Is this the Goldilocks Tiguan What's the appropriately sized compact SUV for Volkswagen?
The initial Tiguan was quite petite. It could be considered pioneering as it arrived before the recent boom in smaller SUVs. A lot of buyers found it too diminutive, which led Volkswagen to make significant changes for the 2018 model year. They expanded the Tiguan considerably, making it one of the biggest players among compact SUVs. Interestingly, they also introduced an optional third row of seats.
However, that size may have been excessive. Therefore, for the third-generation Tiguan, Volkswagen returned to the design phase, creating a model that strikes a balance between the previous versions. While this description might not be entirely precise since the new Tiguan isn’t significantly smaller compared to the preceding one, it has removed the third-row seating and adopted more streamlined aesthetics.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Brief Review
This year, the Volkswagen Tiguan debuts as part of the SUV’s third-generation lineup, striking a balance between the compactness of the original version and the increased scale of the second iteration. Featuring more streamlined design elements, the updated vehicle doesn’t stray far from the present model's aesthetic.
Volkswagen has made improvements to the Tiguan across various fronts, boosting its horsepower slightly, increasing legroom for backseat passengers, and expanding storage capacity in the trunk area. Although the entertainment system might not include tangible knobs or switches, a clever multifunctional knob controlling volume, driving modes, and ambiance is situated on the central console. Serving as an incremental enhancement rather than a complete overhaul, this version of the Tiguan seems well-equipped to stand up against strong competition within its market sector.
What's New for 2025:
This is an entirely new generation of Tiguan, although many parts may seem familiar, like the engine and transmission. Still, even those have been updated for the 2025 model year, so it's more or less a re-envisioning of the brand's compact-ish SUV.
Exterior Style:
The new 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is smaller, but not by as much as one might think. It actually rides on a slightly longer wheelbase and is less than two inches shorter overall. The new Tiguan is wider than the old model, but not quite as tall. With less length and a longer wheelbase, there is far less rear overhang.
The overall form of the latest SUV is slightly more rounded compared to its predecessor. Its frontal headlamps are narrower than those of the previous version and linked by a continuous lighting strip. For SEL trims, the brand emblem at the front glows brightly over a sizable, arched radiator grille. At the back, there’s another full-width taillight feature accompanied by an illuminated badge positioned centrally. As for wheels, options range from 17 inches up to 20 inches in size for this updated edition.
Powertrain and Fuel Economy:
The under-the-hood component still features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine; however, the horsepower has seen an increase to 201 HP from the previous 184 HP. The torque stays consistent at 221 lb-ft for models with 4Motion all-wheel drive. In contrast, front-wheel-drive Tiguans experience a slight drop in torque to 201 lb-ft. Both drivetrain options use an eight-speed automatic transmission and only require regular unleaded fuel.
The updated Tiguan boasts increased power and reduced weight, which ought to make it faster in a straight line; however, these enhancements have minimal impact, hardly noticed when driving. A significant part of the concern stems from the vehicle’s eight-speed automatic transmission. Similar to other Volkswagens, this gearbox exhibits sluggish response times. When accelerating during movement, you experience a discernible delay prior to the transmission engaging lower gears for additional speed. Activating Sport mode does little to resolve this matter, even among the various driving settings available. Furthermore, across all trim levels of the 2025 Tiguan, there is an absence of manual override options for the transmission—no paddle shifters are provided, and the gear lever has been relocated to the steering column.
When operated at moderate speeds, Volkswagen anticipates that their front-wheel drive models will achieve an estimated efficiency of 26 miles per gallon in urban areas and 34 miles per gallon on highways. In contrast, for all-wheel drive variants, these figures decrease somewhat to 22 miles per gallon (about 10.5 liters per 100 kilometers) in town and 30 miles per gallon (approximately 7.8 liters per 100 kilometers) on the open road. Interestingly, there is also variation in the size of the fuel tanks based on the type of drivetrain used. Specifically, the front-wheel drive Tiguan comes equipped with a 14.5-gallon (55-liter) fuel tank, whereas the all-wheel drive variant features a more capacious 15.6-gallon (59-liter) tank.
Handling and Drivability:
The manufacturer asserts that the Tiguan is approximately 170 pounds lighter compared to its predecessor, with weight reductions differing across trims. The newer SUV model indeed weighs less overall. Models equipped with front-wheel drive begin at around 3,643 pounds (1,616 kg), whereas those featuring all-wheel drive come in at about 3,801 pounds (1,724 kg).
The high-end SEL model comes equipped with sizable 255/40R20 tires mounted on 20-inch rims; however, when testing the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE R-Line, we found it fitted with 19-inch wheels shod with 235/50R19 tires instead. Despite having somewhat smaller tires and wheels compared to the top-tier version, the Tiguan still performs impressively well regarding responsiveness, handling, and overall traction. During our very wet initial road test, all the typical driving traits associated with Volkswagen were evident in this new 2025 Tiguan iteration.
The Tiguan is not particularly renowned for its off-road capabilities, and with only 6.6 inches (167 mm) of ground clearance in the front-wheel-drive variant, or 7.0 inches (179 mm) in the all-wheel-drive versions, this SUV won’t venture too far from paved paths. Still, a potential Tiguan Off-Road model could make for an interesting addition.
Competitors
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
Toyota RAV4
Comparison of Honda Civic Hybrid versus Toyota Prius: Full Information Provided
Ride Quality and Comfort:
Even though it has excellent driving etiquette, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan doesn’t mistreat its occupants regarding comfort. While it isn’t the most plush or cushioned vehicle in its class, it adeptly manages road imperfections without any jarring movements or noticeable thuds.
As previously stated, the Tiguan's that North America get are exclusively two-rows for this generation. This has allowed for an increase in space for second row passengers. There's now 38.4 -inches (975 mm) of headroom and 40.2-inches (1,021 mm) of legroom. During our test, we were impressed by the amount of real-world space back there, and with the panoramic sunroof and large side windows, it's quite bright and airy as well.
For those sitting upfront, a configurable 12-way power driver’s seat is offered which in SEL versions comes with quilted Savanah leather upholstery along with a comprehensive 10-point massage feature for both back areas and ventilated settings. On SEL trims, you'll also find heated outer rear seats, a heating function for the steering wheel, as well as tri-zone automatic temperature management.
Interior Style and Quality:
Volkswagen is fully committed to elevating the 2025 Tiguan to a higher luxury level. For the S and SE models, they've incorporated bamboo yarn on both the doors and dashboards; this material offers a texture somewhere between microsuede and leather—neither too rough nor overly smooth. Meanwhile, the top-tier SEL version boasts even fancier elements such as genuine walnut wood accents along with the previously mentioned Savannah leather upholstery.
Every version of the Tiguan comes with standard driving modes along with ambiance options. These ambiances integrate coordinated ambient lighting, display background hues, and audio configurations such as volume, treble, bass, among others, to establish an atmosphere. You have multiple presets to pick from, plus you can create your own customization. Me feature that enables the driver to customize according to their preference.
Tech and Safety:
All 2025 Tiguan models come equipped with a 10.25-inch digital driver information center, referred to as "digital cockpit pro" by Volkswagen. Additionally, they feature a standard 12.9-inch infotainment system, with an upgradable 15-inch version available for higher trim levels. The base model includes a seven-speaker audio setup offering satisfactory sound quality. For SEL versions, this upgrades to a more robust twelve-speaker Harman Kardon sound system along with added features such as a heads-up display and customizable ambient lighting in thirty different hues.
Returning to the standard features, each trim of the Tiguan comes equipped with wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment. Additionally, every 2025 Tiguan model will come with IQ.DRIVE® Level 2 driver assistance technologies included.
Value Dollars and Sense:
The Tiguan is set to arrive at dealerships shortly, carrying a base price of $30,920 (destination fees included) for FWD S variants. Opting for all-wheel drive on an S trim raises the cost to $32,420. For the SE model, the starting figure stands at $34,420 for front-wheel drive, or jumps to $35,400 when equipped with all-wheel drive.
The Tiguan SE R-Line Black, similar to the one I tested, begins at $36,880 for front-wheel-drive versions and escalates to $39,380 for those equipped with all-wheel drive. Adding a black roof along with black mirror caps incurs an additional cost of $395. The highest trim level, known as the SEL R-line variant, starts at $41,180 but exclusively offers all-wheel drive. This top-tier version also includes the optional two-tone scheme available for an extra $395.
In Canada, the 2025 Tiguan is available exclusively with all-wheel drive and has a starting price of $38,695.
Conclusion: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan exemplifies gradual improvement over radical change. Apart from removing the third-row seating, the latest model enhances the preceding version with necessary updates and upgrades.
While some aspects require improvement — such as restoring proper functionality to the climate control system and giving the transmission an upgrade — the majority of the SUV performs quite well. The Tiguan’s generous passenger room, sophisticated cabin design, and impressive handling will likely ensure Volkswagen remains competitive in this crowded market sector for many years ahead, particularly after the introduction of the hybrid model.
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
|
Punchy Engine |
Sluggish Transmission |
|
Massive Second Row |
Slider Climate Controls |
|
Refined Driving Experience |
Absence of Paddle Shifters/Gear Controls |
|
Specifications |
|
|
Engine/Motor |
2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder |
|
Output: |
201 hp, 201-221 lb-ft |
|
Drivetrain: |
FWD / AWD |
|
Transmission: |
8AT |
|
Fuel Economy (mpg) |
22-26 mpg in cities / 30-34 mpg on highways |
|
Fuel Economy (L/100 km) |
10.5 mpg in the city / 7.8 mpg on the highway |
|
Starting Price USA |
$30,920 |
|
Starting Price Canada |
$38,695 |
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