Volkswagen Offers Early Look at Tiguan Debuting at LA Auto Show

by Michael Strong | October 9, 2024

Volkswagen revealed its new Tayron 5-seat SUV sold in Europe. Why do we in America care? Because the extended wheelbase version is sold in the U.S. as the Tiguan, which will make its debut at the LA Auto Show next month.

The 2025 version of the Tiguan will be a three-row ute capable of carrying seven passengers. It will closely resemble the Tayron introduced today.

“While this model is widely reported to represent the next version of the Tiguan for the U.S. market, be advised that while the U.S. Tiguan will receive the long-wheelbase setup of this model,” VW officials noted in a statement, “the sheetmetal, powertrain options and equipment set will differ markedly. More details about the U.S. Tiguan offer will be forthcoming later this year.”

Assuming the figures remain the same, the new model is 3 inches longer than the previous edition of the Tiguan but 11 inches shorter than the Atlas. The Tiguan comes standard as a two-row, five-seater but can be upgraded to carry seven.

The interior is classic Volkswagen: simple, clean and understated. However, it does borrow some from the all-electric ID.Buzz minivan, starting with a 12.6-inch touchscreen smack in the middle of the dashboard. The ambient lighting gives the Tiguan an upscale feel with an illuminated piece in front of the passenger seat.

Proper power

The Tiguan comes standard as a two-row, five-seater but can be upgraded to carry seven.

The new model enjoys several options for the European market, including two hybrid versions. However, those are unlikely to find their way across the Atlantic, if you listen to what VW officials suggest.

The current version of the Tiguan uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, but an all-wheel drive system is available. All use an 8-speed automatic transmission. The top SEL R-Line employs AWD as standard. The Tiguan is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds when outfitted correctly.

Volkswagen plans to introduce two turbocharged gas engines and two TDI turbo-diesel engines, with the most powerful TDI putting out 190 hp and coming with all-wheel drive as standard. All powertrain setups are linked to automatic dual-clutch gearboxes. Expect only one of the gas engines to find its way to the U.S.

New model excitement

Assuming the figures remain the same, the new model is 3 inches longer than the previous edition of the Tiguan but 11 inches shorter than the Atlas.

“The new Tayron is a bona fide Volkswagen: its quality is reflected in every detail; it is comfortable and practical for everyday life, and it is available with a wide range of drive systems,” said Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, in a statement.

“With this new Volkswagen SUV, we are further expanding our range in a growing segment and closing the gap between our best-seller, the Tiguan, and our luxury SUV, the Touareg. I am convinced that the Tayron will make its mark and be well received by our customers.”

The company has reason to be excited about the new Tiguan. It’ll be building on strong results from the current model. Through the first three quarters of 2024, VW’s sold 21,231 Tiguans. That’s up 26% and is VW’s bestselling vehicle in the U.S.