2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Goes on Diet, Sheds Weight and Seats

The Tiguan ditches the third row while being both more powerful and efficient.

Volkswagen on Wednesday revealed the 2025 Tiguan at a dedicated event in Los Angeles. Boasting a longer wheelbase than the European variant that debuted last year, the North American Tiguan brings with it a huge tech upgrade alongside powertrain efficiencies.

Let's start with the looks. Tiguan 3.0 adopts a more fluid design language than the outgoing model, with a high nose and sculpted flanks that pick up on the flavor of the ID. 4 and ID. Buzz. This includes an available light-up bar connecting the headlights, complete with illuminated logo. Around back a full-width taillight bar features geometric lighting elements, forming X's via negative space. Standard aluminum alloy wheels measure 17 inches, though every trim beyond the base uses 19s or, in the case of the R-Line pictured, 20-inchers. New exterior colors include the pictured Sandstone Uni, Monterey Blue Pearl, and Avocado Green Pearl.

Dimensionally, the 2025 model has a slight wheelbase increase, which has shifted rearward for a shorter rear overhang. Volkswagen is ditching the third-row option for this new model as well. Meanwhile, a focus on more aluminum in the suspension as well as high-strength steel throughout the body has trimmed roughly 170 pounds (77 kilograms) from the curb weight.

If the exterior is an evolution, the changes inside are more dramatic. Volkswagen's latest cabin design language is all about clean minimalism, and the Tiguan employs it to great effect here. Contrast-stitched leather, brushed metal, and real American walnut trim combine for an upscale look, while soft-touch materials are used throughout the cabin. The shifter has migrated to the steering column, opening up the center console for more storage, including a standard wireless charger as well as an iDrive-like central rotary dial for the infotainment.

Ah yes, the infotainment. As standard, the Tiguan arrives with a 12.9-inch touchscreen with a permanent lower section dedicated to climate controls. A 15.0-inch option is also available. All models feature the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster as standard, plus heated front seats. The same goes for IQ.Drive Level 2: every 2025 Tiguan includes the suite, which in addition to the standard assists such as lane-keep, automated emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert, now features Travel Assist, a Level 2 semi-automated system.

New to the cabin is what VW is calling Atmospheres. Similar to the latest Mini's Experiences feature, Atmospheres adjust the ambient lighting (10-color as standard, 30 optional) and audio settings for what VW calls a "harmonious blend of sight and sound." There are five settings as standard—Joy, Nature, Energetic, Minimal, and Me—plus a custom setting.

Available features include a head-up display, tri-zone automatic climate control, 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, power tailgate, heated rear outboard seats, and 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage and ventilation.

Under the hood the Tiguan will continue to solely employ a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder in our markets. Power is up from 184 to 201 horsepower, however. Despite the hike, Volkswagen believes efficiencies in the powertrain and the aforementioned weight loss will contribute to improved EPA economy figures. There is no mention of the plug-in hybrid powertrain available across the Atlantic.

Volkswagen will announce availability and pricing details closer to the launch of the 2025 Tiguan.

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