Remember when Volkswagen, once the “People’s Car” brand, offered a lineup of vehicles that delivered a premium feel without the premium price tag? The US market once boasted the Touareg, which shared its underpinnings with the likes of the Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne, and Lamborghini Urus. The Phaeton, an ultra-luxury sedan, even featured a Bentley engine. Then there was the Passat, a car that often rivaled the Audi A6 in terms of luxury and comfort compared to a more mainstream competitor. Even the Mk5 Jetta GLI and Golf GTI boasted an assembly quality that could easily have earned them an Audi badge. It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact moment Volkswagen seemingly shifted away from this overbuilt approach, but many believe the change occurred around 2011 with the introduction of a less impressive Passat specifically designed for the North American market. Since then, many of the brand’s products have lacked that certain something that made VW vehicles so special in the mid-2000s. However, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan might just signal a return to those values.
CarBuzz recently had the chance to experience the new Tiguan ahead of its U.S. launch, providing an early taste of what’s to come.
What’s Changed For 2025?
One of the complexities of assessing the 2025 Tiguan is understanding that the European model differs significantly from the one destined for the U.S. The European Tiguan has a shorter wheelbase and overall length. Our version will share more characteristics with the Tayron, another VW crossover, which we also drove in Sweden. The Tayron replaces the Tiguan Allspace, the long-wheelbase model that offered the option of a third row. (This third row option will not be available in the US).
This is an all-new generation of the Tiguan, distinguished by different exterior sheet metal, a shorter rear overhang, a longer wheelbase, and a fresh design language. Although the new Tiguan is larger and more spacious, it has shed around 170 pounds compared to the previous model, due to the enhanced use of aluminum in the suspension and high-strength steel in the body.
Exterior Design: A Hint of the Touareg?
The U.S. version of the Tiguan looks similar to the Tayron. VW has refined the Tiguan’s proportions, resulting in a more assertive crossover. The available LED light bar with an illuminated VW logo lends a modern aesthetic, complementing the intricate rear lighting design. The U.S. Tiguan comes standard with 17-inch wheels, with 19-inch and 20-inch wheels available on higher trims.
Interior: Reaching for Audi Luxury
The European and U.S. Tiguan interiors share a similar fundamental layout, but there are subtle variations. Both versions aim for a more premium cabin experience, and available heated and ventilated seats with massage functions are included, a feature not found in any direct competitors. The U.S.-spec model further elevates the interior with American walnut trim and Savona leather. Ambient lighting, available in either 10- or 30-color options depending on the trim level, enhances the sophisticated atmosphere. This interior design makes the Tiguan feel more like a budget-friendly Audi.
A new 12.9-inch infotainment screen is standard, with a 15-inch option available. While the touch-capacitive sliders for the volume and temperature controls could be better, the steering wheel incorporates regular buttons, and VW has added a volume knob that doubles as a drive mode selector. This tactile control offers easy usability and lets you adjust the “Atmospheres,” which control ambient lighting and audio settings.
Powertrain & Driving
The U.S. Tiguan will be available with only one engine: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (EA888). Horsepower has increased from 184 to 201, potentially improving both fuel economy and performance. Torque remains at 221 lb-ft, with an eight-speed automatic transmission as the sole option. The engine sends power to the front wheels or, optionally, to 4Motion all-wheel-drive.
During our tests, we also had the chance to experience a TDI diesel engine in the European Tiguan.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Engine Comparison
The EA888 engine delivers smooth power, though the models we drove were equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, not the eight-speed torque converter that the American market car will use. It feels quicker than the previous Tiguan and offers a pleasant ride.
Hopping behind the wheel of the European Tiguan, we were once again able to experience the TDI diesel engine, which VW discontinued selling in the US nearly a decade ago. The high torque of the diesel four-cylinder provides effortless acceleration.
VW should strongly consider bringing the plug-in hybrid to the U.S., which produces 268 hp along with roughly 62 miles of electric range (around 45 miles on the EPA test cycle).
