Tiguan Reimagined

The New Tiguan

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan has arrived, and though it might get overshadowed by the buzz around VW’s electric I.D. Buzz, this compact SUV is the real workhorse for the brand. The previous generation Tiguan saw a surprising sales bump last year, making it VW’s best-seller worldwide and in North America. In America, it outperformed all other Volkswagen non-SUV models, like the Jetta and Golf, combined. This new version is poised to continue that trend with its new features and competitive pricing.

Specifications

Kicking off at $30,920 including destination charges, and reaching up to $41,180 for the fully-loaded model, the Tiguan offers a strong price point. Dimensions-wise, it measures 186.1 inches in length, 72.4 inches in width, and stands 66.5 inches tall, riding on a 109.9-inch wheelbase with a ground clearance of 7.3 inches. Under the hood, the 2025 model is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine putting out 201 horsepower and up to 221 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Drive

The Tiguan might not be the most exhilarating drive out there, but for most, that’s not a deal-breaker. It’s more about being a reliable, comfortable runner for your day-to-day drives. The reworked engine feels sprightlier, thanks to updates in its internals and a slight weight reduction — the new Tiguan is up to 170 pounds lighter than before. This results in a better balance of power and handling, noticeable in everyday driving situations like merging or maneuvering on highways, even if it’s not winning awards for speed.

Interior Experience

Inside, the Tiguan steps up its game. The removal of the third row means more spacious seating in the second row and increased cargo capacity. The materials used are a mix of high-quality cloth, faux leather in higher trims, and thoughtful touches like contrast stitching and ambient lighting. Technology is user-friendly, featuring a standard 12.9-inch infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster (upgradable to a 15-inch screen), allowing intuitive navigation and high customization levels.

Comparison

While it doesn’t compete directly with performance-oriented SUVs, the Tiguan holds its own against similarly positioned models like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5. The CR-V offers a hybrid option and better long-term reliability, while the CX-5 gives a sportier drive with standard AWD and higher towing capacity. Each has its strengths, depending on whether efficiency, driving dynamics, or brand prestige is valued most by the buyer.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan nails the essentials of what a compact SUV should offer: pragmatic space, current tech, and styling with a touch of flair. While it doesn’t pretend to offer sporty aspirations, it doesn’t need to. For many, the Tiguan’s fine balance of practicality and feature-rich interior make it a worthy choice in the compact SUV market.

Credit: Stephen Rivers / Volkswagen