Ushering in the North American best-seller’s third generation, the all-new 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan delivers on the brand’s promise of fresh styling, new features, and a vastly improved drivetrain. Designed to dominate in a segment with exceedingly competitive rivals, the exciting Tiguan refresh is sure to win over buyers who expect more for their money. VW has slimmed the Tiguan down for the North American market and only a two-row option will be available.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The all-new Tiguan’s extensive list of improvements aim for an engaging driving experience
Employing Volkswagen’s latest MQB Evo modular platform, which also underpins the agile Audi A3 and the sprightly Volkswagen GTI, the new Tiguan aims to improve driving dynamics in all areas. The turbocharged 2.0L EA888 straight-four under the hood now makes 201 horsepower, a 17 horsepower climb from the previous generation. 4Motion all-wheel drive plays a crucial role in keeping that power balanced, but it’s still unclear whether the system will come standard on all trims.
Although the power increase may seem modest to some, it’s important to note that the new Tiguan weighs 170 pounds less than the previous generation, translating into greater performance, more agile handling, and improved fuel efficiency – a win for enthusiasts and frugalists alike.
Don’t thank Ozempic just yet, though. Aluminum suspension components and high-strength hot-formed steel in the body structure are cited as the main reasons for the Tiguan’s weight loss, proving Volkswagen has made a legitimate effort to ensure the refreshed crossover has the dynamic coordination to match its sporting appearance.
New-found athleticism extends to the exterior styling
As many automakers turn to somewhat offensive, angular, and imposing styling cues with hopes of drawing attention to their crossover offerings, Volkswagen’s styling approach here is refreshingly well-tempered. The 2025 Tiguan boldly tethers the line between VW’s signature understated, conservative styling and the vibrant, striking characteristics of contemporary rivals. Overall, it’s a design that adds some welcomed chisel to a friendly face.
LED light-bars are present on both the front and rear of the new Tiguan, adding to its modern charm without sacrificing its conventional handsomeness, and increasing its visibility to other drivers on the road. New wheel options are available across the range as well, with standard trims receiving 17 inch wheels, volume trims get 19s, and top trims come with flashy 20 inch wheels.
Three new colour options arrive for the new generation, including Avocado Green Pearl, Sandstone Uni, and Monterey Blue Pearl. These paint options play off of Volkswagen’s history of using pastel colour palettes to convey joyfulness and will surely emphasize the Tiguan’s toned body lines.
A tremendously refined interior boasts elevated quality and an updated infotainment system
Volkswagen’s next-gen “Digital Cockpit Pro” gauge cluster comes standard across the range along with an “MIB4” – VW’s latest – central infotainment system. A centre console-mounted rotary dial allows for easy adjustment of stereo volume, drive mode selection, and new available “Atmospheres”, which adjust ambient lighting and have unique audio settings.
In addition to upgraded infotainment and tech, an emphasis has been made on enhancing the quality of the interior’s physical environment. The cabin’s visual aesthetic mimics the exterior styling in its satisfying blend of traditional comfort and contemporary vibrance.
Volkswagen has aimed for an improved, upscale feel in the cabin, by draping the environment with “genuine American walnut wood décor, a wrapped and double-stitched centre console, upgraded Savona leather interiors, and cloth seats with an embossed design”. The gear selector has also been migrated to the steering column to free up space in the centre console, although it works inversely to that of a Mercedes-Benz or Tesla, so be careful not to accidentally engage ‘reverse’ when you want ‘drive’.
Comfort is also enhanced in the new Tiguan with the inclusion of standard features such as “Climatronic Touch” automatic climate control and seat Climatronic for front passengers. Optional cabin-enhancing features include a head-up display, 15-inch infotainment screen (as opposed to the standard 12.9 inch screen), 10- or 30 colour ambient lighting depending on trim, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Safety is still a priority in the Tiguan’s enhancements
After all is said and done, the Tiguan truly is a family car. Safety is number one, and Volkswagen hasn’t forgotten this for the Tiguan’s third generation. Four new airbags are introduced, including driver knee, centre, and rear side airbags, for a grand total of ten throughout the cabin. Going a step further, Volkswagen’s advanced suite of collision prevention technology finds its way into the new Tiguan in the form of “IQ.DRIVE Level 2” driver assistance features, which come standard across all trims.
The IQ.Drive Level 2 features include Travel Assist (level 2 semi-automated driving assistance), Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring), Active Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Assist, and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency). Light Assist, Park Distance Control, and Exit Warning also come standard.
The all-new 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan sounds like a recipe for success
Refinement is the main focus for the 2025 Tiguan. Volkswagen has a serious competitor on their hands here, and whether you admire the functionality of a crossover or find them repulsively boring, there’s no denying that VW has taken the appropriate steps here to escalate the Tiguan’s value proposition. Official pricing isn’t available just yet, but it will predictably emulate that of its rival classmates such as the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape.
Do you think Volkswagen has a winner with the new 2025 Tiguan? Will it be remembered as just another dreary crossover? Let us know in the comments, we’d love to hear what you have to say!
About the author
Cole Attisha
Staff Writer, Autoblog