The 2025 VW Tiguan is new from the wheels up, and should you weren’t already taking it severely within the crowded compact SUV section, now’s the time. Whereas it is probably not the flashiest nameplate within the lot, the 2025 Tiguan makes a convincing argument for itself with a refined inside, a easy, snug trip, and premium options that outclass the competitors.
The newest iteration of the Tiguan affords a assured and cozy trip, and a really premium really feel for its value. The sporty R-Line trim has a mesh grill up entrance, together with eye-catching illuminated VW badges up entrance and in again. It rolls on sporty 20-inch R-Line wheels, wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Zero all-season efficiency tires.
The Tiguan R-Line is offered with considered one of two engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. of torque or one with 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. An 8-speed automated transmission delivers easy shifts. We discovered the bottom engine we examined supplied ample acceleration and passing energy, although it’s kind of noisy warming up from a chilly begin. Gas financial system is cheap with an EPA-combined 25 mpg. Sadly, there is no Tiguan Hybrid accessible within the U.S. at the moment should you’re searching for higher gasoline effectivity.
The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system supplies assured dealing with in inclimate climate. The suspension system is tuned for on a regular basis consolation, and affords a easy trip over potholes and velocity bumps. Sport mode provides a little bit of added punch by altering throttle mapping and steering weight. We like Tiguan’s trendy shift lever setup — a easy column-mounted lever with intuitive ahead, reverse, and park capabilities.
The brand new Tiguan’s cabin surprises and delights. It is well-insulated from highway noise and vibrations, and the R-Line’s use of premium supplies actually makes it really feel upscale. You get actual leather-based seats and stitched leather-based trim all through the cabin. There is a good-looking embossed hexagon sample on the seats. The D-shaped steering wheel and aluminum pedals provides a sporty contact, and the dashboard is trimmed with a convincing fake woodgrain. Additionally notable is the middle management dial, which has a spherical digital show and capabilities as a quantity management, drive mode and atmosphere mode selector in a single.
Not solely are the entrance seats snug and supportive, they provide warmth, air flow, and therapeutic massage capabilities — one thing you do not usually get in a automotive at this value level. The therapeutic massage characteristic is great, providing a stronger and extra refreshing contact than techniques we have examined in costly luxurious autos, and it supplies a number of selectable modes to focus on totally different components of your again. Overhead, there is a panoramic moonroof with a touch-based management to open and shut its shade.
At evening, the Tiguan’s inside actually involves life, with a sturdy ambient lighting system that provides a splash of coloration all through the cabin. Not solely do the lights supply selectable colours, however the coloration scheme on the touchscreen and digital instrument change to go together with. VW’s “Atmospheres” system additionally coordinates coloration picks with drive mode and different automobile settings.
Security options embrace adaptive cruise with full velocity stop-and-go capabilities, lane centering, blind spot displays, and automated emergency braking. The freeway driving options labored effectively for us, however one of many security techniques received confused at one level, pondering no driver was current although there was clearly an individual driving behind the wheel. It solely occurred to us as soon as, however was alarming when it occurred, because it tried to gradual the automotive to a full cease in the midst of transferring visitors. Backup and overhead view cameras assist with parking, although picture high quality could possibly be crisper and backup video confirmed some unnatural distortion.
The 15-inch touchscreen is bigger than most, offering crisp visuals and easy accessibility to multimedia controls and automobile settings. The touch-based local weather controls take slightly getting used to, however aren’t unhealthy. The system is quick and responsive and affords wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, each of which labored reliably in our exams. The middle console options among the finest wi-fi charging setups we have seen – a spring-loaded clip that holds cellphone securely in place, making certain good contact. There are additionally two USB-C ports accessible for wired charging.
The rear seats are properly completed in actual leather-based, and the outboard seats have warmth. There are unbiased local weather controls and vents again right here, in addition to two extra USB-C charging ports. The seats fold in a 60/40 break up configuration for cargo dealing with versatility.
Cargo capability is ample, with 58.9 cubic toes of house with the rear seats folded, and 26.5 cubic toes with the seats in use. There is a good flat cargo ground with out obstructions, tie-down factors, and a useful bin on one aspect for carrying smaller gadgets you don’t need rolling round.
We’re actually impressed with the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. It is a refined and trendy trip with a super-comfortable cabin, strong expertise, and all the flexibility you anticipate from a small SUV. Whereas the bottom FWD Tiguan S begins at below $31,000, our well-equipped AWD R-Line stickered at $41,180, together with vacation spot charges. It represents a really sturdy worth within the crowded SUV house and a worthy competitor to vehicles just like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5. Plus, these therapeutic massage seats are simply soooooo good.
