Overview
Adding some much-needed European flair to the crowded compact SUV segment is the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The third-generation model is coming to the U.S. soon, as a version of it has already been revealed in Europe. The Tiguan grows longer than its predecessor, which means additional rear cargo space. The most dramatic update is the inclusion of a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The new Tiguan features a similar suspension and platform as the current GTI hatchback, which could make the Tiguan an especially fun crossover to pilot. We’ll update this story with pricing, specs, and photos of the new Tiguan as information becomes available. The Tiguan competes directly against other recently freshened crossovers such as the Honda CR-V, the Mazda CX-50, and the Kia Sportage.
What’s New for 2025?
The third-generation Tiguan is set to arrive for the 2025 model year. While VW has unveiled the new Tiguan for Europe, we don’t have all the details on the version coming to North America. What we know for sure, is that the new Tiguan will ride on VW’s MQB Evo platform which also underpins the GTI hatchback and the Audi A3. The next-generation Tiguan will offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain that VW claims can travel as far as 62 miles in electric-only mode. A fully revamped interior and exterior are featured on the new Tiguan, with more specific details to be announced sometime in 2024.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
A new exterior and fresh interior bless the third-generation Tiguan, and despite its growth over the outgoing model, we don’t think pricing will be too dramatically different than the outgoing Tig. Using another compact crossover PHEV as reference, such as the Kia Sportage X Line PHEV, we think the Tiguan PHEV will sit at the top of the Tiguan range, starting at a price of $40,000 or more.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Details surrounding the powertrain of the new Tiguan, at least for the U.S market, are still closely guarded, but we expect a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine to serve as the base powerplant, with an optional and more powerful plug-in hybrid option. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is likely to handle gear shifts for both engine options. The last-generation Tiguan used a 184-hp turbocharged 2.9-liter inline-four with 221 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive was standard, but all-wheel drive was optional. When we tested the older Tiguan, it accelerated to 60 mph in a patient 9.1 seconds. We expect the new Tiguan to show more of an effort in performance, especially in terms of highway passing strength. We’ll update this space after we’ve given the 2025 Tiguan for a drive.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The added length of the new Tiguan makes for a more practical compact crossover. The additional cargo space is a huge plus, and the Tiguan is likely to remain as one of the few options in this growing crossover segment to offer a third row. The new Tiguan has available power-adjustable massaging seats and its gear selector is now located on the steering column, which gives the center console area more space than before. The second-row seats are a 60/40 split, which allows either one or two seats to remain available for passengers when additional cargo space is needed. We
Infotainment and Connectivity
The new Tiguan gets a 15.0-inch infotainment touchscreen that serves as the command center for nearly all climate and entertainment functions. We wouldn’t be surprised to see VW use the 12.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as the base or standard equipment unit for the new Tiguan.
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Towing and Payload Capacity
- Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
- Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
