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Volvo: Safety Beyond the Star Ratings2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Review
Check out our comprehensive review of the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan for details on the cabin, technology, amenities, and safety of this mid-size SUV.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan – vw.com| Shop 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan?
Volkswagen has completely redesigned its best-selling Tiguan crossover to kick off third-generation production. Changes versus the 2024 Tiguan start with a new platform that is shared with the VW GTI hot hatch, an extra inch of length, a fresh face, and updated exterior illumination.
Under the hood, the boosted four-cylinder engine gains 17 horsepower and the Tiguan shaves 170 pounds in curb weight versus the prior generation. All new Tiguans now benefit from larger infotainment displays, added airbags, higher-end cabin materials, and a longer list of advanced driver aids. However, the 2025 Tiguan is now strictly a 5-seater as the previously available third row has been discontinued.
Carsforsale.com Score
9/10
Powertrain
Score
8.5/10
Interior
Score
8.75/10
Technology
Score
8.5/10
Value
Score
8/10
The Breakdown
Clean, modern styling
Ample standard features
Relatively fuel efficient
Air suspension creates a nice ride
Lack of a third-row option
No hybrid or high-performance engine
Best content locked behind top model
The Tiguan looks better than ever
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Specs
- 201 horsepower from base engine
- 207 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 26.5 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 58.9 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- 10 standard airbags
- Available Harmon Kardon 12 speaker sound system
- 2 years complimentary maintenance
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Powertrain 8.5/10
Every new Tiguan comes with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated for 201 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Opting for AWD, which adds $1,500 to most models except the SEL R-Line on which it comes standard, bumps the torque figure to 221. An 8-speed automatic handles shifting duty and though VW does not offer a hybrid option, the 2025 Tiguan performs admirably on the fuel efficiency front.
With the FWD layout, the Tiguan comes in at 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. That’s right on par with a base Ford Escape, that we compare to the Tiguan here, and it’s less powerful three-cylinder engine. Adding AWD brings those numbers down to 22, 30, and 25, respectively. Towing, however, is not the Tiguan’s strong suit with a 1,500-pound rating for FWD models and 1,800 pounds when AWD is fitted.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Interior 8.75/10
Though the Tiguan no longer offers a third row, the cabin has been improved for the remaining two rows. Base models come with a handsome two-tone cloth scheme featuring embossed seat inserts and soft-touch dash and door surfaces. At the top of the range, the SEL R-Line is leather-lined with premium looking dark brown and black surfaces, plus real wood trim and massaging front seats.
Cargo space measures 58.9 cubic feet with the back seat folded down and 26.5 cubic feet when that row is upright. Legroom for second-row passengers comes in at 40 inches and dual-zone automatic climate control is standard. Niceties like a panoramic moonroof show up on the SE R-Line Black, while an acoustic laminated windshield and heated rear seats arrive on the SEL R-Line.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Technology Features 8.5/10
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan comes standard with an all-digital 10.25” gauge cluster and a 12.9” central touchscreen. Wireless smartphone integration is also included along with a Wi-Fi hotspot. There is an available 15” central display and Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system, but it requires stepping up to the nearly $40,000 SEL R-Line.
On the safety side of the Tiguan house, VW adds 4 more airbags this year for a total of 10 and the standard IQ.DRIVE bundle of advanced safety nets is loaded with forward collision mitigation, a lane-keeping system, blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a hands-on semi-automated driving system. Neither the NHTSA nor IIHS has tested the 2025 Tiguan, but last year’s model earned 4 stars overall from the NHTSA and top marks in all crashworthiness protocols from the IIHS.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Trims & Pricing
S – $29,495
In base S trim, the new Tiguan comes with 17” wheels, adaptive LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and heated washer nozzles. Cabin content includes heated front seats, fabric upholstery, dual USB ports for both rows of seating, a wireless phone charging pad, and a 7-speaker stereo.
SE – $32,295
Stepping up to the SE brings 19” rims, a power-operated liftgate, and remote engine start. Inside, there is ambient lighting with 10 colors, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, V-Tex leatherette, and the Atmospheres mood selection tech.
SE R-Line Black – $35,455
SE R-Line Black models live up to the name with 20” black wheels, a full complement of black trim inside and out, plus available two-tone paint. These models also come with a panoramic moonroof, head-up display, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror.
SEL R-Line – $39,755
In range-topping SEL R-Line guise, the 2025 Tiguan is loaded with 20” wheels, AWD, a hands-free liftgate, front and rear light bars with illuminated badging, and the R-Line appearance bits. The interior features massaging and ventilated front seats, heated rears and steering wheel, leather upholstery, a 15” display, self-parking, and a Harman Kardon audio system.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Overall Value 8/10
Though it is the priciest model, the 2025 VW Tiguan SEL R-Line is worth stretching for. The price point is around that of a Hyundai Tucson Limited, but the Tiguan has unusually high-end content for this segment like multi-point massaging seats and genuine wood trim. However, Hyundai has Volkswagen beat on the warranty front with its 10-year powertrain warranty and 3 years of complimentary maintenance. VW includes basic and powertrain coverage under its 4-year bumper-to-bumper term along with 2 years of free service.
Carsforsale.com Overall Score 9/10
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan – vw.com| Shop 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan on Carsforsale.com
The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s best-selling model, so a comprehensive redesign like this is an exercise fraught with opportunity for missing the mark. Fortunately, it appears the German automaker has done just the opposite with its all-new third-generation SUV.
The lack of a third row is the biggest flaw, but that’s what the Atlas is for. Handsome new lines outside and a healthy dose of standard tech make for a compelling package at a reasonable price. Plus, the updated cabin looks properly premium from the base model up through the top-spec version. Certainly, the Tiguan would make for a nice road-trip vehicle, especially with those available massaging seats.
FAQ’s About the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
Is the Tiguan 4WD?
No, the Tiguan is a front-wheel drive crossover with available all-wheel drive.
Where is the Tiguan built?
The Tiguan for US customers is built at VW’s plant in Mexico.
What is the top-of-the-line Tiguan?
The roughly $40,000 SEL R-Line is the range-topping 2025 Tiguan.
