2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Review | Auto Expert

If you want to line up brand new 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Compared to existing models, you would almost think they were made by a different company.

watch: Paul’s 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Prototype Tour Video

The third generation of the German automaker’s midsize SUV looks radically different – with design cues that are rounder, subtler and arguably more approachable than the edgier model that preceded it.

After recently test-driving the new Tiguan in Germany, we can confirm that it’s also more practical, more thoughtful, more high-tech, and easier to drive.

The following is a preview of the new generation Tiguan series when it goes on sale in the second quarter of 2025.

How much does the Volkswagen Tiguan cost?

Australian pricing for the new Tiguan has yet to be announced, but the brand says it has no plans to offer a $40,000 price cut to compete with base-spec models from mid-size SUV rivals.

According to Volkswagen Australia, its customers want higher levels of standard specification and are willing to give up more powerful engines to achieve this if it meets an acceptable price point.

So you can expect the new-generation Tiguan to start at around $50,000 for the entry-level 110TSI front-wheel-drive model, hopefully just under $50,000, while the mid-range 150TSI all-wheel-drive model will add some power and practicality. The equation for home buyers, most likely under $60,000.

The range-topping model will be the 195TSI R-Line, a sportier-looking and driving flagship model with the same engine as the Mk8.5 Golf GTI but with more torque and all-wheel drive. It can cost more than $63,000.

To see how the Volkswagen Tiguan stacks up against its competitors, check out our comparison tool

What is the internal structure of the Volkswagen Tiguan like?

The big changes aren’t just on the outside, it’s on the inside where the new Tiguan really makes progress.

There’s a huge new 15.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation and even a connected voice control system using ChatGPT AI technology.

But the most impressive thing is the way the menu is set up. Anyone who has used an existing Tiguan will know that this is logical and simple, but by the time the new Golf arrived, the German brand had strayed away from this simple multimedia ethos. Now, the new Tiguan has found a pretty satisfying middle ground.

Yes, most of the main controls are still via the screen, which may be frustrating to some. There’s a tactile slider control for volume, and similar controls for the dual-zone climate system.

Thankfully, the Tiguan comes with a “smart dial”, like the related Skoda Kodiaq (in this case, it’s located in the center console area between the front seats), which can toggle volume or driving modes – Just press to change functions.

This makes it easier to use, and generally speaking, after spending a few days in and out of this car, I had no major issues with the infotainment system’s controllability and usability.

But yes, I do think it will take you a few days to understand it. The driver also gets a nice large 10-inch digital instrument cluster with good configurability.

But honestly, what really makes me think Volkswagen is trying to up the wow factor inside is the cabin finish and trim. There are a few dazzlers, such as the ambient lighting on the dash and doors, that won’t be to everyone’s taste, but the material finishes are otherwise top-notch.

For example, there are soft trim elements near the knees and soft padding on the doors. The seats are comfortable, with plenty of adjustability, and the R-Line vehicle we drove also came with heated, cooled and massaging front seats, which will likely carry over to Australian models.

You’d expect a highly practical cabin design, and the Tiguan delivers on that.

There’s a shelf section above the dual wireless phone charging base (no more fighting over who gets the charger!), a pair of USB-C ports on the front, and a storage area with adjustable partitions, extra cup holders, and huge doors Box and bottle rack.

The test car also featured a massive panoramic glass roof, which will be available in Australia – it’s just not clear whether it will be standard or optional.

Rear-seat space is also excellent, with my 182cm (six-foot) frame positioned behind my own driving position with plenty of room to spare. There’s plenty of knee, foot and shoulder room, as well as a few inches of room above your head.

There’s a transmission tunnel to contend with, but three adult or three child seats in the back should be doable. There are also ISOFIX points and three top tethers.

Rear-seat occupants also get directional vents in the doors, cup holders, map pockets and bottle holders, and there’s also rear climate control and outboard seat heating.

Boot space is claimed to be 652 liters (37 liters more than before), and there’s a 40:20:40 split folding backrest to expand the space for larger items. The sides of the trunk have sections for storage, a 12-volt port, shopping bag hooks and an adjustable trunk floor.

Under that floor, the test car didn’t have a spare wheel, but the Australian model is sure to have at least one space-saver tire.

To see how the Volkswagen Tiguan stacks up against its competitors, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the hood?

CarExpert understands that the new-generation Tiguan range will be available in three powertrains in Australia.

Further specification details are still to be confirmed, including towing capacity, weight and more.

It’s unclear whether the electric hybrid (PHEV) and TDI diesel versions launched overseas will be available in Australia, but that seems unlikely at the moment.

To see how the Volkswagen Tiguan stacks up against its competitors, check out our comparison tool

How does the Volkswagen Tiguan drive?

The driving portion of this test was a bit frustrating, as none of the powertrains listed above were available to try.

Instead, this drive included time with the base European-spec 1.5 eTSI mild hybrid, which won’t be coming to our markets anytime soon; the 2.0 TDI turbodiesel, of which there’s apparently no local demand; and the 1.5 “possibly launched later” eHybrid PHEV, but this has not yet been confirmed.

But in each case, even if the powertrain has nothing to do with the Australian market, it’s impressive in its own right.

The 1.5 eTSI has a lot going for it, and its electrified leanings (48V MHEV) make it very likeable at low speeds, although it does feel a little less grunty at speed.

The 2.0 TDI is a great car, with plenty of traction and a clever dual-clutch DSG automatic gearbox that keeps the torque going. The atmosphere is also very quiet and calm.

What about plug-in hybrids? Well, the electric car is said to have a driving range of up to 120 kilometers, which is certainly a fun drive.

My time included plenty of all-electric operation, and the transitions between EV and hybrid modes were smooth and well thought out. It also has a thump when you need to hit the gas pedal.

Otherwise, the driving experience is pretty impressive. The new Tiguan feels softer in terms of suspension tuning and has more involvement in handling.

With light and accurate steering, and a well-tuned chassis that delivers comfort and composure over bumps, we think it will be one of the most fun mid-size SUVs on the market when it arrives in Australia.

Plus, it seems VW has listened to the criticism about how much noise intrudes in the outgoing model, and there’s better sound insulation in the new car’s cabin – although I’ve apparently yet to sample it on some surfaces in our local area. As we all know, this can be dangerous.

The security system is also not too intrusive. There is a speed sign recognition system that warns you of speed limit changes, but it can be silenced.

While I’m personally not a fan of lane keeping technology in general, the system seemed well configured enough that I left it on for a lot of driving.

But thankfully, if you’re like me and want to turn it off, there’s an easy process using the large screen or the driver information display and steering wheel controls.

What do you get?

While we have a rough idea of ​​what to expect from the top-spec R-Line, it’s too early to say what the new Tiguan’s standard-spec lineup will be.

Tiguan R-Line Highlights:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• IQ.Light matrix LED headlight
• LED taillights including sequential indicators
• R-Line body kit
• roof rails
• Panoramic glass sunroof
• Leather, micro-velvet interior
• 15-inch touchscreen media system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• satellite navigation
• DAB+ digital radio
• Front seats heated, cooled and massaged
• Heated rear seats
• Three-zone climate control
• Dual mobile phone wireless charging
• Indoor ambient lighting

Is the Volkswagen Tiguan safe?

Although it has not yet been tested by ANCAP, the new-generation Tiguan in 2024 received Euro NCAP’s top five-star rating based on the most stringent standards to date.

In this test, it scored 83% for adult occupant protection, 88% for child occupant protection, 84% for vulnerable road user protection and 78% for safety assistance.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• autonomous emergency braking
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Cyclist detection
  • Intersection detection
  • Frontal collision detection
• Blind spot monitoring
• Driver attention monitoring
• lane keeping assist
• rear cross traffic alert
• safe exit warning
• surround camera
• travel assistance
  • Adaptive cruise control with stop/go function
  • Lane centering
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Front, front side, front center and curtain airbags

There are top tether points for child seats on all three seats in the second row, as well as ISOFIX points on the two outboard seats.

How much does a Volkswagen Tiguan cost to run?

Volkswagen Australia offers a five-year, unlimited kilometer warranty on its entire range. This won’t change with the new Tiguan.

The numbers you might want to know, such as service costs and intervals, are still to be locked in, but you can expect the brand to offer a mix of pay-as-you-go capped-price services, as well as select plans for prepaid care (for up to five years).

For context, the current Tiguan has a five-year maintenance plan that costs between $3,020 and $3,700 depending on the engine model, which is expensive by class standards.

To see how the Volkswagen Tiguan stacks up against its competitors, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert’s take on the Volkswagen Tiguan

The new-generation Tiguan is a super impressive thing – and it needs to be, because it’s also a very important model for the Volkswagen brand in Australia.

It goes without saying that pricing is crucial to success, so be sure to check back for more information and let us know how much you think it should cost in the comments section.

Interested in buying a Volkswagen Tiguan? Contact one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

Click on image to view full gallery

More: Everything about the Volkswagen Tiguan