2025 Volkswagen Tiguan: Everything You Need to Know

• A new Volkswagen Tiguan is coming for 2025.
• It will be the most tech-forward Tiguan we've seen and help set a new direction for VW products.
• We also get some physical controls back instead of the touch-sensitive buttons that have hampered VW lately.

In terms of design, the new Tiguan will resemble the Volkswagen Tayron you see here. The Tiguan is based on the Tayron — which isn't available in the U.S. — but it will look a bit different when it reaches our shores. The Tiguan is essentially a long-wheelbase Tayron, and VW says that when the Tiguan debuts at the LA Auto Show next month, it will have unique sheetmetal, a varied trim structure and different powertrain options.

The last ICE Tiguan

The 2025 Tiguan will be the last version of this longstanding SUV to come with an internal combustion engine, and we're slated to get more than a few options. The first will be a standard gas-powered engine, likely very similar to the one found in the current Tiguan. Right now, U.S.-spec models are equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. That engine will either remain unchanged or see slight bumps to both power and torque.

We'll also likely get a plug-in hybrid version of the new Tiguan. VW has been making PHEVs in other parts of the world for a while now, but after the Dieselgate scandal rocked the company in 2015, the automaker's strategy in the U.S. has been to push buyers toward its fully electric offerings, namely the ID.4 and upcoming ID. Buzz. That will change with the coming Tiguan, though, and we expect to get the next-generation car with a plug-in hybrid option. Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer has said the Tayron and Tiguan PHEVs will both support 50-kW DC fast charging and have up to 62 miles of range on a single charge from the battery. Few PHEVs in the Tiguan's segment offer DC fast charging, and 62 miles of EV-only range (even though this figure is derived from the more generous WLTP fuel economy standards) would represent a big leap forward for the class.

All Tiguans, regardless of engine, will send their power to a twin-clutch direct-shift gearbox (or DSG for short). The DSG has been a staple of VW's performance cars, with quick shift times and rapid response to driver inputs. The shift away from lazy automatics is a welcome one and will likely help with the yo-yo-like response we've experienced in the current Tiguan.

Sophisticated new features

The Tiguan has long been a solid yet basic choice in its segment, but the new car will eschew that trend. Schäfer confirmed that the new Tiguan will come with a much more sophisticated voice recognition system and a rotary knob on the center console that will have its own mini screen. The driver will be able to control the volume, drive mode, and even the color of the ambient lighting from the knob. The teaser photos VW released also reveal a new instrument cluster with what look to be far more dynamic and colorful graphics compared to anything else we've seen from VW to this point.

A new active suspension system, which will likely help give the Tiguan either a softer or more controlled ride based on driver preference, will also be offered. It will likely be an optional extra, however. Schäfer also confirmed that HD matrix headlights will come with the new Tiguan, as opposed to the LED lighting used on current models.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly (and the least sophisticated change of them all), is the return to physical buttons on the steering wheel. Volkswagen has recently taken more than its fair share of criticism for installing touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel that both register touch inputs ineffectively and lead to accidental button presses. The Tiguan will be the first VW sold in the States to ditch the touch-sensitive wheel entirely and go back to regular old physical controls. It might be a step back in terms of tech, but it's a giant leap forward for usability.

2025 Tiguan price and availability

The upcoming Tiguan will likely start at a touch over the current car's starting price of $28,245 and top out at just over $40,000 for a fully loaded model. Check back in mid-November, when the U.S.-spec Tiguan makes its official debut.

Edmunds says

The upcoming Tiguan is looking like the most interesting Tiguan in, well, ever. Stay tuned.