2025 Volkswagen Tiguan First Drive Review: Upscale Right-Sizing

Is this the Goldilocks Tiguan? The smallish SUV that’s just right sized for Volkswagen?

The original Tiguan was tiny. It was arguably ahead of its time, arriving ahead of the current craze of small SUVs. Many consumers thought it too small, so for the 2018 model year, Volkswagen swung the pendulum the other way, biggie sizing the Tiguan into one of the largest compact SUVs on the market. In fact, it even had a third-row option.

But that was probably too large. So, for the third generation Tiguan, Volkswagen has gone back to the drawing board, crafting a vehicle that splits the difference between the first two models. Alright, that might not be wholly accurate as the new Tiguan isn’t much smaller than the outgoing generation, but it has ditched the third row and has sleeker styling.

The new 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is smaller, but not by as much as one might think. It actually rides on a slightly longer wheelbase and is less than two inches shorter overall. The new Tiguan is wider than the old model, but not quite as tall. With less length and a longer wheelbase, there is far less rear overhang.

The general shape of the new SUV is rounder than its predecessor, if only by a bit. The front headlights are slimmer than the outgoing model and connected by a full-length light bar. On SEL trim levels, the front logo is illuminated, perched above a large, curved grille. The rear also features a full-length light-bar with an illuminated logo in the middle. Wheel choices for the new model include 17-,19-, or 20-inch in diameter.

Under the hood remains a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, but power has been given a bump, now making 201 hp, up from 184 hp previously. Torque remains the same at 221 lb-ft, well as long as it’s a 4Motion all-wheel drive model. Front-wheel drive Tiguans get a minor torque decrease, down to 201 lb-ft. Only requiring regular grade fuel, both drivetrains utilize an eight-speed automatic transmission.

With more power and less weight, the new Tiguan should be quicker in a straight line, but the improvements in both areas are negligible, and it’s not really felt from behind the wheel. Part of the problem comes from the eight-speed automatic. Like in other Volkswagen products, the eight-speed is slow to respond. Depressing the accelerator while in motion is followed by a noticeable pause before the transmission finally downshifts to provide more acceleration. Even with the standard drive modes, putting the 2025 Tiguan into Sport mode doesn’t fully rectify this issue. On top of that, none of the 2025 Tiguan trims include any form of manual control of the transmission. There are no paddle shifters and the gear selector is now attached to the steering column.

When driven sedately, Volkswagen expects front-wheel drive models to get 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. For all-wheel drive models, those numbers drop a bit to 22 mpg (10.5 L/100 km) city and 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) highway. Curiously, there are slightly different fuel tanks too depending on drivetrain. The front-wheel drive Tiguan has a 14.5-gallon (55 Liter) tank while the all-wheel drive version has a larger 15.6-gallon (59 Liter) tank.

The brand claims the Tiguan is up to 170 pounds lighter than its predecessor, and although the savings vary trim to trim, the new SUV is lighter. Front-wheel drive models start at 3,643 pounds (1,616 kg), while all-wheel drive models tip the scales at 3,801 pounds (1,724 kg).

The top-of-the-line SEL trim now has large 255/40R20 tires on 20-inch wheels, but we got to test the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE R-Line that wears 19-inch wheels wrapped in 235/50R19 tires. Even with the slightly smaller tires and wheels, the Tiguan continues to be an above average SUV in terms of response, control, and outright grip. Even during our extremely rainy first drive, all those usual Volkswagen driving characteristics the brand is known for are present in the 2025 Tiguan.

What the Tiguan isn’t known for is off-roading and with 6.6-inches (167 mm) of ground clearance on front-wheel drive version, or 7.0-inches (179 mm) on all-wheel drive models, this SUV isn’t going to drive far off the beaten trail. That stated, a Tiguan Peak would be an intriguing offering.

Despite such good road manners, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan does not punishers passengers when it comes to ride quality. It’s not the softest or squishiest SUV in its segment, but bumps in the road are handled with poise, lacking any sort of jittering or audible clumping.

As previously stated, the Tiguan’s that North America get are exclusively two-rows for this generation. This has allowed for an increase in space for second row passengers. There’s now 38.4 -inches (975 mm) of headroom and 40.2-inches (1,021 mm) of legroom. During our test, we were impressed by the amount of real-world space back there, and with the panoramic sunroof and large side windows, it’s quite bright and airy as well.

For passengers up front, there is an available 12-way power front seat that on SEL models includes quilted Savanah leather seating surfaces plus a 10-point, full-back massage and ventilation. SEL models also include heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, and a three-zone climate control.

Volkswagen has gone all-in to make the 2025 Tiguan more premium. The S and SE trims have bamboo yarn placed on the doors and dashboard, which is sort of in-between micro suede and leather in terms of fuzziness and softness. The SEL trim gets the real fancy bits that includes real walnut wood trim and the aforementioned Savanah leather.

All versions of the Tiguan get standard drive modes and atmospheres. The latter combine synchronized ambient lighting, background screen colors, and audio settings (volume, treble, bass, etc) to set a mood. There are several to choose from, as well as a customizable Me option that allows the driver to set it as they want.

Standard on all 2025 Tiguan models is a 10.25-inch digital driver information center, or digital cockpit pro in Volkswagen-speak. A 12.9-inch infotainment system is also standard, with a 15-inch screen optional on higher trims. The sound system consists of 7-speakers and provides a decent audio experience. On SEL models, things are upgraded to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and other bits are tacked on like head-up display and 30-ambient colors.

Back to standard features, all Tiguan trims include wireless charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto standard. Every 2025 Tiguan will also include IQ.DRIVE® Level 2 driver assistance features.

The Tiguan will be hitting dealer lots soon, with a starting price of $30,920 (all prices include destination charges) for FWD S models. Add all-wheel drive to the S trim, and pricing bumps to $32,420. The SE model starts at $34,420 for front-wheel drive, or $35,400 for all-wheel drive.

The Tiguan SE R-Line Black, like my tester, has a starting price of $36,880 for front-wheel drive and $39,380 for all-wheel drive. To get the black roof and black mirror caps, tack on another $395. Finally, the top dog SEL R-line model is priced at $41,180 and only comes with all-wheel drive. It too can be had with the $395 two-tone option.

In Canada, the 2025 Tiguan comes only with all-wheel drive and starts at a price of $38,695.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is a great example of evolutionary succession, rather than revolutionary. Other than ditching the third row of seats, the newest Tiguan builds on the previous generation, updating and upgrading as needed here and there.

Although not all is perfect, the climate controls need real controls again and the transmission needs a caffeine kick, the rest of the SUV is well executed. The Tiguan’s excellent passenger space, upscale interior, and good road manners should keep Volkswagen well set in a hotly contested segment for years to come, especially once the hybrid arrives.

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