The final time Volkswagen up to date its Tiguan small crossover, the mannequin yr was 2018, and compact SUVs have been changing into crucial to automakers. Getting into the 2025 mannequin yr, they’re almost every part – the Tiguan is VW’s best-selling car in America, and compact SUVs are beginning to overtake some full-size vehicles within the gross sales race.
You could possibly say the 2025 Tiguan, redesigned from a clear sheet, is vital to Volkswagen and Volkswagen followers.
It’s early to say for sure, however on paper, VW has created a aggressive compact SUV that ought to win new consideration from American consumers. Volkswagen hasn’t mentioned pricing, however we challenge an entry level round $31,000.
From Awkward to Mature
The outgoing 2024 Tiguan appears to be like somewhat underdeveloped in a yr when a lot of its competitors has bulked up. The redesign solves that drawback.
It’s no look-alike. Whereas most new SUVs put on outsized grilles, Volkswagen designers have created the phantasm of an almost-grille-less look by filtering airflow by a big maw nicely decrease than what most designs use. It could not technically rely as an air rattling as a result of it pulls air into the engine compartment fairly than biking it underneath for aerodynamic causes. But it surely’s positioned as little as an air dam, simply greater.
That lets designers give the brand new Tiguan the broad horizontal line of lights VW electrical automobiles just like the ID.4 put on. Consumers can go for an illuminated badge with it for an added charge.
In all places else, the look is bulkier than the outgoing Tiguan however with the light curves you count on of a contemporary VW. We expect it appears to be like extra mature, just like the 2024 Tiguan went away to varsity, placed on somewhat muscle, and discovered to decorate higher.
No Third Row, however a Tech Improve
Inside, the large information is the shortage of a 3rd row. The 2024 Tiguan on vendor heaps right this moment is likely one of the few compact SUVs obtainable with one (although you may’t get each a third-row and all-wheel drive). For 2025, VW will drop the third row.
It’s probably the appropriate transfer, as designers have a tough time becoming a usable third row right into a compact SUV within the first place.
The Tiger-Iguana (we’re not kidding – Volkswagen says that’s the origin of the identify) will get a severe cabin know-how improve for 2025.
The motive force faces a ten.25-inch digital show with an non-obligatory head-up show above. Decrease trim ranges get loads of display, with a 12.9-inch touchscreen barely giant by compact SUV requirements. Larger trim ranges get a 15-inch display that appears extravagant for this phase.
Lately, Volkswagen has aimed for a distinct segment between mainstream and luxurious vehicles. The Tiguan is not any exception. Choices embrace massaging, heated and ventilated entrance seats, and actual wooden trim. “Premium supplies, corresponding to real American walnut wooden décor, a wrapped and double-stitched heart console, upgraded Savona leather-based interiors, and material seats with an embossed design give the cabin an upscale really feel,” VW guarantees.
An obtainable 12-speaker sound system isn’t uncommon on this phase, however one with Harmon Kardon branding is a slight shock.
These audio system assist energy IDA, Volkswagen’s ChatGPT-enabled digital assistant. Consumers get one yr of the Plus Speech With AI system that powers it with buy, after which, we assume, there shall be a subscription charge to proceed it.
Extra Energy and Higher Gasoline Financial system
The Tiguan’s acquainted 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine once more sits underneath the hood. But it surely’s extra highly effective this time, making 201 horsepower. Volkswagen says it will get higher gasoline financial system, too, although they haven’t given particular figures.
That’s the one mechanical element VW has provided thus far. The mannequin on vendor heaps now makes use of an 8-speed automated transmission and is available in both front- or all-wheel drive (FWD or AWD). We’d be stunned if that has modified.
Degree 2 Driver Help
Volkswagen has another shock in retailer for 2025 – the following Tiguan “consists of VW’s refined suite of IQ.DRIVE Degree 2 driver help options commonplace throughout all trims.” It might help with steering, accelerating, and braking underneath sure circumstances, although it doesn’t let the motive force take their consideration off the street.
Compact SUVs, typically, are extra luxurious and refined within the 2025 mannequin yr than they have been the final time Volkswagen designed a brand new one from scratch. The Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson are intense competitors.
However the Tiguan threatens to upset the competition with near-luxury trimmings and funky AI capabilities like Degree 2 driving help and a ChatGPT-enabled voice assistant. We simply hope Volkswagen has resisted the urge to cost it extra like a luxurious car to justify these options.
We’ll know extra quickly. Volkswagen will formally unveil the automotive on the Los Angeles Auto Present on Friday, so we count on costs and an on-sale date quickly.
