The automotive market continues to evolve with manufacturers refining their offerings to meet consumer demands. 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan represents the third generation of VW's globally successful compact SUV, and it arrives with significant improvements that address previous shortcomings while building on established strengths. This latest iteration aims to find the perfect balance in the competitive compact crossover segment, offering the right combination of size, features, and performance.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan: Finding Its Goldilocks Moment in the Compact SUV Segment
The Volkswagen Tiguan has had an interesting journey through its generations. The first version was criticized for being undersized compared to segment competitors, while the second generation swung in the opposite direction with somewhat awkward proportions. With the 2025 model, Volkswagen has meticulously calibrated the Tiguan to hit what they believe is the segment's sweet spot.
Despite any criticisms of previous models, the Tiguan has been remarkably successful for Volkswagen. It stands as the bestselling VW nameplate both in North America and globally, underscoring its importance to the brand's portfolio. The development team clearly understood the stakes when redesigning this critical model for 2025.
American-Focused Design Refinements
Similar to its predecessor, the 2025 Tiguan has been specifically tailored to American preferences. One notable change is the elimination of the optional third row, which was rarely used effectively and often pushed buyers toward the larger Atlas if extra seating was truly needed. Volkswagen embraced this reality by making the new Tiguan exclusively a two-row affair.
This decision yielded multiple benefits. By removing the third row and its associated fold-and-slide second-row mechanism, along with implementing weight-saving materials, Volkswagen managed to reduce the Tiguan's weight by an impressive 170 pounds. While the wheelbase remains unchanged from the previous generation, the front and rear overhangs have been trimmed, resulting in a two-inch reduction in overall length and giving the vehicle a more compact, cohesive appearance.
The exterior design has evolved significantly as well. Gone is the "son-of-Atlas" styling language, replaced by more organic, flowing sheetmetal that not only looks more sophisticated but also improves aerodynamic efficiency. The result is a Tiguan that looks more confident and purposeful on the road.
Performance: A Return to Form with More to Come
In terms of powertrain, the 2025 Tiguan comes full circle to its roots. The original model offered 201 horsepower from its four-cylinder engine, which dropped to 184 horsepower in the second generation. The 2025 model returns to the 201-horsepower mark thanks to a revised version of VW's EA888 engine, designated as "evo5." Front-wheel-drive models produce slightly less torque (207 pound-feet) compared to models equipped with the optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive system (221 pound-feet).
This updated engine delivers generally satisfying performance with one notable exception that carries over from the previous generation: a momentary lag when accelerating from a stop. While this hesitation appears to be less pronounced than before, it remains noticeable. Beyond this quirk, the engine sounds refined, and the eight-speed automatic transmission performs admirably, offering smooth shifts and appropriate gear selection. Multiple selectable drive modes allow drivers to customize the driving experience to their preferences.
For those seeking additional performance, Volkswagen has announced a more powerful variant arriving for the 2026 model year. The top-tier SEL R-Line will transform into the Tiguan Turbo SEL R-Line, featuring a more potent version of the 2.0-liter engine producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This significant boost should address any performance concerns that buyers might have with the standard powerplant.
Ride and Handling: Germanic Character Preserved
True to Volkswagen's heritage, the 2025 Tiguan maintains a European-inspired driving character with a ride that balances firmness and comfort. The suspension effectively controls body motion without being harsh, preventing excessive movement over bumps while allowing a comfortable amount of lean through corners. This carefully tuned suspension setup contributes to the Tiguan's composed nature on varied road surfaces.
The steering feels more substantial than in the previous model, addressing complaints about the former system feeling too light and artificial. This enhanced steering feedback provides drivers with greater confidence during cornering and lane changes. The brake pedal requires some adaptation, with a relatively long travel before significant braking force is applied, but becomes intuitive after spending time with the vehicle.
The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, standard on the SEL R-Line trim and optional on lower trims, operates seamlessly, distributing torque as needed without calling attention to itself. During testing on slippery Montana roads, the system provided sure-footed traction without any drama. As with the previous generation, the rear axle can disconnect when additional traction isn't required, improving fuel efficiency.
Efficiency Improvements
Speaking of efficiency, the 2025 Tiguan sees modest gains in fuel economy thanks to its weight reduction and improved aerodynamics. Front-wheel-drive models achieve either 28 or 29 mpg combined, representing a small but welcome improvement. Opting for 4Motion all-wheel drive reduces the combined rating to 25 mpg, highlighting the efficiency penalty that comes with the added security of all-wheel traction.
Interior: Upgraded with Some Questionable Choices
The Tiguan's cabin has received a substantial upgrade for 2025, adopting design elements seen in other recent Volkswagen models. Stitching details abound throughout the interior, and organic shapes replace the more angular design of the previous generation. Material quality has improved, with a greater variety of textures and finishes that enhance the premium feel of the environment.
A redesigned center console offers more usable space, made possible in part by relocating the transmission selector to a steering column-mounted stalk similar to the one found in the ID.Buzz electric van. Second-row passengers benefit from slightly increased legroom, now matching the front seats with 40.2 inches of stretch-out space.
Technology features prominently in the new Tiguan's interior. The driver faces a customizable 10.3-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument display that can be configured via physical buttons on the steering wheel. Adjacent to this is a standard 12.9-inch center touchscreen on most trims, while the range-topping SEL R-Line receives an expansive 15.0-inch display. While impressive in size, the continual growth of automotive screens may soon reach practical limits in terms of usability.
The infotainment system, while visually attractive, suffers from some usability issues common to recent Volkswagen products. Navigation through various settings can be unintuitive, with important controls buried in unexpected submenus. For example, the head-up display settings (available on upper trims) are found under "Vehicle" rather than "Settings." Despite the generous screen real estate, some touch targets are too small for easy operation while driving.
Temperature and volume controls utilize touch-sensitive sliders that face upward toward the ceiling, making them difficult to see and operate due to reflections. Thankfully, alternative controls exist: on-screen temperature adjusters and a volume rocker on the steering wheel provide more accessible options.
Perhaps the most questionable interior feature is a third screen integrated into a rotary dial on the center console. This dial defaults to volume control but can be pressed to cycle through additional functions like drive mode selection and the "Atmospheres" feature (standard on all but the base trim), which adjusts ambient lighting and sounds to create different moods. While this information is duplicated on the main display, having an additional screen in the driver's peripheral vision creates an unnecessary distraction.
This interface choice is particularly surprising given Volkswagen's previous experience with touch-sensitive controls in the GTI, which were widely criticized and subsequently replaced with conventional buttons and knobs. The reappearance of such gimmicky controls in the Tiguan suggests the company hasn't fully embraced the lessons learned from that episode.
Trims, Pricing, and Equipment
The 2025 Tiguan continues with the same trim structure as the outgoing model: S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line. However, each trim now includes more standard features than before. All models come equipped with ten airbags (including one between the front occupants), dual-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and parking sensors. A distinctive black roof option is available on both R-Line trims for an additional $395.
Pricing starts at $30,920 for the front-wheel-drive S model, representing a modest increase of a few hundred dollars over the previous generation. Adding all-wheel drive to any trim except the SEL R-Line (where it's standard) costs $1,500. The complete price structure is as follows:
- S FWD: $30,920
- S 4Motion: $32,420
- SE FWD: $33,720
- SE 4Motion: $35,220
- SE R-Line Black FWD: $36,880
- SE R-Line Black 4Motion: $38,420
- SEL R-Line 4Motion: $41,180
The Verdict: Significant Improvement with Minor Flaws
Despite some questionable interior control decisions, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan represents a substantial improvement over its predecessor in nearly every meaningful category. The refined exterior design, weight reduction, increased standard equipment, and improved driving dynamics all contribute to a more compelling package in the highly competitive compact SUV segment.
For buyers prioritizing European driving characteristics, solid build quality, and distinctive design in a compact crossover, the 2025 Tiguan deserves serious consideration. Those who can wait until the 2026 model year arrival of the more powerful Turbo variant might find an even more satisfying option, but the standard 2025 model already offers a well-rounded experience that should satisfy most buyers' needs.
The Tiguan may indeed have found its Goldilocks moment – not too big, not too small, but just right for the mainstream compact SUV buyer. With these improvements, Volkswagen seems well-positioned to maintain the Tiguan's status as a global bestseller for the brand.
Key Specifications:
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, front- or all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
Engine: Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 201 hp, 207 or 221 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Dimensions:
- Wheelbase: 109.9 in
- Length: 184.4 in
- Width: 73.0 in
- Height: 66.1–66.5 in
- Passenger Volume, F/R: 51–52/49–51 ft³
- Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 59/27 ft³
- Curb Weight (estimated): 3600–3800 lb
Performance (estimated):
- 0-60 mph: 7.7–8.7 sec
- 1/4-Mile: 15.4–16.2 sec
- Top Speed: 114 mph
EPA Fuel Economy:
- Combined/City/Highway: 25–29/22–26/30–34 mpg
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