2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Hands-On Preview: Flying First Class

After plenty of teasing—not to mention the launch of its Euro-market version— the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan finally debuted in LA last week.

With similar dimensions, the third-generation model ditches the rare third-row option, while promising more power and better efficiency thanks to a lower curb weight. There’s the expected influx of tech as well, plus tweaked looks outside and—especially—within.

We got to poke around the new middle model of the Volkswagen SUV lineup at LA. Here’s what impressed us most ahead of its launch next year.

More than anything else about the 2025 Tiguan, it’s the interior that deserves attention. Simply put, it might just set a new standard for the segment. The R-Line model on the show floor had sharp-looking caramel leather seats, the former cow also spreading across much of the dashboard and door panels. Actual American walnut runs along the dash, a premium touch pulled from the ID. Buzz. Instead of flat piano black everywhere, the designers have incorporated tasteful light-up patterns. What little of the smudge-happy surface remains is limited just to the center console—and not much, as most of the space is used for cupholders and storage. The new Tiguan moves the shifter up to the column a la Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai, freeing up more usable space.

Another premium touch? The Tiguan has adopted a rotary dial controller for its massive touchscreen. It might be redundant, but that’s just the point; one can refrain from reaching out and tap-tap-tapping on the glass if they’d rather.

Volkswagen has (wisely) tweaked its infotainment setup for Tiguan duty, as well. Even the base model sports a 12.9-inch unit, while upper trims unlock a full 15.0-incher. Based on our limited time with it, it’s more intuitive than before, though there’s still a whole lot of features locked to touchscreen use, like the climate controls and vents. Wireless phone mirroring is standard on all trims. New for this generation is what VW is calling “Atmospheres,” an interior mode selector of sorts that adjusts ambient lighting and audio settings in unison for unique experiences.

Volkswagen will offer just one powertrain for the third-gen Tiguan. The trusty EA888 four-cylinder engine that powers the current model returns, though with a bump in power to 201 horsepower (from 184). Volkswagen didn’t talk transmission at the launch, but there’s no reason to doubt the well-judged eight-speed automatic is going anywhere. Same goes for the available 4Motion all-wheel drive, which will likely be standard in Canada.

Despite the slight bump in power, VW expects the new Tiguan to post better fuel economy figures. A significant 170-pound (77-kilogram) weight reduction is to thank here, although we wouldn’t be surprised if the new shape is slippery too.

While other markets benefit from a plug-in hybrid powertrain, VW is staying mum on North American availability for now.

The Tiguan has been an often-overlooked fighter in the cutthroat compact SUV segment. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either: its mid-pack finish in our 2022 mega-comparison summed the Tiguan up. This new model looks to shake things up, positioning the Tiguan as a premium choice in a segment that, while practical, doesn’t offer a whole lot of fancy. If the driving experience matches the premium feel inside, and the price stays competitive, the Tiguan could challenge the class leaders. We’re excited to find out next year.

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