When Volkswagen last updated its Tiguan small crossover for the 2018 model year, compact SUVs were becoming a staple for automakers. Going into the 2025 model year, they’re pretty much everything. The Tiguan is VW’s best-selling vehicle in the United States, and compact SUVs are starting to overtake some full-size trucks in the sales race.
Redesigned from scratch, the 2025 Tiguan is a big deal for Volkswagen and Volkswagen fans.
It’s too early to say for sure, but in theory VW should create a competitive compact SUV that will garner renewed attention from U.S. buyers. Volkswagen hasn’t mentioned pricing, but expects the entry point to be around $31,000.
From awkward to mature
The Tiguan, which will be released in 2024, appears to be a little behind in development in a year when competition has become fiercer. The redesign solves that problem.
They don’t look alike. Most new SUVs are equipped with oversized grilles, but Volkswagen designers designed an almost grille design by filtering airflow through large openings that are much lower than those used in most designs. Created the illusion of an unobtrusive appearance. It may not technically count as an air dam because it draws air into the engine compartment rather than circulating it for aerodynamic reasons. But it sits as low as an air dam, only bigger.
This allows designers to give the new Tiguan a wide horizontal line of lights, similar to the one worn by the VW electric car ID.4. Buyers can also add a light-up badge for an additional fee.
Elsewhere, the exterior is larger than the current Tiguan, but with the gentle curves you’d expect from a modern VW. We think the 2024 Tiguan looks more mature, like it went to college, put on some muscle, and learned to wear better clothes.
There is no third row, but the technology has been upgraded
Inside, the big news is the lack of a third row. The 2024 Tiguan currently on sale at dealers is one of the few compact SUVs that can be equipped with it (though it cannot be equipped with both a third row and all-wheel drive). In 2025, VW will eliminate the third row.
This is probably the right choice, since designers have struggled to fit a practical third row into compact SUVs in the first place.
The Tiger Iguana (no kidding, that’s where the name comes from, according to Volkswagen) will receive a major upgrade in cabin technology for 2025.
The driver faces a 10.25-inch digital display with an optional head-up display above it. Even lower trim levels get plenty of screen space, with a 12.9-inch touchscreen that’s slightly larger than standard for compact SUVs. Higher trim levels get a 15-inch screen, which looks luxurious for this segment.
In recent years, Volkswagen has aimed for a niche market between mainstream and luxury cars. Tiguan is no exception. Options include massage functions, heated and ventilated front seats, and real wood trim. “Premium materials such as genuine American walnut upholstery, a wrapped and double-stitched center console, upgraded Savona leather interior and embossed cloth seats give the cabin a luxurious feel,” VW said. I promise.
The availability of a 12-speaker sound system is not uncommon in this segment, but the Harmon Kardon branded sound system is a bit of a surprise.
These speakers help power IDA, Volkswagen’s ChatGPT-enabled virtual assistant. Purchasers receive one year of the Plus Speech With AI system, which works immediately with purchase. After that, you will likely have to pay a subscription fee to continue.
More power and better fuel economy
The Tiguan’s familiar 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine once again resides under the hood. But this time it’s more powerful, producing 201 horsepower. Volkswagen says it will also improve fuel efficiency, but did not disclose specific figures.
This is the only mechanical detail VW has ever provided. Models on dealer lots currently use an eight-speed automatic transmission and are offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (FWD or AWD). We would be surprised if that changed.
Level 2 driving assistance
Volkswagen has another surprise in store for 2025. The next Tiguan will have “VW’s sophisticated IQ.DRIVE Level 2 driver assistance features standard on all trims.” Under certain conditions, it will assist with steering, acceleration and braking, but the driver will You can’t take your attention away from the road.
Compact SUVs are generally more luxurious and sophisticated for the 2025 model year than they were the last time Volkswagen designed a new one from the ground up. The Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson offer stiff competition.
But the Tiguan threatens to upend the competition with its near-luxury trim and impressive AI features like Level 2 driver assistance and a ChatGPT-enabled voice assistant. Let’s just hope Volkswagen resists the urge to price it like a luxury car to justify these features.
More details coming soon. Volkswagen is scheduled to officially unveil the car at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Friday, so expect pricing and release date to be announced soon.
