Volkswagen Teases Tiguan Ahead of LA Launch (But We Know What it Will Look Like)

The Volkswagen Tiguan goes up against a lot of tough competitors and, hanging around since 2016, the current model is clearly in need of an update. The good news for VW fans is it will be getting one, a replacement set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this week. And the automaker is offering up a tease that gives us a hint of what it will look like.

Volkswagen has confirmed plans to introduce an all-new version of the Tiguan SUV this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. And for those who don’t want to miss the opportunity to check out the live introduction, set your alarm to go off at 5 PM PST on Wednesday, November 20.

To whet our appetite, the automaker is offering up a teaser image highlighting the new crossover’s new taillights. No much, we realize, but we’ve already gotten a good idea of what to expect from the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan thanks to the debut earlier this year of the European version, dubbed the VW Tayron.

There will be some revisions, of course. For one thing, there are notable differences between EU and U.S. safety regulations which cover things as minutes as head, tail and marker lights. And, of course, there’ll be differences in hardware, including powertrain options. Even software will be revised, depending upon market, so we’ll likely have some dedicated infotainment features not seen in Europe.

What we know

“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 said in October following the launch of the new Tayron at the Paris Motor Show. “the sheetmetal, powertrain options and equipment set will differ markedly.”

That underlying platform is also being shared with several other models, including the latest versions of the Volkswagen GTI and the Audi A3.

But, beyond the common, stretched wheelbase, what do we know? For one thing, the 2025 Tiguan is longer than its predecessor. That will mean more passenger space, especially in the second row, as well as the cargo compartment – something the U.S. model will also share with the European Tayron. We will continue to have an optional third row available, as well.

The new Tiguan  should receive a more dynamic suspension than the outgoing, second-generation crossover, giving the gen-3 model a ride more inline with the sporty GTI.

New design

The overall look of the new Tiguan will differ from Tayron – but they’ll have some key design elements in common. There’ll be more curves to the overall shape, with new lighting up front – likely LED on most or all trim packages – and, as the teaser image shows, a very different taillight layout, also LED.

Basic dimensions should be extremely close, though likely not identical to Tayron which measures 187.8 inches nose to tail – about nine inches longer than what is sold as Tiguan in Europe.

The interior is expected to see a major makeover. Expect the usual tweaks to the steering wheel, seating, fabrics and finishes, something akin to what we’ve seen with the latest GTI. Tech fans will appreciate the revised gauge and infotainment displays which, we’re told, won’t stray far from what’s in the Tayron. If so, we’d see a 10.25-inch driver’s gauge package and a 12.9-inch touchscreen that can be upgraded to a 15-inch display.

The American version should offer some new features and an upgraded infotainment system, as well

More VW News

• VW Offers Hint of New Tiguan with European Tayron Debut
• Road Test Review – 2025 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and Jetta Sport – Value and Performance Reign Supreme
• Volkswagen Promises Upcoming GTI EV Will Be More Exciting To Drive

Powertrain

Here’s where we’re hoping to see some big improvements. The current VW Tiguan has been faulted for its relatively anemic powertrain options. It features a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine delivering 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available. All use an 8-speed automatic transmission. The top SEL R-Line comes with AWD as standard. The outgoing Tiguan is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds when outfitted correctly.

It just doesn’t deliver the sort of sporty acceleration one expects from the brand – nor does it match up to some of its key competitors. The question is what will be coming,

There’s talk that the U.S. could get a version of the plug-in hybrid package introduced on Tayron. It’s capable of delivering up to 62 miles in all-electric mode. It pairs a 1.5-liter gas engine with an electric drive system making either 204 or 272 horsepower, depending on the package buyers choose.

Beyond that, don’t expect to see the Tayron diesel cross the Atlantic, but an upgraded gas driveline is widely expected.

Finally, expect to see the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan start at, or just under, $30,000 with well-equipped top-trim packages approaching $45,000.