We recently attended the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan first-drive event in Bozeman, Montana. Although the weather offered steady rain and wind, that didn’t dampen our spirits when testing VW’s third-generation five-seat SUV. Along with the rest of VW’s SUV lineup, this all-new people mover may have the American audience captivated. In 2024, the Germany-based auto manufacturer’s SUVs captured 77% of its total sales in the U.S. So, what enhancements and accoutrements do the newly released Mexico-produced Tiguan bring to our table? Let’s take a look.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Basics
All 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan models have a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine making 201 horsepower across two model types—17 more than the previous generation. The new Tiguan features 207 lb-ft of torque for front-wheel-drive (FWD) models and 221 lb-ft for all-wheel-drive (AWD) derivatives.
Both powerplants are mated to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission (however, no paddle shifters or manual mode are found here).
Although cargo specs haven’t been officially released, the U.S. Tiguan showcases a long-wheelbase chassis for only two rows of seats whereas that same chassis is used as Europe’s three-seat SUV. Volkswagen admits the first Tiguan design, a transplant from Europe, was too small for America’s large-sized appetite.
So, VW switched things up with the second generation (2018-2024) and made it larger. This latest version gives gobs of room for rear-riding passengers in our market. Note: Europe has a short-wheelbase Tiguan that suffices for its five-passenger hauler.
The FWD base S model gets 26 city, 34 highway, and 29 combined. The SE and SEL FWD trims get 25 city, 32 highway, and 28 combined. Finally, the AWD autos see 22 city, 30 highway, and 25 combined. These stats are improved when compared to the 2024 model year. These Tiguans also have reduced weight, sheering off up to 170 pounds for this version. Combined mileages are on par or slightly lower than some of the Tiguan’s competition, like the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, or Subaru Forester. VW includes a 14.5-gallon tank for FWD trims and a larger 15.6-gallon tank for AWD iterations. If you’re looking for a hybrid model, VW hinted at one, although we don’t know how far off it will be.
Pricing Structure (Base to Top-of-the-Line Tiguan):
- S FWD: $29,495
- S AWD: $30,995
- SE FWD: $32,295
- SE AWD: $33,795
- SE R-Line Black FWD: $35,455
- SE R-Line Black AWD: $36,955
- SEL R-Line AWD: $39,755
- Destination: $1,425 extra
Exterior: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Tidbits
The all-new Tiguan has shorter overhangs and a higher hood. Gone are angular straight lines in favor of curves, slopes, and a large high-gloss front x-patterned grille and rear bumper fascia.
Similar to the ID.4 and VW’s new electric van, the ID. Buzz, the new Tiguan makes a statement with slim headlights and an available white LED light bar and lighted VW logo that wraps across the front end. The rear gets the same type of treatment, but in a striking red hue. Up top is a small spoiler that adds to its fun factor. We had a short time with a Pyrite Silver SE Tiguan. While it sported the spoiler, it didn’t have the optional wrap-around LED light package or the huge operable panoramic sunroof like our other SEL R-Line tester had.
Depending on which trim you choose, four different wheel/tire packages are offered. Base S models come standard with 17s, while 18”, 19”, and 20” wheels/tires are available depending on the trim. Our second tester was an SEL R-Line which came with machined aluminum and high-gloss black wheels wrapped with 225/40R20 Pirelli Scorpion tires.
While most of VW’s new Tiguan color palate ranges in whites, silvers, gray, and black, it features three new color choices: Avocado Green Pearl, Sandstone Uni, and Monterey Blue Pearl (which is reminiscent of cornflower blue and was our SEL R-Line’s hue). The Avocado Green Pearl seemed to change color with weather changes. It morphed from a rich warm tannish color to a cooler warm sage hue as sun and rain enveloped it. The 2025 VW Tiguan appears refined and softer than previous versions.
Stylish and Simple Interior Design
The new Tiguan offers a modern and simple interior design. Its dash boasts an artistically designed lower cowl (matte metal in our SE and a beautiful warm American walnut wood in SEL R-Line models). This sets the stage for a standard 12.9” infotainment screen (15” is optional). All Tiguans get a standard 10.25” Digital Cockpit Pro gauge cluster. Its colors are brilliant and easy to see, and it’s also configurable in multiple ways.
Highly stylized, color-changing panels flank both screens. Our SE trim had a textured three-dimensional silver metal and high-gloss panel system whereas the SEL R-line had an elegant glossy black iteration that had no texture, but a subtle pattern in it to showcase your ambient color selection. It was a muted modern look, but passengers constantly saw their reflections in it.
SE trims and up add ambient lighting throughout the interior cabin as well as in the dash panel and front and rear doors. Ten colors are available. SEL R-Line SUVs add the same lighting scheme but offer up 30 color options. White LEDs adorn the front footwells and exit lighting in the front doors.
Soft-touch materials are scattered throughout the interior. Entry S trims showcase soft upholstery woven from bamboo. SE and SE R-Line Black trims feature leatherette seating materials with CloudTex accents. SEL R-Line models offer Mistral, Grigio and Black, or Amber Brown interior color schemes including perforated Varenna leather upholstery stitched in a quilted diamond pattern.
Infotainment Learning Curve and Charging
The new VW Tiguan has the latest and greatest infotainment system. It’s a bit easier to navigate than older iterations. However, there are no knobs so users will need to swipe or tap their way through it. Note: The automaker did say knobs will be making a comeback, but sadly, not in the U.S.’ 2025 Tiguan.
Pack patience with the system. Things may not be where you think they’ll be or be called something else than what you’re anticipating. You’ll have a learning curve. However, the brightly colored, crisp screen is great to look at and the new Tiguans include wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and VW’s available native GPS system.
A nifty new ventilated 15W wireless charging pad is vertically mounted for compatible devices. Gone are the days of noisy flip-flopping smartphones in cupholders! This is a great space-saving solution. Four USB-C ports come standard, too—two in the front (not by the front dash but nested under the center storage console’s lid).
Two charge-only ports are located in the rear HVAC area. These ports feature 45-watt fast charging. A 12-volt port is placed in the cavernous center console area, too. It’s under the small top-mounted organizer. If the organizer is removed, there is plenty of room for snacks, maps, and more. Our SE vehicle had hard plastic accenting the center stack, however, our SEL R-Line featured a high-gloss finish that easily scratches, shows smudges and dust, and can can create glare while driving if the sun hits is just right.
Gears and Dials
The gear shifter is similar to the ID.4 and ID. Buzz van. It’s located on the steering column and twists in a unique way to change gears. However, where a traditional shifter would usually be is Volkswagen’s Driving Experience Dial. This glossy knob is mounted on the center console and doubles as a hub to change volume, driving modes, and in SE and higher trims, the new Atmospheres feature. Atmospheres combine synchronized ambient lighting and audio settings for a corresponding blend of sight and sound that can suit your mood. This feature comes pre-programmed with Lounge, Joy, Nature, Energetic, and Minimal modes. It also has a custom function so owners can create their own mood. Ambient lighting, audio and equalizer presets, and instrument cluster views can be changed here.
Safety Highlights
The new 2025 Tiguan now features 10 airbags: adding driver knee, front center, and rear side airbags, along with previously standard front and side airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for outboard seating.
The Tiguan has many safety systems, like ABS, ESC, and Volkswagen’s standard Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. It also includes Intelligent Crash Response System, a system that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks doors, and switches the hazards on if the auto is involved in certain kinds of collisions. It also has VW’s IQ.DRIVE, an advanced driver assistance technology featuring hands-on semi-automated capability and much more.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Driving Impressions
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan isn’t the sportiest or fastest auto in the market, but it’s not meant to be. As with other VW’s we’ve tested over the last few years, the manufacturer once again impressed us with a pleasant, comfortable, refined, and Euro-feeling driving experience. We tested the SE for a short 10-or-so miles, whereas our SEL R-Line tester stretched its legs over 100 miles of wet-and-windy Montana country roads. Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system kept us planted and provided extra grip when needed. The suspension wasn’t too firm or soft, it was a great blend of comfort and support. Switching drive modes from eco, comfort, snow, offroad, and sport garnered different driving dynamics. Sport mode was most fun in the twisties.
The interior cabin was very quiet and ergonomics good. Bonus: It’s got a huge rear-seat area. The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is definitely a road-trip vehicle, although we wouldn’t push this model on many off-pavement adventures. The Tiguan is a tarmac soldier, fitted for a small family in many ways. Our time in the Bozeman, Montana was short, the mountainous surroundings made us feel like we were touring in the German Alps—just possibly. The only things missing were Bavarian pretzels, beer, and distant echoes of clanging bells as mountain cows grazed about.
Regardless of the non-German location, this German automaker has done a great job redesigning the third-generation Tiguan. Many of the parts come together to create a very good overall vehicle that’s sure to keep VW’s Tiguan as one of its top sellers.
Photos: Mercedes Lilienthal, photo of Mercedes by Andy Lilienthal
