Volkswagen Tiguan 2025: upgraded design, comfort and tech at a better price

Explore the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's new design, premium interior, and updated tech. A standout SUV with advanced features at a competitive price.

The compact SUV segment is one of the fiercest battlegrounds in today’s car market, with juggernauts like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V dominating the charts. But Volkswagen is stepping out of the shadows with the all-new Tiguan, aiming to combine upscale appointments with competitive pricing. Did it succeed? Let’s break it down.

Design Refresh: Audi Vibes at VW Prices

At first glance, the 2025 Tiguan looks sharper, more modern, and unmistakably upscale. A striking LED lightbar connecting the headlights and an illuminated VW badge give the front fascia an almost Audi-esque presence. New color options like avocado green and sandstone add flair, while large 20-inch wheels on higher trims elevate its road stance. A two-tone roof is optional—and worth the modest upgrade.

Interior Comfort That Surprises

Despite a slightly shorter body, the new Tiguan offers more rear legroom—up to 40 inches. Materials impress: real walnut wood trim, ambient lighting, stitched leatherette, and even front seat massage functions (yes, on both seats). The digital cockpit comes standard, with a 10.25-inch gauge cluster and, on upper trims, a head-up display and massive 15-inch infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof add to the upscale atmosphere. Even the entry-level versions pack strong value in comfort and tech.

Performance: Balanced but Not Blazing

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission—a traditional gearbox that stands out in a CVT-heavy segment. Acceleration is smooth but not instant, with some turbo lag off the line. Still, it’s enough for confident merging and daily driving.

However, fuel economy takes a hit. The AWD version gets just 25 MPG combined, well below hybrid rivals. Volkswagen plans to launch a higher-performance turbo and a hybrid variant—both expected after 2026.

Quiet Cabin, Refined Drive

Despite the 20-inch wheels and a firm suspension, interior noise levels remain low—57.5 dB in real-world tests. Ride quality is balanced; it absorbs bumps well enough while maintaining a planted, composed feel. Steering is light, especially in Sport mode, and cornering feels predictable, even if not overtly sporty.

Price and Perspective

Starting at just $29,495, the Tiguan undercuts much of its competition. Even fully loaded, it comes in just over $41,000. Compared to $45,000+ price tags for loaded RAV4s, that’s a strong value proposition. True, the lack of a hybrid option limits its appeal for fuel-conscious buyers—for now. But for those seeking a refined, tech-laden SUV without venturing into luxury-brand pricing, the 2025 Tiguan makes a compelling case.