats include heating and massage functions on higher trims, with ventilation also available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity comes standard. While the German spec shown includes the optional IDA voice assistant—an AI-powered conversational interface with the vehicle—this feature is unlikely to make it to the Indian market.

Safety is comprehensively addressed with level-two ADAS and nine airbags standard across all variants, setting a solid benchmark for the segment.

VW Tayron Performance

The vehicle tested is the R-Line variant, equipped with a 2.0-litre engine delivering healthy power output. While specific figures aren't detailed, Volkswagen has clearly engineered sufficient output to ensure the Tayron doesn't feel underpowered despite its size—a necessary consideration when benchmarking against the Skoda Kodiak.

The engine produces an interesting, not-unpleasant noise in Sport mode, suggesting mechanical character beneath the practicality. Drive modes can be toggled between Drive and Sport via the touchscreen, with Sport mode offering better responsiveness for quick overtaking scenarios even when the main drive mode selector remains in Drive.

The handling is commendably composed for a car of this size. There's no pronounced sense of navigating an extended wheelbase vehicle, though it doesn't quite match the Tiguan R-Line's inherent sportiness. All-wheel drive comes standard, with an intelligent torque distribution system that provides all-weather capability and enhanced traction on broken roads—a practical feature for Indian road conditions.

The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, contributing to overall driving ease.

VW Tayron Expected Price

The Tayron will be assembled locally at Volkswagen's Aurangabad facility using CKD kits, which should translate to competitive pricing. Expectations point to a launch price around ₹45 lakh, potentially extending to ₹50 lakh for higher variants, depending on specifications and equipment levels.

This positioning places it competitively against the Skoda Kodiaq—a more direct rival than vehicles like the Fortuner. Pricing will be crucial to Volkswagen's success in this segment. A lower entry price could drive better volume and establish the Tayron as the value-conscious choice in the three-row premium SUV segment.

VW Tayron Verdict

The Volkswagen Tayron is a well-executed, practical family SUV that prioritises utility and comfort over dramatic styling or thrilling dynamics. It's a car that makes logical sense—spacious, well-built, adequately powered, and equipped with modern conveniences. The second-row comfort is genuinely impressive, and the boot space when all rows are deployed is genuinely useful.

However, it plays it remarkably safe. There's nothing here that excites the enthusiast or captures the imagination. The design is forgettable, the performance is adequate, and the driving experience is competent but unremarkable.

For families seeking a practical, seven-seat German-engineered SUV with a focus on real-world usability, the Tayron delivers. Whether it justifies its premium positioning will depend entirely on pricing. If Volkswagen can keep the entry-level variant closer to 45 lakh rupees and deliver the promised India-spec features—particularly in safety and comfort—it could carve out a meaningful niche.

The launch is imminent, and more details on the final India-spec configuration and pricing will clarify whether the Tayron is the pragmatic choice families have been waiting for or another well-intentioned SUV that fails to ignite enthusiasm in a competitive segment.