Clean European Styling That Will Stand the Test of Time
The European design of the Volkswagen Tiguan has hit the mark with Americans as it is the best-selling Volkswagen. Size-wise, the all-new 2025 Tiguan has shorter overhangs that offers more interior space and slots it in as a compact SUV. These factors, plus improved fuel economy, driving comfort, and a full suite of driver safety technology, makes it a must-see when SUV shopping.
Really all-new
Volkswagen invited automotive journalists to Bozeman, Montana, for the first drives of the 2025 Tiguan. The third generation Tiguan performed well through the surrounding mountains with elevations near 9,000 feet. Much of our time behind the wheel was in light rain, making for a good test of the Tiguan’s performance, handling and braking. The conditions were important, since Volkswagen warned us to aware of blind crests, tight corners and elk on the roadway. We heeded with rapt attention.
The “all-new” designation of a model by auto manufacturers sometimes needs to be scrutinized for hyperbole but, in the case of the Tiguan, Volkswagen didn’t stray far from the standard.
For 2025 the Tiguan gets a more powerful engine with better fuel economy than its predecessor, a new platform underneath it all, a new body design, a new interior with more premium materials and an available 15-inch infotainment touch screen.
Our first look–before we got it dirty
Turbo Power+AWD
The Tiguan 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder puts out 201 horsepower (up from 184) and 207 pound-feet of torque for the front-wheel drive (FWD) or 221 pound-feet of torque for the all-wheel drive (AWD). Paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the 4Motion permanent all-wheel-drive system is engineered to eliminate wheel spin under almost all conditions. It automatically decouples the rear wheels when the driving load and conditions don’t require the additional traction, saving fuel. But when necessary, in fractions of seconds, the 4Motion system engages the rear wheels for seamless and instant needed traction. More on this later.
EPA fuel economy is 22 mpg city/30 highway/25 combined, which are all improvements over the outgoing Tiguan. When Clean Fleet Report has the Tiguan for a week or more, we will report on real world fuel economy.
The big news from Volkswagen is “hybrids are coming,” which will significantly improve fuel economy and efficiency. No timeline or which models will be getting electrification was proffered, but it was confirmed by Dr. Kjell Gruner, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, at the 2025 New York International Auto Show. What Volkswagen did show in New York was the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo that will come with a more powerful turbocharged engine.
Driving Experience: On and Off-Road
Before heading out, we spoke with Melinda Godec, Tiguan product manager, on what we were about to experience. She told us: “Volkswagen is selling the Tiguan to families,” which was helpful as it set our driving expectations. Our take is empty nesters, singles or families with up to two small children will be very comfortable owning the Tiguan.
Departing the Bozeman Kimpton Armory Hotel, we drove about 120 miles in the top trim 2025 Tiguan SEL R-Line 4Motion. The Tiguan handled with a responsiveness that required little driver exertion with smooth and linear acceleration. The Tiguan 4Motion has four driver selectable drive modes—Eco, Normal, Sport and Custom. There are also settings for Snow, Off Road and Off Road Custom, which are more traction options than found on most compact SUVs. Eco is best for maximizing fuel economy when on the open road, but Sport gives the Tiguan more spirit by changing the transmission shift points, the throttle response and steering sensitivity.
The 4Motion system improves the handling even in normal and dry conditions. The balance is properly placed so body roll or pitching from side-to-side during aggressive turns is manageable. The Tiguan is not a sports SUV, nor is Volkswagen marketing it as such, and we don’t recommend making a habit of attacking twisties.
Good grip with a smooth, quiet highway ride came from the 255/40 Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires on 20-inch alloy wheels. Option wheels are 17-, 18- and 19-inch. The power-assisted front vented and rear solid discs, with anti-lock brakes, stopped the 3,801-pound Tiguan straight without brake fade. Electronic stability control is standard.
The front suspension is strut-type with coil springs, with multi-link and coil springs in the rear and anti-roll bars all the way around. The rack and pinion electric power steering was accurate, but a bit light, which is why we spent most of our time in the Sport drive mode.
The calendar said mid-May, but it was cold and even snowed a bit at the higher elevations when we at the Tiguan media drive. Seeing as the Tiguan 4Motion had drive modes for Off Road and Snow, we figured why not find someplace to use them. Bridger Bowl ski mountain is 16 miles outside of Bozeman in the Gallatin National Forest. The slopes were closed for the season, but the forest service roads were open, which allowed some testing of the two drive modes. The Tiguan 4Motion is not designed for rock crawling, but certainly can take you into the wild for some fun dirt and gravel road adventuring.
Evidence of how much fun we had
Driving Experience: Exterior
The 2025 Tiguan redesign, with a 109.9-inch wheelbase and seven inches of ground clearance, has short front and rear overhangs, continues Volkswagen’s tradition of clean, contemporary styling. Clean Fleet Report was in the Tiguan SEL R-Line painted in Sandstone Gray, which is one of eight exterior colors, including Pure White, Opal White, Pyrite Silver, Platinum Gray, Avocado Green, Monterey Blue or Deep Black Pearl.
The bright work on the roof rack, the lower front and rear fascias and the strip that surrounds the windows is simple and not overdone. The slim front LED strip with automatic LED headlights and daytime running lights, is becoming a signature front-end look for Volkswagen. The adaptive front lighting system incorporates swivel-mounted headlights that move based on the steering angle and vehicle speed. This technology is very helpful by illuminating the road when turning a corner.
The smooth sides have body color power folding and heated mirrors. The roof has a large power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, rack rails, a shark fin antenna and an integrated spoiler over the hands-free power lift gate that also has a LED strip connecting the tail lights. While badging is at a minimum to not distract from the overall design, a distinctive ‘R’ indicating this is the top-of-the-line R-Line, can be found on each of the front doors, with subtle SEL and 4MOTION badging on the lift gate.
Driving Experience: Interior
The 2025 Tiguan’s neat and tidy interior has a clean and thoughtful look. The premium feeling is reflected in the fit and finish. Nothing trendy or quirky is going on, just practicality. Clean Fleet Report’s Tiguan SEL R-Line had quilted Amber Brown Varenna leather seats with the 8-way power adjustable fronts getting 10-way power massage, ventilation and heat. American Walnut is an upscale touch on the dash.
Note: Varenna is a high-quality leather used on portfolios and hand bags. Known for its rich texture and durability, Volkswagen has opted to use it to bring a serious upgrade to its interiors. Other interior options are cloth made from bamboo yarn and CloudTex, a perforated leatherette. My road trip passenger and I found the front seats to be comfortable. Separating the front seats is a center console with cup holders and an ample storage area. The Tiguan SEL R-Line 4Motion second row (heated outbound seats) has excellent space for two adults, three in a pinch. The second row folds 60:40 for additional rear cargo storage.
The 10.5-inch Digital Cockpit Pro screen, with white numbers on a black background, can be configured for a choice of vehicle information. The configurable head-up display is projected on the windshield. The centerpiece of the dash is the 15-inch (12.9-inch is standard) color touchscreen housing a Harmon Kardon audio system that delivered deep, full, crisp tones for the AM/FM/HD radio with MP3 playback, SiriusXM and Bluetooth for telephone and streaming music. There are USB-C data ports up front and charge ports for the second row. Volkswagen’s VW CarNet connected car technology provides a seamless link for the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 30 ambient color settings and “Atmospheres” combine interior lightning and audio settings. Make sure to have the dealer representative walk you through this relaxing feature.
Interior conveniences, standard or optional, include wireless phone charging, rain sensing windshield wipers, power windows, remote engine start with keyless access and a heated multi-function steering wheel with audio and telephone controls and adaptive cruise control.
Pricing
The 2025 Tiguan is available in four trims and two drive systems. These are the base prices, including the $1,425 destination charge.
S – FWD $30,920
S – 4Motion $32,420
SE – FWD $33,720
SE – 4Motion $35,220
SE R-Line Black – FWD $36,880
SE R-Line Black – 4Motion $38,420
SEL R-Line – 4Motion $41,180
Warranties
The 2025 Tiguan comes with these warranties:
New Vehicle – Four years/50,000 miles
Powertrain – Four years/50,000 miles
Corrosion Perforation – Seven years/100,000 miles
24-Hour Roadside Assistance – Three years/36,000 miles
Scheduled Maintenance – Two years/20,000 miles
Observations: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is easy to drive. You won’t be disappointed if you are looking for a compact SUV that is roomy, has a quiet ride, and is fully-equipped with a nicely appointed interior. The classic European design will age gracefully, and the inviting entry price is appealing.
Melinda Godec, the Tiguan product manager, told us: “There are some people that only know Volkswagen as the Bus and Beetle brand, which means they are not aware of the newer and more modern products we have. Then we have people that think, being European, we are expensive and out of their price range. People won’t shop what they think they can’t afford, which just isn’t the case with Tiguan.”
This means you should doing your homework before visiting your local Volkswagen dealer. Comparing the features and performance of key competitors like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester and the Toyota RAV4 will prepare you to find the exact Tiguan that is right for your lifestyle. Request an extra-long test drive where you can see which 2025 Tiguan suits your commuting, around-town family needs, and maybe your adventurous side of trekking through the back country.
Late snow–and rain
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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Volkswagen.
[See image gallery at cleanfleetreport.com]
Disclosure
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and other efficient powertrains. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
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