Clear European Styling That Will Stand the Check of Time
The European design of the Volkswagen Tiguan has hit the mark with People as it’s the best-selling Volkswagen. Dimension-wise, the all-new 2025 Tiguan has shorter overhangs that gives extra inside house and slots it in as a compact SUV. These components, plus improved gasoline economic system, driving consolation, and a full suite of driver security know-how, makes it a must-see when SUV purchasing.
Volkswagen invited automotive journalists to Bozeman, Montana, for the primary drives of the 2025 Tiguan. The third technology Tiguan carried out properly by means of the encircling mountains with elevations close to 9,000 toes. A lot of our time behind the wheel was in mild rain, making for a superb take a look at of the Tiguan’s efficiency, dealing with and braking. The circumstances have been essential, since Volkswagen warned us to conscious of blind crests, tight corners and elk on the roadway. We heeded with rapt consideration.
The “all-new” designation of a mannequin by auto producers typically must be scrutinized for hyperbole however, within the case of the Tiguan, Volkswagen didn’t stray removed from the usual.
For 2025 the Tiguan will get a extra highly effective engine with higher gasoline economic system than its predecessor, a brand new platform beneath all of it, a brand new physique design, a brand new inside with extra premium supplies and an accessible 15-inch infotainment contact display.
Turbo Energy+AWD
The Tiguan 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder places 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 automated transmission, the 4Motion everlasting all-wheel-drive system is engineered to remove wheel spin beneath virtually all circumstances. It routinely decouples the rear wheels when the driving load and circumstances don’t require the extra traction, saving gasoline. However when mandatory, in fractions of seconds, the 4Motion system engages the rear wheels for seamless and immediate wanted traction. Extra on this later.
EPA gasoline economic system is 22 mpg metropolis/30 freeway/25 mixed, that are all enhancements over the outgoing Tiguan. When Clear Fleet Report has the Tiguan for every week or extra, we are going to report on actual world gasoline economic system.
The massive information from Volkswagen is “hybrids are coming,” which is able to considerably enhance gasoline economic system and effectivity. No timeline or which fashions can be getting electrification was proffered, nevertheless it was confirmed by Dr. Kjell Gruner, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, on the 2025 New York Worldwide Auto Present. What Volkswagen did present in New York was the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo that can include a extra highly effective turbocharged engine.
Driving Expertise: On and Off-Highway
Earlier than heading out, we spoke with Melinda Godec, Tiguan product supervisor, on what we have been about to expertise. She advised us: “Volkswagen is promoting the Tiguan to households,” which was useful because it set our driving expectations. Our take is empty nesters, singles or households with as much as two young children can be very snug proudly owning the Tiguan.
Departing the Bozeman Kimpton Armory Resortwe drove about 120 miles within the high trim 2025 Tiguan SEL R-Line 4Motion. The Tiguan dealt with with a responsiveness that required little driver exertion with easy and linear acceleration. The Tiguan 4Motion has 4 driver selectable drive modes—Eco, Regular, Sport and Customized. There are additionally settings for Snow, Off Highway and Off Highway Customized, that are extra traction choices than discovered on most compact SUVs. Eco is greatest for maximizing gasoline economic system when on the open highway, however Sport provides the Tiguan extra spirit by altering the transmission shift factors, the throttle response and steering sensitivity.
The 4Motion system improves the dealing with even in regular and dry circumstances. The steadiness is correctly positioned so physique roll or pitching from side-to-side throughout aggressive turns is manageable. The Tiguan will not be a sports activities SUV, neither is Volkswagen advertising and marketing it as such, and we don’t suggest making a behavior of attacking twisties.
Good grip with a easy, quiet freeway experience got here from the 255/40 Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires on 20-inch alloy wheels. Choice wheels are 17-, 18- and 19-inch. The ability-assisted entrance vented and rear strong discs, with anti-lock brakes, stopped the three,801-pound Tiguan straight with out brake fade. Digital stability management is commonplace.
The entrance suspension is strut-type with coil springs, with multi-link and coil springs within the rear and anti-roll bars all the way in which round. The rack and pinion electrical energy steering was correct, however a bit mild, which is why we spent most of our time within the Sport drive mode.
The calendar stated mid-Might, nevertheless it was chilly and even snowed a bit on the increased elevations once we on the Tiguan media drive. Seeing because the Tiguan 4Motion had drive modes for Off Highway and Snow, we figured why not discover someplace to make use of them. Bridger Bowl ski mountain is 16 miles exterior of Bozeman within the Gallatin Nationwide Forest. The slopes have been closed for the season, however the forest service roads have been open, which allowed some testing of the 2 drive modes. The Tiguan 4Motion will not be designed for rock crawling, however actually can take you into the wild for some enjoyable filth and gravel highway adventuring.
Driving Expertise: Exterior
The 2025 Tiguan redesign, with a 109.9-inch wheelbase and 7 inches of floor clearance, has brief entrance and rear overhangs, continues Volkswagen’s custom of unpolluted, modern styling. Clear Fleet Report was within the Tiguan SEL R-Line painted in Sandstone Grey, which is certainly one of eight exterior colours, together with Pure White, Opal White, Pyrite Silver, Platinum Grey, Avocado Inexperienced, Monterey Blue or Deep Black Pearl.
The intense work on the roof rack, the decrease entrance and rear fascias and the strip that surrounds the home windows is straightforward and never overdone. The slim entrance LED strip with automated LED headlights and daytime operating lights, is changing into a signature front-end search for Volkswagen. The adaptive entrance lighting system incorporates swivel-mounted headlights that transfer based mostly on the steering angle and automobile pace. This know-how may be very useful by illuminating the highway when turning a nook.
The sleek sides have physique shade energy folding and heated mirrors. The roof has a big energy tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, rack rails, a shark fin antenna and an built-in spoiler over the hands-free energy elevate gate that additionally has a LED strip connecting the tail lights. Whereas badging is at a minimal to not distract from the general design, a particular ‘R’ indicating that is the top-of-the-line R-Line, will be discovered on every of the entrance doorways, with refined SEL and 4MOTION badging on the elevate gate.
Driving Expertise: Inside
The 2025 Tiguan’s neat and tidy inside has a clear and considerate look. The premium feeling is mirrored within the match and end. Nothing stylish or quirky is occurring, simply practicality. Clear Fleet Report’s Tiguan SEL R-Line had quilted Amber Brown Varenna leather-based seats with the 8-way energy adjustable fronts getting 10-way energy therapeutic massage, air flow and warmth. American Walnut is an upscale contact on the sprint.
Notice: Varenna is a high-quality leather-based used on portfolios and hand luggage. Identified for its wealthy texture and sturdiness, Volkswagen has opted to make use of it to carry a critical improve to its interiors. Different inside choices are fabric produced from bamboo yarn and CloudTex, a perforated leatherette. My highway journey passenger and I discovered the entrance seats to be snug. Separating the entrance seats is a middle console with cup holders and an ample storage space. The Tiguan SEL R-Line 4Motion second row (heated outbound seats) has wonderful house for 2 adults, three in a pinch. The second row folds 60:40 for extra rear cargo storage.
The ten.5-inch Digital Cockpit Professional display, with white numbers on a black background, will be configured for a selection of auto data. The configurable head-up show is projected on the windshield. The centerpiece of the sprint is the 15-inch (12.9-inch is commonplace) shade 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 phone and streaming music. There are USB-C knowledge ports up entrance and cost ports for the second row. Volkswagen’s VW CarNet related automobile know-how supplies a seamless hyperlink for the wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 30 ambient shade settings and “Atmospheres” mix inside lightning and audio settings. Be certain to have the seller consultant stroll you thru this enjoyable characteristic.
Inside conveniences, commonplace or optionally available, embody wi-fi cellphone charging, rain sensing windshield wipers, energy home windows, distant engine begin with keyless entry and a heated multi-function steering wheel with audio and phone controls and adaptive cruise management.
Pricing
The 2025 Tiguan is out there in 4 trims and two drive techniques. These are the bottom costs, together with the $1,425 vacation spot cost.
- S – FWD $30,920
- S – 4Motion $32,420
- SE – FWD $ 33,720
- View – 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 Car – 4 years/50,000 miles
- Powertrain – 4 years/50,000 miles
- Corrosion Perforation – Seven years/100,000 miles
- 24-Hour Roadside Help – Three years/36,000 miles
- Scheduled Upkeep – Two years/20,000 miles
Observations: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is straightforward to drive. You received’t be upset in case you are in search of a compact SUV that’s roomy, has a quiet experience, and is fully-equipped with a properly appointed inside. The traditional European design will age gracefully, and the inviting entry value is interesting.
Melinda Godec, the Tiguan product supervisor, advised us: “There are some folks that solely know Volkswagen because the Bus and Beetle model, which implies they don’t seem to be conscious of the newer and extra fashionable merchandise we’ve got. Then we’ve got folks that suppose, being European, we’re costly and out of their value vary. Folks received’t store what they suppose they will’t afford, which simply isn’t the case with Tiguan.”
This implies you must doing all of your homework earlier than visiting your native Volkswagen seller. Evaluating the options and efficiency of key opponents just like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester and the Toyota RAV4 will put together you to search out the precise Tiguan that’s proper to your way of life. Request an extra-long take a look at drive the place you may see which 2025 Tiguan fits your commuting, around-town household wants, and perhaps your adventurous aspect of trekking by means of the again nation.
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Story by John Faulkner. Photographs by John Faulkner and Volkswagen.
Disclosure
Clear Fleet Report is loaned free take a look at autos from automakers to judge, sometimes for every week at a time. Our highway assessments are based mostly on this one-week drive of a brand new automobile. Due to this we don’t handle points equivalent to long-term reliability or whole price of possession. As well as, we are sometimes invited to producer occasions highlighting new autos or know-how. As a part of these occasions we could also be supplied free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our greatest to current our unvarnished evaluations of autos and information irrespective of those inducements.
Our focus is on autos that supply the perfect gasoline economic system of their class, which leads us to emphasise electrical automobiles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and different environment friendly powertrains. We additionally characteristic these environment friendly gas-powered autos which are among the many high mpg autos of their class. As well as, we purpose to supply critiques and information on superior know-how and the choice gasoline automobile market. We welcome any suggestions from automobile homeowners and are devoted to offering a discussion board for various viewpoints. Please tell us your views at writer@cleanfleetreport.com.
