The new Volkswagen Tiguan sticks to its compact SUV recipe, with the exception of dropping the third row. The Tiguan now produces an impressive 201 horsepower, which is a welcome boost, but its impressive weight savings of 170 pounds is even more noteworthy. The new infotainment system, which is also used in the ID.Buzz, is expected to perform just as effectively in this vehicle as it does in the Buzz. Volkswagen fans may feel nostalgic about the ID. Buzz, but the Tiguan is what keeps VW going. We cannot overstate its importance. Last year, VW’s best-selling car in the world was the Tiguan, which had almost twice as many sales as the Golf. This summer, Volkswagen dealerships should see more transactions as the third-generation Tiguan goes on sale. This 2025 model is built on a new version of Volkswagen’s MQB frame and has a slightly longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs in the front and back. The engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower, an increase from the 184 horsepower in the 2023 model. It also weighs about 170 pounds less than the 2023 model. A fixed 60/40 second-row bench, front and back subframes made of aluminum, and the removal of the third row all help to cut down on weight. This lighter and more powerful Tiguan will be just as fun to drive as the regular GTI because it has a similar driving experience. Volkswagen removed the option for a third row of seats from the current model, but the cabin stayed pretty small. Thanks to the fixed second row, there is a lot of legroom in the back, but information about the inside has not been released yet. The previous Tiguan’s dashboard could have been more interesting, but it has been updated to feel more like an Audi. Putting the gear switch on the steering column makes more room between the seats. High-end cars use beautiful materials, and the dashboard naturally has a big, high-resolution 15.0-inch touchscreen. Most of them have screens that are 12.9 inches. It’s always hard to use VW’s entertainment systems, so the new software may work as well here as it did in the Buzz. VW has added some fun features, like “Atmospheres” for internal lighting and audio that can be changed, and the car at least looks great. The rotary knob between the front seats controls these climates. It also adjusts the drive mode and the radio volume. We hope it works well in real life because fiddling with it might be annoying. The base equipment looks great and includes useful modern conveniences like automatic climate control for two zones and wireless phone charging. Parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, and forward accident prevention make it very safe. Driving aids at level 2 are also common. But you can improve your Tiguan in a number of situations. You can get quilted leather seats that let air flow and massage you and the biggest wheel size is 20 inches to make a statement from the outside. The top-of-the-line sound system has 12 Harman Kardon speakers. When you park close to the curb, pay attention to it because there isn’t much of a sidewall to keep you safe. The name Tiguan comes from the names of two animals, tigers and iguanas. The new model has a bigger grin than the 2024 model, which makes it look like an angry cat-lizard from the front. Besides that, it is a well-thought-out release that fixes some problems. Getting rid of so much weight from the car is amazing, and the product will be good if the entertainment system is made a lot better. VW’s push toward electric vehicles, especially in the US market, is likely to run into some problems soon. Consumers and dealers will be pleased to see that Volkswagen has given the Tiguan update the serious thought that its sales numbers deserve.
