2025 Volkswagen Tiguan adds speed, space and a new look

North America’s redesigned Tiguan appears to be a big step forward as it’s more powerful, high-tech and more efficient

The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s best-selling car in the United States, with consumers buying 76,228 units last year. Those numbers are likely to grow as the popular compact crossover gets a complete redesign for the 2025 model year.

The 2025 Tiguan looks almost identical to the European Tayron, with a modern and expressive design, especially in R-Line. The company’s attention to detail is surprising, but the new model has slimmer headlights that are connected by an available LED light bar. They can also incorporate illuminated logos, as the light is new in chrome.

More: New Volkswagen Tayron launched in Europe, previews U.S. 2025 Tiguan

Looking further back, we can see the curvaceous body and 17- to 20-inch wheels. However, most “volume trims” will be 19 inches. Regardless of their size, they are surrounded by pronounced wheel arches with black trim. The rear end is very similar to the Tyrone, with a slim light bar and familiar bumper. However, the Americans use vertical reflectors instead of horizontal reflectors.

Volkswagen has chosen to keep detailed specifications under wraps for now, but did confirm that the new model will have a slightly longer wheelbase and shorter rear overhang compared to its predecessor. That said, photos show it’s shorter than Europe’s three-row Tyrone and nearly identical to China’s two-row Tyrone L, which is 4,684 mm (184.4 inches) long and 1,854 mm (73 inches) wide. , width is 1,685 mm (66.3 inches). inches) high and has a wheelbase of 2,791 mm (109.9 inches).

The company also notes that the 2025 Tiguan offers a power tailgate along with a revised color palette that includes three new options, Avocado Green Pearl, Sandstone Uni, and Monterey Blue Pearl.

Modern and more upscale cottage

The previous generation model’s outdated interior has been consigned to the dustbin of history, and drivers will find a new 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and 12.9-inch infotainment system. If the latter isn’t big enough, there’s also the option of a 15-inch display.

The screen isn’t the only big change, as the new Tiguan ditches the traditional center console and moves the gear selector to the steering column. This frees up a lot of space and the console now houses a multifunctional rotary control knob with an integrated display. It can be used to adjust volume, change drive modes, and switch between “ambiences” that link the ambient lighting system to the audio system.

Unlike the European Talon, the North American Tiguan is entirely a five-passenger vehicle. It will feature cloth seats with embossed designs that are expected to give the cabin a “premium feel”. Volkswagen also says a wireless smartphone charger and automatic climate control will be standard.

Top-end models sound even more impressive, as they’ll offer quilted leather front seats with heating, ventilation and massage settings. They will also come with a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats.

In addition to the fancier seats, there’s American walnut trim and a three-zone climate control system. Buyers will also find a head-up display, a 30-color ambient lighting system and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.

The IQ.Drive suite of assistance systems is standard on all trims and includes adaptive cruise control with stop-start, Travel Assist, Front Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Active Blind Spot Monitors. There’s also lane assist, emergency assist and light assist. Other safety features include Park Distance Control, exit warning and four new airbags (driver’s knee airbag, center airbag and rear side airbags), bringing the total to ten.

Lighter and more powerful

The 2025 Tiguan is based on the MQB evo platform and is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 hp). Power is slightly increased by 17 hp (13 kW / 17 PS), but weight is reduced by approximately 170 lb (77 kg) thanks to the use of high-strength steel and aluminum suspension components.

The changes should benefit drivers, as Volkswagen says we can expect improved acceleration performance as well as improved fuel economy. While it’s too early to talk numbers, the outgoing model returns to 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

We’ll know more details closer to launch, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the price goes up a bit. If so, expect to spend about $30,000.