Volkswagen of America Inc. has unveiled the all-new 2025 Tiguan, a complete redesign of its best-selling SUV in the U.S. This update promises an impressive blend of style, technology, and performance, solidifying its reputation as a versatile, affordable, and engaging SUV.
Mechanical Enhancements: Power Meets Efficiency
The 2025 Tiguan is built on Volkswagen’s MQB EVO platform, shedding approximately 170 pounds compared to its predecessor. This weight reduction is achieved through the use of aluminum in the suspension and high-strength hot-formed steel in the body structure.
Under the hood, the Tiguan is powered by an upgraded 2.0-liter turbocharged EA888 four-cylinder engine, delivering 201 horsepower—an increase from 184 in the outgoing model. This power boost, coupled with the weight savings, enhances both acceleration and fuel efficiency. Although EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are yet to be announced, we expect improvements across the board.
The 2025 Tiguan also introduces advanced aerodynamics, including an extended roofline spoiler and air curtains in the front bumper, contributing to better efficiency and handling.
Cutting-Edge Technology: A New Era of Connectivity
The 2025 Tiguan ushers in a host of technological upgrades to enhance both driver and passenger experiences. Highlights include:
- Next-Gen Infotainment: Volkswagen’s MIB4 system powers a 12.9-inch central infotainment display that offers seamless control, complemented by a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro display. A rotary dial in the center console enables intuitive adjustments to volume, Drive Mode Select, and new “Atmospheres” settings.
- Personalized Ambience: The Atmospheres feature combines synchronized ambient lighting and audio settings to create customizable moods within the cabin. It offers five presets and a Custom mode.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Wireless charging and App-Connect are standard, ensuring hassle-free integration of smart devices.
- Premium Features: Available technologies include a 15-inch infotainment screen, 10- or 30-color ambient lighting (depending on trim), a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and a head-up display.
Standard comfort features include Climatronic® Touch automatic climate control, with upgrades like a three-zone system, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel available on higher trims.
Sophisticated Design: Exterior Boldness, Interior Elegance
Exterior Upgrades
The 2025 Tiguan’s exterior design reflects a bold and athletic evolution:
- Distinctive Styling: The redesigned SUV features a higher, more powerful nose, slimmer headlights, and an available LED light bar with an illuminated Volkswagen logo. I find this front-end design very reminiscent of Volkswagen’s ID.4 electric crossover, but with sportier intentions, bringing in a familial look. The side profile is clean and taut with nice character lines, reinforcing the new Tiguans’ sporting intentions.
- Aerodynamic Enhancements: Curved undercuts above the front fenders create a prominent shoulder line, while side flow elements in the D-post enhance airflow.
- Wheel and Color Options: Base trims have 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and higher trims have 19-inch and 20-inch options. Three new colors—Avocado Green Pearl, Sandstone Uni, and Monterey Blue Pearl—add vibrancy to the lineup.
Interior Refinement
Inside, the Tiguan offers a clean, upscale environment:
- Premium Materials: Genuine American walnut wood décor, double-stitched accents, and upgraded Savona leather seats elevate the cabin’s luxury.
- Smart Layout: Moving the gear selector to the steering column has freed up space for a spacious center console, which is ideal for storage.
- Two-Row Configuration: The 2025 Tiguan is offered exclusively as a two-row SUV for North America, emphasizing comfort and utility.
Safety First: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Volkswagen continues its commitment to safety with the 2025 Tiguan. The model introduces four additional airbags—driver knee, center, and rear side airbags—bringing the total to 10. Standard across all trims is the IQ.DRIVE® suite, which includes:
- Level 2 Semi-Automated Driving: Features like Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Emergency Assist.
- Comprehensive Alerts: Front Assist, Active Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Traffic Alert, Lane Assist, and Park Distance Control.
- Additional Features: Exit Warning and Park Assist Plus are also available to enhance convenience and safety further.
- Pricing: Volkswagen has yet to announce the official pricing and availability of the 2025 Tiguan. As the launch date approaches, more details will be released.
