Inside story on the VW Tayron

Filling the long-standing gap between the Tiguan and Touareg, the Volkswagen (VW) Tayron arrives not as a stretched derivative — as the Tiguan Allspace once was — but as a purpose-built, full-size crossover with a more upmarket feel. That matters because customers now expect seven-seat sport utility vehicles in this class to be bespoke designs with interiors that convey substance and refinement. Measured on those terms, the Tayron’s cabin is one of the clearest areas where VW’s new approach pays off — making it an ideal subject for the next instalment in S&P Global Mobility’s series on in-car technology and materials.

Design and layout

Volkswagen emphasizes that the Tayron is a “bona fide Volkswagen,” and its interior backs that up with a layout entirely separate from both the Tiguan and the ŠKODA Kodiaq. The sweeping dashboard wing, ambient lighting strips and cleaner surfacing give the cabin a calmer, more coherent design than the Allspace ever managed. Material quality is solid: Soft-touch sections and higher-grade trim inserts elevate the ambiance enough to justify the Tayron’s positioning above mainstream rivals, even if it does not fully reach the richness of premium segments.

A large central touchscreen (12.9 inches or 15 inches) dominates the dashboard, complemented by a crisp 10.3-inch digital driver’s display. While the touch sliders remain less intuitive than physical dials, they are more responsive and better illuminated than earlier VW attempts. A multifunction rotary controller adds tactility for core functions but still requires occasional visual confirmation.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Seating, comfort and space

The Tayron’s interior is engineered to correct its predecessor’s cramped final row and compromised comfort. Up front, generous seat and wheel adjustment, supportive cushioning and the option of massaging ergoActive seats establish a relaxed driving environment. Visibility is good thanks to slim pillars and a high seating position.

The second row features sliding and reclining functionality, broad cushions, and ample leg and head room, accommodating adults comfortably and three children with ease. USB-C charging, large windows and optional sun blinds reinforce family usability.

The third row — available on all non-plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (non-PHEV) models — remains best for children, but access is more straightforward than before thanks to a one-touch second-row slide function.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Boot capacity and practicality

The Tayron’s practicality is arguably its defining interior strength. Seven-seat models offer 850 liters with the third row folded — more than most direct competitors — while five-seat versions (including PHEVs) offer 705 liters. The load area is wide and square, the third row folds neatly into the floor, and remote-release levers for the 40/20/40 middle row make the cabin easy to reconfigure. Under-floor storage is thoughtful, and the inclusion of a proper stowage recess for the parcel shelf is a welcome detail.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Material quality and refinement

VW has pursued greater premium appeal without straying into Touareg territory. Soft-touch materials dominate the primary contact areas, while hard plastics are mostly confined to the lower cabin. Optional laminated glass helps reduce wind noise, and road noise is well contained even on larger wheels. The 1.5-liter petrol engine can sound slightly coarse under load, but at a cruise the Tayron settles into a quiet, relaxed rhythm.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Technology and infotainment

The upgraded infotainment system represents VW’s most usable iteration in years. Graphics are sharp, response times generally good, and the optional 15-inch screen adds visual impact. ChatGPT-integrated voice control improves natural speech recognition, and wireless smartphone mirroring is standard across the range.

The digital instrument cluster is clean and easily legible, and its positioning behind — rather than above — the steering wheel avoids the visibility issues common in certain Peugeot models.

However, VW still leans too heavily on touch-based climate functions. The steering wheel’s array of buttons can also feel unnecessarily busy.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Everyday usability

In day-to-day use, the Tayron does exactly what a large family SUV should. Wide-opening doors, intuitive seating adjustments, plentiful storage pockets and generous headroom make it especially family-friendly. The cabin’s calm acoustics and supportive seats enhance long-distance comfort, while its spacious second row and large boot provide real versatility for active households.

There are frustrations — mainly the reliance on touch controls and the fussy multifunction dial — but the overall user experience is markedly more polished than its Allspace predecessor and cleaner than many touchscreen-heavy rivals.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Final words

With the Tayron, Volkswagen has finally produced the genuinely premium-leaning, genuinely practical seven-seat SUV that the Tiguan Allspace never managed to be. The interior is spacious, flexible and notably more refined, with a design and material quality that position it comfortably above mainstream offerings. Its technology suite is modern and capable — even if some controls still frustrate — and its enormous boot and generous second row make it one of the most family-oriented cabins in the class.

It is not perfect: Touch-sensitive climate controls remain a step back, and the third row still suits children more than adults. However, judged on design, usability and refinement, the Tayron’s cabin is a leap forward and one of the model’s most persuasive attributes — convincingly filling Volkswagen’s long-standing SUV gap with a genuinely premium feel.

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