The official announcement for the all-new 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan was made on November 20, 2024, but the vehicle itself isn’t expected to hit the streets until mid-year. So, while drivers still have a little while to wait before the release of the 2025 Tiguan, Volkswagen has teased just enough details about the all-new third generation to get drivers across the country excited about its impending release.
When Volkswagen says “all-new,” they really mean it, too. While the Tiguan remains a compact SUV, the third row that was previously available on select models is no longer available at all. For 2025, the Tiguan is a 2-row SUV only. It also straddles the line between a standard production car and a luxury vehicle, with some surprisingly rich design choices, smart engineering updates, and a long list of standard technology. We’ve taken a peek into what Volkswagen has in store for the 2025 Tiguan, and here are some of the things that might also get you excited—or at least curious—about this upcoming model.
Key Elements of Design
To some drivers, a car looks like a car. To the designers who bring these cars to life, there’s far more to it than that. Volkswagen hoped to make the Tiguan look bold and sleek at the same time, which it has achieved by raising the profile of the front end and ensuring the lighting is as powerful from an artistic standpoint as it is from a functional one. Curves around the front fenders and a rear spoiler not only give the Tiguan a more confident, muscular stance, but enhance the vehicle’s aerodynamics and overall performance. Even the wheels of the 2025 Tiguan are entirely new. The initial trims start with a standard 17-inch aluminum alloy wheel, but climbing the trims provides drivers with 19- and even 20-inch wheel options.
But for those who spend a significant amount of their time behind the wheel, the interior of the Tiguan is no disappointment. Dressed in genuine American Walnut wood, complimented by Savona leather or embossed deluxe fabric upholstery, the interior is both good-looking and feels great. Volkswagen has opened up the cabin by moving the gear selector to the steering column, which also makes more room for a larger, soft-touch console. While there’s certainly more to a desirable automobile than good looks, it’s hard to ignore an SUV that stands out this much.
Top of the Line Tech
As the saying goes, looks aren’t everything, but the Tiguan’s exciting appearance is equally matched by its functionality. The Volkswagen Tiguan comes into its new generation with the latest and greatest of everything for a top-of-the-line in-cabin experience. The 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro display has been refreshed for the new model year, as has the 12.9-inch MIB4 infotainment system touchscreen. An enormous 15-inch infotainment screen is optional, along with a Head-Up Display.
The larger center console is home to a few updates, as well. Volkswagen has stashed a dial control for the audio volume here, along with the Drive Mode Select. Drivers of the 2025 Tiguan will also have the option of adding a third control to this panel for a feature called “Atmospheres.” This available feature allows drivers to fine-tune the ambiance of the cabin with coordinated lighting and audio settings. In addition to five preset options, Volkswagen also offers a Custom selection based on a driver’s individual preferences.
If you’re curious about how many different preferences one can have for their lighting and audio settings, bear in mind that a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system can be factory-installed in the 2025 Tiguan. Drivers can also update their SUV with ambient lighting that includes between 10 and 30 colors, depending on the trim selected. The Atmospheres feature, therefore, isn’t just dim lights and low volume, but an entire sonic landscape for the entire interior.
When it comes to standard offerings, Tiguan drivers can expect wireless charging and App-Connect connectivity assistance. The Climatronic Touch system provides automatic climate control to the cabin, which expands to a full three-zone system as you climb the trims. The seat Climatronic maintains an ideal seat temperature for the front-row passengers. Any of these features can be upgraded across the trims and with optional packages, including the addition of a 10-point full back massage function, heated rear outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Upgraded Safety Tech
Safety and driver assistance technology have always been an important part of the overall Volkswagen Tiguan package, but the offerings have been upgraded significantly for the 2025 model year. The IQ.DRIVE Level 2 driver assistance package is standard across the lineup. This includes the type of features we’ve come to expect, like Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring, an Active Blind Spot Monitor, and a Lane Keeping System. It also includes a few features that cross into “nice bonus” territory, such as Adaptive Cruise control with Stop and Go technology, Rear Traffic Alert, and Travel Assist semi-automated driving assistance.
Also standard now on all Tiguan models are Park Distance Control and Exit Warning, which can help in crowded or busy parking areas. Emergency Assist, which provides semi-automated driving assistance during a medical emergency, is also standard. All told, peace of mind is standard with each 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan, along with the convenience of having extra “eyes” helping navigate through crowded city streets, long stretches of highway, and everywhere in between.
Power and Performance
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan has also received some performance and engineering upgrades. While the 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that has powered previous Tiguan models remains the sole power source for the lineup, it has been re-tuned to provide up to 201 hp. This is a significant update compared to the 2024 model and its 184 hp.
Furthermore, the Tiguan has been fully redesigned on Volkswagen’s MQB evo platform. With an increase in wheelbase, a body constructed of high-strength steel, and aluminum components employed in the suspension system, the 2025 Tiguan is actually 170 lbs lighter than the previous model, as well. This means smoother, zippier acceleration and more responsive driving manners. And, while the EPA fuel ratings for the 2025 Tiguan haven’t been released yet, lightweight, more aerodynamic vehicles tend to be a little easier on fuel economy.
Well Worth the Wait
Everything about the 2025 Tiguan may be brand-new, but it is still highly recognizable as the reliable, comfortable SUV that first hit US streets in the 2009 model year. The third-generation exterior redesign has only enhanced the Tiguan’s elegant athleticism.
Inside, the Tiguan is everything today’s driver needs in an SUV. From technology that works for and with the driver to an interior that is designed with comfort in mind, the new design takes carpools, road trips, and even basic errand-running to an entirely new level. Furthermore, drivers will have the opportunity to select from trims and features that enhance time spent behind the wheel, making life far more convenient and even a little extra cozy. Stay tuned for more details about the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan as we approach its upcoming release date—with a teaser like this, we can’t wait for the official unveiling.
