This morning, I rose early in Bozeman, Montana, to get an initial look at the brand new 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. As we set off, the temperature was 38 degrees Fahrenheit, which serves as a real test of how well a contemporary SUV meets its driver’s expectations—especially with the SEL R-Line model where it truly excelled.
Firstly, let's highlight what caught my attention. The electrically heated steering wheel along with the heating and ventilation functions of the front seats significantly enhanced our experience when setting off in chilly weather conditions. Additionally, the ten-point massage function elevated the level of comfort considerably, providing genuine relaxation even throughout our brief test drive. Each front seat can be adjusted electronically in ten different ways and comes equipped with a memory function. Although I may wonder about the necessity of having this feature available for passengers too, it does add an element of luxury which aligns well with Volkswagen’s evident aspirations towards sophistication.
The quilted leather seating exudes an almost premium feel. Although the fake wood trim might not deceive anyone when touched, it does enhance the dashboard aesthetically—provided you avoid touching it too much. The overall build quality inside the vehicle is remarkable, with intricate contrasting stitches and smooth surfaces showcasing Volkswagen’s refined design approach. A three-zone automatic climate system is a nice feature for family use—a fact that underscores who this Tiguan model caters to primarily.
The driving experience is smooth, calm, and consistent. It’s important to note this vehicle isn’t marketed as a high-performance SUV. The acceleration provided by the 201-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine suffices for everyday use but lacks excitement. The Drive Mode Select function primarily alters the throttle response rather than making significant differences among Eco, Comfort, and Sport modes.
Navigating through the Montana countryside proved smooth and effortless. It offers sufficient sophistication to cater to daily drivers and smaller households. However, if you're seeking something with greater power, consider waiting for the high-performance version anticipated in Fall 2025.
What might attract younger purchasers is the 15-inch infotainment display. This screen is sharp, responsive, and similar to a tablet, making it familiar territory for those accustomed to swiping and tapping from an early age. While I personally favor physical knobs for certain controls, Volkswagen has incorporated a rotary knob in the central console to manage both sound level and driving modes.
From a technology standpoint, the Tiguan is well-equipped. The standard IQ.DRIVE includes Travel Assist for semi-autonomous driving assistance on highways. While functional, in 2025, I anticipated greater refinement than what Hyundai, Toyota, and Honda currently provide. However, the inclusion of an exit warning system and emergency assist adds value, as does the enhanced safety with 10 airbags—covering knees, rear sides, and the central front area—for added security.
What doesn’t quite measure up for me is the "Atmospheres" function. The concept is neat—an ambient light and sound setup tailored to your current state of mind—but it comes across more as a novelty rather than an everyday tool for drivers. However, younger buyers might have different opinions. Additionally, similar to my experience with recently tested cars, the Amazon Alexa integration seems somewhat obtrusive. It interrupted several times unbidden, bringing back memories of why I usually disable this feature.
The front seat offers robust comfort for both the driver and passenger. The interior remains hushed, and the driving experience feels smooth even when navigating twisty routes. Lines of sight are clear, and the dashboard design follows a logical arrangement. However, those from larger families may discover the storage space somewhat cramped when trying to fit two strollers along with a week’s supply of groceries, particularly without folding down the back seats.
The visually refreshed 2025 Tiguan presents an impressive makeover. Its sleeker headlamps, illuminated light bars featuring Volkswagen emblems, and optional 20-inch wheels lend it a contemporary look without overdoing it. This vehicle isn’t aiming to be a high-performance SUV; instead, it seeks to become the intelligent, fashionable, technologically advanced option for small households or career-focused individuals. In this regard, it successfully achieves its objective.
Final Word
The 2025 Tiguan SEL R-Line represents a carefully considered advancement of Volkswagen’s top-selling model, offering a luxurious experience within the realm of compact SUVs at non-luxury prices. With a test price of $41,180, this vehicle boasts an array of standard features not typically found in competitors like the RAV4, CR-V, or CX-5—such as massage seating and a sizable 15-inch display screen.
If you have loyalty towards the Volkswagen emblem or seeking a fashionable leap above typical rivals, consider adding this Tiguan to your list. Should you desire a more dynamic powerplant, perhaps hold off until the turbo enhancement arrives in 2026. Alternatively, this model appears to offer a robust improvement both internally and externally—a choice that families can enjoy, regardless of daily commutes or weekend journeys to an early morning soccer match in cooler weather.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Purchaser's Handbook
Model Overview:
The redesigned 2025 Tiguan based on Volkswagen’sMQB Evo architecture comes exclusively as a two-row SUV. Its striking new look, enhanced performance and efficiency, upscale cabin design, along with cutting-edge technology features make it stand out. Under the hood, you'll find a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivering an impressive 201 horsepower, contributing to overall superior fuel economy, which positions this Tiguan competitively within the compact SUV segment.
Tiguan S
Initial MSRP: $29,295 (Front-Wheel Drive) | $30,995 (All-wheel Drive 4Motion)
Key Features:
LED headlights and taillights
17” aluminum-alloy wheels
10.25” Digital Cockpit Pro
12.9” MIB4 infotainment display
Wireless integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless charging with a 15-watt cooling pad
2-zone Climatronic Touch air conditioning system
Fabric seats featuring manually controlled heating for the front occupants
Intelligent Cargo Storage System for Floors
4 USB-C fast-charging ports
Standard IQ.DRIVE driver assistance features include Travel Assist, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Emergency Assist among others.
10 airbags such as new rear side, driver knee, and center airbag
Park Distance Control, Light Assist, Exit Warning
Tiguan SE
Initial MSRP: $32,295 (Front-Wheel Drive) | $33,795 (All-wheel Drive 4Motion)
Adds or upgrades:
19” alloy wheels
Power tailgate
Remote start
CloudTex perforated leatherette seating
Driver seat with 8-way adjustability and lumbar support
Framed auto-dimming rearview mirror
Front footwell lighting
Interior chrome trim
LED emergency exit signs above doorways
Driving Experience Control with "Atmospheres"
10-color ambient lighting
SiriusXM along with advanced voice control (Enhanced Speech AI)
Optional 18-inch wheels ($300), black roof or black roof with mirrors ($395), panoramic sunroof ($1,200 – delayed for FWD models)
Tiguan SE R-Line Black
Initial MSRP: $35,455 (Front-Wheel Drive) | $36,995 (All-wheel Drive 4Motion)
Adds or upgrades:
20" matte black R-Line aluminum wheels
R-Line front and rear bumper designs
Dark external trim details (emblems, side-view mirrors, rooftop bars)
Black headline performer with brushed stainless steel pedals
Panoramic sunroof
Pierced sports steering wheel featuring an R-Line emblem
Illuminated door handles and R-Line scuff plates
Frameless auto-dimming mirror
Head-Up Display
Tiguan SEL R-Line
Initial MSRP: $39,755 (exclusive for 4Motion AWD)
Adds or upgrades:
20" shiny R-Line wheels (updated design)
Lit front and rear emblems featuring comprehensive width LED strips
All-weather cornering lights
Quilted Varenna leather seats with heating, ventilation, and massage features for the front seats
10-way adjustable powered front seating with three-position memory settings
Heated rear outboard seats
3-zone Climate Control Touch with Climatronic technology
Power Tailgate with Convenient Open/Close Functionality
Real American walnut interior trim
IR-reflective, sound-insulating windshield
A 30-color ambient lighting system featuring illuminated dashboard trim
15-inch infotainment screen featuring navigation
High-end Harman Kardon audio setup with 12 speakers
Park Assist Plus
Landscape Overview and Interactive Street Sign Presentation
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy
Forward: 26 city / 34 highway / 29 combined
SE & SE R-Line Black FWD: 25 mpg in the city / 32 mpg on the highway / 28 mpg combined
For all AWD models: 22 mpg in the city / 30 mpg on the highway / 25 mpg combined
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