2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

As VW’s entry in the compact SUV segment, the Tiguan battles for attention in the most popular vehicle category with the most competitors, including best-sellers such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

While something of an outlier, the Tiguan has always still managed to stand out from the pack, being among the first to use a turbocharged engine when it debuted, and then offering standard 3-row seating for its second-generation.

For its third act, the 2025 Tiguan reverts to being offered only as a 2-row compact SUV like its rivals, but also bringing with it some impressive features. For instance, it comes dripping with technology like dual digital displays and a strong suite of safety and driver assistance features, and a cabin that can be had with fine leather and wood, and even massaging seats.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is all-new. This marks the third generation for VW’s compact SUV.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan starts at $30,920, including destination fee. That’s for a base S trim with front-wheel drive. At the other end, a Tiguan SEL R-Line begins at $41,180 and includes all-wheel drive, which is optional on the S and SE trims. This pricing is in line with most rivals in this category, including the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson.

We’ve always rather enjoyed the athletic-leaning nature of the Tiguan, just as we have other Volkswagen vehicles. That’s just part of the brand’s European-derived DNA. The new model uses the same engine as the last one, but the 2025 gains 17 horsepower and loses 170 pounds in weight. More power and less mass to move is almost always a good thing, and we look forward to testing the 2025 VW Tiguan to see how it all translates in the real world.

Fuel economy

VW says the all-new Tiguan is more fuel efficient than the last model. Official mpg numbers haven’t been released, but the last model earned up to 27 mpg combined. Unlike rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Mazda CX-50, there is no Tiguan hybrid at the moment for those seeking to save even more money on gas.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan jettisons the third row it came with in its last iteration. Those rearmost seats could be handy in a pinch, but in reality, a third row in a compact SUV is a tight place to be. So, like every other compact SUV except the Mitsubishi Outlander (which offers a small third row), the new Tiguan comes exclusively with a 2-row/5-passenger setup.

And a nice setup it looks to be. Starting up front, all models come with a standard 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system, an all-digital instrument cluster that once used to be the domain of Audi, VW’s luxury brand cousin. Also standard is a prominent 12.9-inch central touchscreen or an optional 15-inch version.

Volkswagen has created a more open and airy cabin in the Tiguan with design features such as a steering wheel-mounted transmission selector. While climate controls use a touch-based system, there is a physical volume knob, though interestingly it is located in the center console, similar to the placement in the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50.

The interior as a whole looks uncluttered, clean, and classy — all things we’ve come to expect in a VW. Premium décor is available with the option for American walnut wood trim, double-stitched center console, and Savona leather upholstery. We really like the look of the optional quilted leather seats front and back. You might just think you’re getting into an Audi Q5.

Volkswagen has yet to provide details on cargo space, passenger legroom, and the like, but the previous model was among the more impressive in its class.

The Tiguan has gained maturity and presence with each generation, and the third-gen looks even more fully fleshed out. It’s a handsome, if not extravagant, design. VW has long excelled at making conservative yet tasteful designs that stand the test of time, and that holds with the all-new 2025 VW Tiguan.

The shape overall is smooth and curvy, similar to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5, vs. the more blocky and chunky design of a Ford Bronco Sport or Subaru Forester. Isn’t the gift of choice wonderful?

The Tiguan comes standard with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, but most trims get 19-inch wheels, and top trims ride on 20-inchers. We like the availability of an illuminated VW badge up front connected by a hood-spanning light bar, and new color options such as Avocado Green Pearl and Monterey Blue Pearl.

Massaging seats

These are pretty much unheard of in mainstream compact SUVs, yet the latest Tiguan offers them. In addition to full back massage functionality, these front seats offer heating, ventilation, and 12-way adjustability.

Atmospheres

No, this isn’t about the air, but rather ambient lighting and audio settings. VW says the Tiguan’s new Atmospheres feature synchronizes light and sound in a “harmonious blend” to fit your mood. Up to five preset Atmospheres are available, plus a custom setting.

Harman Kardon audio

We’ve yet to hear a system from this premium audio brand that our ears don’t relish, and we’re happy to see (and hear) that a 12-speaker system is available in the new Tiguan.

IQ.DRIVE

This is the name for VW’s standard suite of active safety and driver assist features. It includes Travel Assist Level 2 semi-automated driving, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, and active blind-spot monitoring.

Head-up display

Another available feature, we appreciate any extra help in keeping drivers’ eyes on the road.

Power tailgate

These have become common options in compact SUVs, and we appreciate that’s the case, including in the latest Tiguan.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan remains powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It has more power than the previous generation — 201 horsepower vs. 184 from the last version. We expect the Tiguan to again be offered in front-wheel drive (FWD) or with VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD), and to use an 8-speed automatic transmission.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Volkswagen’s new-vehicle warranty, including the powertrain, lasts for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. That’s good for the class since Honda and Toyota have 3-year/36,000-mile warranties. Still, those other automakers cover their powertrains for five years or 60,000 miles. Two scheduled services — at 10,000 miles (or one year) and 20,000 miles (or two years) — are also part of the deal.

Safety Ratings

The last generation Tiguan received the highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but four stars out of a possible five overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2025 VW Tiguan has yet to be crash-tested.