Competition in the compact sport-utility segment just got tougher with the debut of the third-generation VW Tiguan. It’s faster, more powerful and fuel efficient than its predecessor sporting a more aggressive look and improve interior for the new model year.
Volkswagen brought a meaningfully improved Tiguan to the marketplace for 2025. The vehicle is a complete upgrade compared to its predecessor.
Realizing that its best-selling vehicle in the U.S. is still well down the list of top sellers in the segment, Volkswagen brought a meaningfully improved Tiguan to the marketplace for 2025. The vehicle is a complete upgrade compared to its predecessor — starting with the exterior.
The new Tiguan rides on the MQB evo platform giving designers a chance to change the sheet metal and give it a more athletic look while not making it look small. It’s impossible not to notice the revised front end with a higher nose — a trend within the industry — and slimmer headlights to make it look like its already in motion.
That new nose also features an available LED light bard and illuminated logo that give it an elevated presence as day moves to night. That new athletic look is highlighted by the curved undercut under the front fenders, a shorter rear overhang and stauncher shoulder that make it look beefier with becoming bulbous.
More power, less juice
The new Tiguan rides on the MQB evo platform giving designers a chance to change the sheet metal and give it a more athletic look.
The new exterior design makes it look more powerful, which is good because the updated powerplant under the hood is more powerful. The engineers tweaked the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder to push the ponies from 184 to 201.
Additionally, the new Tiguan is 170 pounds light than the outgoing model. The weight savings are in large part due to the use of aluminum in the suspension and high-strength hot-formed steel in the body structure.
This helps not only with the zero-to-60 time but fuel economy as well, officials noted. VW did not offer EPA-approved fuel economy numbers, but the 2024 model was capable of 27 mpg combined, according to the EPA.
Improved interior
Volkswagen redesigned the cabin to give it a warmer, more airy feel than previous models.
One area that VW struggles with is the interior. They are hit and miss, and with the new Tiguan, they were looking for a big hit. First, they redesigned the cabin to give it a warmer, more airy feel than previous models.
Much of that warmth comes from premium materials such as American walnut décor, Savona leather wrapping and even the cloth used for the seats features an embossed design to lend a more upscale feel.
The gear selector was moved onto the steering column, which opened up space for a large center console that enhances storage space in the cabin. The Tiguan is offered exclusively in a two-row configuration for the North American region, VW noted.
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Comfort and convenience
The next generation of Volkswagen’s 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system is standard.
On the center console are controls for the driving mode as well as its new Atmospheres. Driving modes have been around for some time now, but VW’s new Atmosphere selector gives the occupants to enjoy up to five specially programmed mixes — plus a custom option — of ambient lighting and audio settings to set the mood inside the cabin just the way you want it.
The new ute also features an impressive array of comfort and convenience features, such as standard wireless charging and App-Connect ensure seamless connectivity, while standard Climatronic Touch automatic climate control and seat Climatronic for front passengers keep occupants comfortable.
Other features include an available head-up display, 15-inch infotainment screen, 10- or 30-color ambient lighting dependent on trim, and a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Available upscale comfort and convenience features include a power Easy Open/Close tailgate; 12-way power front seats with quilted leather seating surfaces plus 10-point, full-back massage and ventilation; heated rear outboard seats and a heated steering wheel; and a three-zone Climatronic.
Notice price wasn’t mentioned. Is there a possibility it’s overpriced? May be a reason (along with poor quality) the sales will be in single digits.