Turn Heads in the New VW Tiguan!

Starting its third generation, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan rides on a new platform and gets a more powerful motor under the hood. You also get new tech inside.

Volkswagen revealed the third-generation Tiguan, it’s mainstream compact crossover SUV. Built from a new platform, the new Tiguarn tips the scales 170 lbs. lighter than before, which will improve both performance and fuel economy. Volkswagen credits liberal use of high-strength steel and aluminum suspension parts. The platform also carries a handsome new design.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan, front. Image courtesy of Volkswagen

new look

The basic shape looks like a seven-eighths scale VW Atlas Cross Sport, but the front fascia definitely follows the trend of moving the grille down low and mounting slimmer, more sinister looking headlights. Optional on the Tiguan will be a front lightbar: an LED beam of light car that runs the full width of the front, split only by the top of the VW badge, which also illuminates.

You see a couple of character lines run across the profile of the third-generation compact crossover. Keen eyes may notice a longer wheelbase and a shorter rear overhang as well. Though Volkswagen did not yet state how much longer it measures compared to the outgoing model’s 109.9-inch wheelbase. Also, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels roll on the base Tiguan, but you can order one with a large as 20s.

Volkswagen cleaned up the rear-end in similar fashion, with an interesting “rear grille” kind of look down low, which is actually the bumper. I need to see that in person before deciding if I like it or not. Another lightbar swoops across the tailgate and into the taillights on either side. Finally, a single exhaust pipe gets tucked away underneath it all.

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan, rear. Image courtesy of Volkswagen

more muscle

Under the hood, VW carried on with the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder power plant, but tweaked it to raise peak horsepower from 184 to 201. Volkswagen did not reveal peak torque, it likely holds steady at 221 lb.-ft. I assume you still get an eight-speed automatic transmission and choose between front- or all-wheel-drive propulsion.

inside

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan, interior. Image courtesy of Volkswagen

Several new screens adorn the interior. Standard equipment includes a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch center display. The latter includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as a wireless smartphone charger. If you go with a high-end trim, you instead look at a 15-inch center display, a head-up display, ambient lighting, and listen to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

Top level Tiguans also include leather seats, ventilated and massaging front seats, heated rear seats (except for the middle passenger), a heated steering wheel, three-zone climate control, and an “easy open/close” tailgate. Volkswagen did not explicitly say, but I bet heated front seats come standard, as they did in 2024 models.

safety and availability

Safety wise, you get 10 airbags inside, with driver knee, center, and rear side bags added for 2025. You also get the usual bevy of driving aids, which bears the name IQ.DRIVE. Less usual, that includes standard level-two automated driving called Travel Assist.

Volkswagen kept mum on many details, such as final fuel economy numbers. And some fundamentals like when to expect them to arrive at dealerships and how much it will cost. But, based on the current Tiguan S base price of $28,800 before any taxes or destination charges, I expect the 2025 model cost will start with a three.

However, it’s also a massive styling improvement, with several tempting luxuries offered inside. I definitely look forward to the chance to get to drive it and tell you how it all feels.

Looking for something smaller, Volkswagen also updated the Taos.