2025 Volkswagen Tiguan has been a go-to for drivers who want something spacious, practical, and just refined enough to feel premium. For 2025, VW has redesigned its best-selling SUV, giving it sharper styling, better tech, and a little extra muscle under the hood. But there’s a catch, the third-row option is gone, making this a strictly two-row SUV for North America.
So, is the new Tiguan a step forward or a missed opportunity? Let’s break it down.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan: Design
The 2025 Tiguan still rides on Volkswagen’s MQB Evo platform, but it’s been reshaped and refined. It’s got a taller front end, a wider stance, and slim LED headlights that give it a more aggressive look. VW also added a light bar across the grille, because in 2025, if your SUV doesn’t glow, is it even modern?
From the back, the new Tiguan has a sleek, Audi-like feel, with dark-tinted taillights and a full-width rear light bar.
The roofline extends slightly with an integrated spoiler, improving aerodynamics while giving it a sportier profile. It’s still compact and easy to park, but it looks and feels more high-end than before.
VW also freshened up the color palette and wheels. Base models start with 17-inch alloys, while higher trims get 19- or 20-inch wheels that fill out the arches nicely. New shades like Monterey Blue Pearl and Avocado Green Pearl add some personality to the lineup.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan: Powertrain
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is still the heart of the Tiguan, but VW has given it a small but welcome boost. It now pushes 201 horsepower, up from 184 hp in the previous model.
That may not sound like a huge leap, but paired with a 170-pound weight reduction, thanks to an aluminum suspension and high-strength steel bodywork, the new Tiguan should feel quicker and more efficient. Volkswagen hasn’t released official fuel economy numbers yet, but expect it to improve slightly over last year’s model.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan: Interior
Step inside, and it’s clear VW spent time making the interior feel more upscale. There’s real American walnut wood trim, soft-touch materials, and a cleaner, more modern layout. VW also moved the gear selector to the steering column, which frees up space for a bigger center console and extra storage.
Of course, big screens are the trend in 2025, and VW isn’t holding back.
Every Tiguan comes with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.9-inch touchscreen running the latest MIB4 infotainment system. If you want something even more impressive, higher trims offer a massive 15-inch display along with a head-up display.
VW also introduced a new feature called “Atmospheres”, which syncs ambient lighting with audio settings to create a customized mood inside the cabin. You can choose from preset themes or mix and match up to 30 different lighting colors.
For those who care about sound quality, the higher trims come with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system, bringing crisp, premium audio to the mix.
A Big Loss: The Third Row is Gone
For years, the Tiguan stood out as one of the only compact SUVs offering a third row, even if it was tight back there. For 2025, that’s no longer an option. VW has confirmed there are no plans to bring back a seven-seat Tiguan for the U.S.
While some families may miss the extra seats, the trade-off is a more spacious two-row setup with better cargo room and comfort. If you need three rows, you’ll now have to look at the Atlas or another brand.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan: Safety
Every 2025 Tiguan comes standard with IQ.DRIVE, Volkswagen’s suite of driver assistance features. That means you get:
• Travel Assist, which helps with semi-automated highway driving.
• Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality.
• Front Assist, which includes automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.
• Lane Assist, keeping you centered in your lane.
• Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Traffic Alert for better visibility.
• Emergency Assist, which can bring the car to a stop if it senses a medical emergency.
Higher trims add Park Assist Plus, Exit Warning, and a 360-degree camera system, making parking and maneuvering easier.
Visit the official website of VW for more information on Safety features.
For more information about the Safety features & crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan: Pricing
Despite all these upgrades, the 2025 Tiguan’s price increase is minimal. The base S trim starts at $29,495, which is only $615 more than last year. All-wheel drive (4Motion) adds $1,500.
The SE and SE R-Line Black trims start around $33,000 to $36,000, bringing in features like 19-inch wheels, remote start, and a power liftgate. At the top, the SEL R-Line, which comes with quilted leather seats, a massage function, and illuminated VW logos, starts at $41,200 with all-wheel drive included.
Final Take: A More Sophisticated Tiguan, But Not for Everyone
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is sharper, stronger, and more high-tech than ever. It’s got a more premium interior, a little extra power, and a ton of new features, all without a major price hike.
But losing the third-row option is a big shift. If you needed seven seats, this isn’t your SUV anymore. However, if you’re looking for a stylish, practical, and upscale compact SUV, the new Tiguan is one of the best options in its class. Expect it to arrive at dealerships in early 2025.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
If you’re passionate about the latest trends in cars, motorcycles, and EV’s, make sure to follow and subscribe to Hyperdrive USA. We at Hyperdrive USA are committed to bringing you the hottest updates, so you’ll always be the first to know about the biggest stories in the automotive world. Stay ahead of the curve with us.