VW’s Tiguan SUV option makes great case for moderation

VOLKSWAGEN

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan nestles between the smaller Taos and much larger Atlas in the automaker's SUV lineup.

Volkswagen’s Tiguan sits between the smaller Taos and the much larger Atlas, giving the buying public a kind of midsize, seven-seat option in a smaller package – really smaller. 

The third row of seats was good for packages and small kids. For 2025, the Tiguan is bigger, but the third-row option has been dropped. The all-new Tiguan makes much more sense fir five people and their stuff.

There still isn’t a lot of room for the stuff but it’s decent. There is no useless third row to fold down so that’s a plus.

The second-row occupants will appreciate the extra breathing room. Three can sit comfortably with enough hip, head and leg room. It’s comfortable but I like the seats in front the best.

Everything about the Tiguan is new, or, at least refreshed. The exterior looks more muscular with a much different grille. The SUV looks less like a bloated Jetta and more like a proper SUV.

The interior gets a nice upgrade with a 10.25-inch digital dash and a 12.9-inch touch screen. Both have snappy graphics and are bright and easy to read. The touch screen works much like the rest of VW’s lineup which means it has a few quirks. Overall, the touch screen is useful and has more right than wrong.

The interior is comfortable. The base model gets cloth seats, but you can get fake leather in the SE and the real stuff in the SEL. The front seats are comfortable and have enough adjustments for the driver to find a perfect position. The steering wheel can be heated and leather covered.

The Tiguan is powered by a 2.0-liter, turbo-charged engine that makes 201 horsepower and 207 pounds-feet of torque. If you go for all-wheel-drive (available on all models) torque is bumped to 221 foot-pounds. The only available transmission is an eight-speed automatic. There is no hybrid version so far.

The 2.0-liter engine is stout enough to make the Tiguan feel powerful. You can zip and zag through traffic with little problem. The eight-speed transmission is also up to snuff. It selects gears quickly and precisely. I didn’t experience any hunting for the right gear.

The four-wheel independent suspension soaks up most of the bad stuff you run across. The Tiguan delivers a firm, but smooth ride. It’s handling capabilities are good for a compact SUV. There is body roll when cornering, but

I’d still call the vehicle sporty. Curvy roads don’t intimidate the Tiguan and that’s a good thing.

The Tiguan’s ride is pretty quiet for a small SUV. There is wind and tire noise but not enough to spoil the party. You can hold a conversation without shouting even traveling at highway speeds.

The current Tiguan is far better than the model it replaces. Volkswagen continues to improve it fleet with models that engage the driver and look good in the process. There is a lot of standard stuff on the base S which starts at $30,245. 

The SE may be the best deal but if you want everything there is to have, the SEL-R Line will give you that at $40,505.

Yes, that’s a lot, but it’s the price you pay for wanting it all.

Pros:

• All new for 2025

• Better looking exterior 

• Spacious interior 

• Good engine/transmission combo

• Comfortable ride

• Quiet on highway

• Copious amount of standard equipment

• AWD available on all trims

Cons:

• No hybrid

• Pricey

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