Automobile 2025 SUVs, 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan, compact SUV, new Tiguan interior, Tiguan first drive, Tiguan redesign, Tiguan SEL R-Line, Volkswagen SUV 2025, VW Tiguan review Oliver May 19, 2025 0 Comments

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan First Drive: VW’s Refreshed SUV

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan has officially entered the chat—and this time, it’s ready to compete. With a sleek redesign, tech-forward cabin, and major upgrades in comfort and quality, this compact SUV ditches its third row and aims to win over North American drivers.

A Fresh Interior Worth Talking About

Step inside the new Tiguan, and the upgrades are obvious. The base Tiguan S starts at $30,920 and comes standard with:

A 12.9-inch touchscreen
10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
Heated front seats
Parking sensors

As you climb trims—SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line—luxury features like ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and massaging seats, and real wood accents appear. Even cloth seat materials feel upscale, with bamboo yarn and soft-touch surfaces thoughtfully placed throughout.

The SEL R-Line’s two-tone brown-and-black color scheme adds a sophisticated vibe, and while there are still some hard plastics, the attention to detail is clear. The relocated gear shifter (now on the steering column) opens up space for larger cupholders.

Tech-Loaded Cabin

Volkswagen listened. The Tiguan now boasts a smarter layout and user-friendly tech. Most trims get the 12.9-inch touchscreen, while the SEL R-Line steps up to a 15-inch display. Key features include:

Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Four USB-C ports (45W fast charging)
15W wireless charging pad with cooling
Digital cockpit with intuitive graphics

A volume knob returns (finally!) and doubles as a drive-mode selector—adding function with flair.

Driving Experience: Smooth, Calm, Capable

Powering the new Tiguan is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 201 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. While the torque is down slightly from before, horsepower is up, and the performance feels adequate for everyday driving.

Highlights include:

8-speed automatic transmission
Available 4Motion AWD ($1,700 extra on most trims)
0–60 mph in 6.5 to 8.0 seconds
Drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, Off-Road (AWD only), and Snow

The ride is quiet and balanced, thanks to improved sound insulation and a switch to VW’s MQB Evo platform, which reduces weight by 170 lbs and stiffens the body structure.

Practicality Meets Premium

Though the third row is gone, the Tiguan delivers solid second-row space and cargo capacity. Rear seats split 60/40 and fold from either the back seat or cargo area. Legroom and headroom are competitive, even for taller passengers.

The Bottom Line

With pricing from $30,920 to $41,180, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan offers real value. Its new design, better materials, and updated tech make it feel more in line with segment leaders like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

While we’re still waiting for the U.S. hybrid version (coming soon) and the more powerful engine due in 2026, this model is a strong step forward. It’s not just a refresh—it’s a reboot.