2025 Volkswagen Tiguan First Drive Review

Now in its third generation, the Volkswagen Tiguan sees some big changes for 2025.

As expected, Volkswagen’s entry in the highly competitive compact crossover segment follows the usual script: different dimensions, more power, increased screen size, and new technology. Perhaps what isn’t expected is its weight loss — it’s dropped 77 kg (170 lb) compared to its predecessor, although that’s because it’s slightly shorter than before.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan rides on the same modular platform that also underpins the sporty Golf GTI of Golf R models, which means more aluminum in the chassis and high-strength steel in the new body. And while it’s shorter than before, cargo space is essentially unchanged while rear-seat passengers head- and legroom — the latter a credit to its longer wheelbase.

Wheels-Up Redesign

The 2025 Tiguan cuts a more striking profile, sitting with a muscular stance while staring onlookers down with slim LED headlights that are connected by an available light bar and illuminated VW logo. The Tiguan’s beltline kicks up over accentuated rear fender bulges, and the black lower bumper treatment around back matches the larger one up front. The wheels are 17-, 18-, or 20 inches in diameter, depending on trim.

The automaker’s ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder gets a 17-hp boost to a total of 201. At 221 lb-ft of torque, that figure remains the same, although Volkswagen claims this revised engine delivers better fuel economy than before. Official estimates are 10.5 L/100 km in the city, 7.8 on the highway, and 9.3 combined. 

The eight-speed automatic transmission carries forward, and all-wheel drive is standard across the 2025 Tiguan lineup that includes the $36,495 Trendline, $39,995 Comfortline, $43,495 Comfortline R-Line Black Edition, and the top-tier Highline at $47,495. (A non-negotiable freight charge of $2,200 applies to each.) That’s about $2,000 more across the board than last year.

Class-Leading Interior

The redesigned cabin leapfrogs the previous effort, looking and feeling exponentially more upscale. It jumps to the head of the class, putting pretty much every competitor in this segment in the rearview. Of note, there isn’t an entirely black interior to be had; instead, it’s all about contrast, premium materials, lightness, and colour.

The gear selector moves to the steering column, freeing up space on the centre console for storage, plus there’s a standard wireless charging pad and a slick illuminated three-way rotary controller: twist for volume, press and twist to scroll the drive modes, and swipe and twist to select Ambient themes (the latter in top Highline trim only).

While there’s more second-row space than before, the previous optional third row is no longer available. That means the only way to get a crossover from Volkswagen with seating for more than five is to step up to the plus-sized Atlas.

Dazzling New Tech

Standard is a 10.25-inch digital instrument display along with a 12.9-inch touchscreen that utilizes VW’s new MIB4 infotainment system. The entry-level Trendline also gets dual-zone climate, a six-speaker stereo, a heated steering wheel, and heated seats trimmed in a cool embossed fabric made partially with recycled wool. Along with a standard suite of safety and driver aids, the 2025 Tiguan gets four additional airbags.

Stepping up to the Comfortline adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a wider exterior colour palette, three interior colour choices, perforated leatherette upholstery, an eight-way power driver’s seat with four-way power lumbar, power tailgate, four 45-watt fast charging USB-C ports (up from two), 10-colour ambient lighting, and a new Atmosphere feature with five presets for curated lighting and audio settings.

The Comfortline R-Line Black Edition features — you guessed it — lots of black trim both inside and out, along with a panoramic sunroof, black 20-inch wheels, a sport steering wheel, and illuminated door handles and sills.

The Best for Last

The range-topping Highline ups the game with a huge 15-inch display, quilted leather upholstery, ventilated and massaging 12-way power front seats, open-pore wood trim, a head-up display, road sign recognition, steering-responsive headlights, chrome window surrounds, tri-zone climate control, a 12-speaker stereo, 30-colour ambient lighting, surround-view cameras, self-parking, heated rear seats, and more.

The new infotainment system is fast, easy to navigate, and, with the plus-sized screen, the touch points for HVAC are big and easy to hit. Volkswagen knows how to do seats, with the chairs in the Highline striking a fine balance of comfort and support. Unusual for this segment, riders can adjust heat level for their backs and butts separately. And the massage functions work quite well, too.

Drives Like A Volkswagen

The Tiguan has always been the one to bring some European flair to this segment, and the slightly more powerful 2025 version continues that trend. It’s a sharper drive than the outgoing version, with accurate steering and the tight body control that’s expected from Volkswagen. Despite the Highline sitting on 20-inch wheels its ride quality is perfectly acceptable, with only sharper impacts causing some cabin jitters.

While paddle shifters are notably absent, they’ll be coming in the sporty 2026 Tiguan Turbo Highline R-Line that also gets boosted to 268 hp. However, this 201-hp version serves up plenty of poke, and on the highway it tracks with a familiar unwavering stability.

Final Thoughts

The importance of the Tiguan can’t be overstated. It’s currently the brand’s biggest selling nameplate worldwide and is essentially keeping the lights on for VW. Not only does it nip at the heels of premium entries, but the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan also sidesteps the endless options and packages that can add to the asking price.