2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Review
byNick YekikianNews Editor
Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the News Editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.
12/19/2023
Overview
The Tiguan is Volkswagen's stalwart two-row crossover SUV. It's spacious and comes with plenty of standard tech, and we like its smooth, quiet ride. However, the Tiguan is also saddled with a number of lackluster powertrains and terribly distracting cabin ergonomics. Luckily, for 2025, a new Tiguan is on its way to potentially remedy those issues.
zzdcar spotlight: It's all-new for 2025!
Yep, for 2025, the Tiguan is new from the wheel nuts up. That means new looks, new interior trimmings and new engine options. Also, as if it's been reading the minds of zzdcar staffers, Volkswagen has gotten rid of the fiddly touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons. The Tiguan also get a set of more distinctive looks on the outside and a much bigger set of displays on the inside.
VW’s reveal of the Euro-market Tiguan showcased a diverse powertrain lineup, including a 48-volt mild hybrid three-cylinder that produces either 126 hp or 145 hp. It seems unlikely the mild hybrid will make its way to the States, but we expect a larger 2.0-liter engine to. In Euro spec, it offers 198 hp or 257 hp, depending on trim, and is paired with front- or all-wheel drive. There is also a plug-in hybrid coming stateside, but we haven't had VW's confirmation on that powertrain's spec.
Competitors to consider
When it does finally land in dealerships, the Tiguan will be the newest car in its class, but that doesn't mean there aren't other just-as-attractive options on the table. The Mazda CX-5 is great to drive, handsome and sports an interior that's always been a cut above the rest of the class. The same is all true for its more rugged counterpart, the CX-50. There is also the Subaru Forester, which offers standard all-wheel drive; the Kia Sorento, which is more rugged and more spacious; and the Honda CR-V, which is considered by many to simply be the default choice in this segment. There are simply no shortage of options in what is an extremely competitive segment.
zzdcar says
We'll wait to get behind the wheel of the new Tiguan to render a final verdict, but we're liking what we're seeing so far.