The Volkswagen Tiguan has at all times been one of many higher compact SUVs in its class, however even after 18 years in the marketplace, it’s by no means fairly matched the dominance of rivals like these from Honda or Toyota. That would change with the all-new 2025 Tiguan, which makes large strides to higher compete with the CR-V and RAV4.
With smooth styling and a well-equipped inside, the brand new Tiguan checks all the suitable bins. Constructed on VW’s versatile MQB Evo platform, the up to date mannequin is 170 kilos lighter than its predecessor. Inside, it options higher-quality supplies, a cleaner structure, and a big central touchscreen.
Energy comes from an up to date turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, that includes a brand new turbo and a revised fuel-injection system. Output rises to 201 horsepower (up from 184), and torque improves to 221 lb-ft of torque (or 207 pound-feet on the front-drive mannequin).
General, the brand new Tiguan is a wonderful SUV.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Professionals
- Sharp Exterior Design
- Excessive-High quality Inside
- Surprisingly Enjoyable
- There’s a Quantity Knob
The earlier Tiguan was by no means a lot of a looker, however the brand new mannequin is genuinely sharp. Whereas the big gloss-black grille won’t attraction to everybody, the general design is clear, cohesive, and uncontroversial.
Up entrance, slim LED headlights are linked by a slender gentle bar that stretches throughout the hoodline, giving the Tiguan a contemporary, upscale look. On the rear, a particular taillight design and an (non-compulsory) illuminated VW brand guarantee you received’t confuse the Tiguan for a CR-V.
Inside, the cabin is good—very nice. This totally loaded SEL R-Line trim comes commonplace with perforated leather-based seats, ambient lighting, and an enormous 15.0-inch touchscreen. Supplies all through the cabin really feel premium for the category, with wooden accents and high-quality plastics on the sprint and door panels including to the upscale really feel.

Picture by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

Picture by: Jeff Perez / Motor1

Picture by: Jeff Perez / Motor1
Energy from the turbocharged engine is shipped via an eight-speed automated transmission, with front-wheel drive commonplace and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system accessible. The mannequin examined right here got here geared up with AWD.
In typical VW trend, the Tiguan is a fairly enjoyable factor to fling round. The turbocharged engine delivers robust low-end torque whereas nonetheless offering sufficient energy larger within the rev vary for easy freeway passes. The eight-speed automated shifts rapidly and effortlessly, too.
And eventually—sure, there’s a quantity knob. Regardless of adopting VW’s newest infotainment interface (full with its typical touch-capacitive controls), the Tiguan has a bodily quantity knob simply behind the gear selector. It doubles as a drive mode selector and proves to be surprisingly helpful in on a regular basis driving.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Cons
- Nonetheless Not Sufficient Buttons
- Considerably Stiff Journey
As welcome because the Tiguan’s new quantity knob is, it doesn’t totally make up for the abundance of touch-capacitive controls. Whereas the steering wheel fortunately replaces the earlier controls with actual buttons, you continue to must take care of finicky touch-sensitive sliders beneath the touchscreen for adjusting fan pace, temperature, and different fundamental capabilities. It’s nonetheless very annoying.
Additionally mildly annoying is the experience high quality. The Tiguan isn’t an uncomfortable SUV by any means, nevertheless it rides firmer than a few of its opponents and doesn’t deal with tough pavement or pace bumps almost as effectively. That might be due partially to the 20-inch wheels on this SEL R-Line mannequin; drop right down to the bottom mannequin’s 17-inch footwear, and experience high quality ought to enhance.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Verdict

Picture by: Jeff Perez / Motor1
Frankly, there’s not a lot to complain about with the brand new Volkswagen Tiguan. It appears to be like sharp, gives a refined and comfy inside, and is genuinely pleasant to drive. At $30,920 to start out for 2025 (with vacation spot included), it is nonetheless a cut price, too.
Whereas the touch-capacitive controls and barely agency experience could annoy some, these flaws are straightforward to miss in an SUV that will get a lot proper in any other case. Honda and Toyota—watch your backs.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line
Engine
Turbocharged 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder
Output
201 Horsepower / 221 Pound-Ft of Torque
Transmission
Eight-Velocity Automated
Drive Kind
All-Wheel Drive
Weight
3,801 Kilos
Effectivity
22 Metropolis / 30 Freeway / 25 Mixed
Seating Capability
5
Towing
1,800 Kilos
Base Value
$30,920
As-Examined Value
$41,180 (est.)
On Sale
Now