For 2025, Volkswagen will be bringing out the third generation Tiguan, their entry into the bloodthirsty segment that is the compact SUV category. The folks at Ingolstadt came to the conclusion that a mere evolutionary update will not cut it, as the 2025 Tiguan sits on a new platform, new bodywork and sprightlier powertrain.

The Major Changes

The outgoing Tiguan is built on Volkswagen’s MQB A2 platform, underpinnings that are shared with the second-gen Audi Q3 and first-gen Skoda Kodiaq.

The 2025 model has been moved to the MQB Evo platform that is shared with the current Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3. Compared to its predecessor, the new Tiguan is longer overall, thanks to increasing the wheelbase length, and lighter, as the exterior construction and choice of platform has let them drop over 70 kg.

Why fix what’s not broken?

The new Tiguan is set to come with the trusty 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that has been doing service in many models across the VW portfolio, including the outgoing Tiguan. However, the engineers have managed to squeeze a few more ponies out of this powerplant, now making 201 hp.

Given that the 2025 Tiguan shares the same platform as the present Golf, driving dynamics should also be improved, assisted by the aluminium suspension components, and high strength steel in the body panels. Volkswagen claim better fuel economy in this iteration of the turbo four-pot, which can be attributed to the overall lighter design of the new model.

Inside and Out the New Tiguan

The styling of the new generation model is tasteful, to say the least. Keeping in line with the VW ethos of design, the Tiguan employs a sleeker, sharper design language. Up front, we have an LED strip running between the two headlamps, akin to the Golf, and at the back, we have a light bar running across from end to end. In the R-Line trim especially, the Tiguan sports an aggressive and athletic persona styling-wise.

Getting inside the Tiguan, the overall design is quite straightforward and elegant. Quality materials and sensible, strategic placement of interactive components elevate the experience in the cabin. A 10.25” Digital Cockpit Pro system comes standard, as does a 12.9” infotainment screen and wireless charger. Higher trims get the optional 15” screen. Other options include a power tailgate, 12-way power seats with heating, massage and ventilation, customizable ambient lighting, heated steering wheel, etc.

What’s the Catch?

The outgoing Tiguan is offered as a 3-row, 7-seater vehicle in the US market, while other markets get the 2-row, 5-seater model as standard, with the 3-row being an option.

For the 2025 model year in North America, the Tiguan is strictly a 2-row compact SUV. While this certainly discourages buyers who want a smaller SUV that can seat 7, the new model being longer does translate to a richer, more spacious experience in the cabin. 

Verdict

The new Tiguan is a complete overhaul of the outgoing model – everything has been changed out for something better, or has been improved enough to justify retaining it. While the target demographic might be a little different from the last generation, VW has come up with a success formula built on the principles of clean design, robust performance, intuitive tech and sprightly driving dynamics, and that is the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan.