The family SUV market in Australia is about to get significantly more competitive. Volkswagen has just announced pricing for its highly anticipated 2025 Tayron, and at $48,290 before on-road costs, it’s positioning itself as a serious contender in the hotly contested 7-seater segment. But is this German-engineered SUV worth your hard-earned money, and how does it stack up against established rivals like the Kia Sorento?
What Exactly Is the 2025 Volkswagen Tayron?
The Tayron isn’t just another SUV rolling off Volkswagen’s production line – it’s a strategic replacement for the Tiguan Allspace that promises to deliver more space, better technology, and improved performance. Built on Volkswagen’s advanced MQB Evo platform, the Tayron measures 4,792mm in length, making it 64mm longer than its predecessor and significantly more spacious for growing families.
This isn’t simply a refreshed model; it’s a completely new vehicle designed from the ground up to compete with Australia’s most popular family SUVs. The Tayron serves as the larger sibling to the new-generation Tiguan, offering families the option of genuine third-row seating without stepping up to a full-size SUV.
Pricing That Makes Sense for Australian Families
One of the most compelling aspects of the 2025 Tayron is its pricing structure. Starting at $48,290 for the entry-level 110TSI Life variant, Volkswagen has positioned the Tayron competitively against key rivals while offering genuine value for money.
Here’s the complete pricing breakdown:
- 110TSI Life: $48,290 (before on-road costs)
- 150TSI Life: $53,990 (before on-road costs)
- 150TSI Elegance: $59,490 (before on-road costs)
- 195TSI R-Line: $73,490 (before on-road costs)
While the Tayron commands a $4,300 premium over the outgoing Tiguan Allspace 110TSI Life, the additional features and improvements justify this increase. Compared to the current Tiguan 110TSI Life, buyers pay just $3,300 more for significantly more space and seven-seat capability.
Engine Options That Deliver Real-World Performance
Volkswagen hasn’t compromised on performance with the Tayron. The lineup offers three distinct powertrains, each designed to meet different family needs and budgets.
Entry-Level 110TSI: The base model features a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque. While this might seem modest on paper, Volkswagen’s turbo technology ensures adequate performance for daily family duties. This front-wheel-drive configuration helps keep costs down while delivering respectable fuel economy.
Mid-Range 150TSI: Stepping up to the 150TSI variants brings all-wheel drive and a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With 150kW of power on tap, this represents an 18kW improvement over the outgoing Tiguan Allspace 132TSI. This engine strikes an excellent balance between performance and efficiency, making it ideal for families who occasionally venture off the beaten path.
Range-Topping 195TSI: The flagship R-Line variant boasts the most powerful engine in the lineup – a 2.0-litre turbo four producing 195kW and 400Nm of torque. This represents a substantial 33kW and 50Nm improvement over the previous 162TSI engine, delivering genuinely exciting performance for a family SUV.
All variants come standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which provides smooth, responsive shifts while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency.
Interior Space That Actually Works for Families
The most significant improvement the Tayron brings over its predecessor is interior space. With luggage capacity expanding by 115 litres to 345L (measured to the top of rear backrests), families will find significantly more room for their gear.
The space efficiency becomes even more impressive when you consider the seating configurations. Seven-seat versions offer 850L of cargo space with the rear seat folded, while the five-seat 150TSI Life provides an enormous 885L. This flexibility means families can adapt the Tayron to their changing needs, whether that’s a weekend camping trip or the weekly grocery run.
The third row isn’t just an afterthought either. While best suited for children or shorter adults, the additional seating provides genuine utility for larger families or those who regularly transport extra passengers.
Technology and Features That Keep Up with Modern Life
Volkswagen has significantly upgraded the technology offering in the Tayron compared to the outgoing Tiguan Allspace. The entry-level model now comes standard with a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, a substantial upgrade from the previous 8.0-inch unit.
Standard Features Across the Range: Every Tayron comes equipped with essential safety and convenience features that modern families expect. The surround-view camera system, now standard across all variants, makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces significantly easier – a crucial feature for a vehicle of this size.
Premium Upgrades Available: Higher-specification models add features like panoramic sunroofs, premium audio systems, and advanced driver assistance technologies. The R-Line variant, in particular, offers a comprehensive suite of performance and luxury features that elevate the driving experience.
How Does It Compare to the Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento has been a standout performer in Australia’s 7-seater SUV segment, offering excellent value, reliability, and a comprehensive warranty. So how does the new Tayron measure up?
Build Quality and Engineering: Volkswagen’s German engineering heritage gives the Tayron a potential advantage in build quality and long-term durability. The MQB Evo platform is proven technology that underpins some of Europe’s most successful vehicles.
Technology Integration: Both vehicles offer comprehensive technology packages, but the Tayron’s larger standard infotainment screen and Volkswagen’s latest software give it a slight edge in user experience.
Performance Options: The Tayron’s range of engines, particularly the powerful 195TSI variant, offers more performance flexibility than the Sorento’s more limited engine lineup.
Value Proposition: While pricing will ultimately determine competitiveness, the Tayron’s sub-$50,000 starting price positions it well against the Sorento’s pricing structure.
What This Means for Australian Families
The arrival of the 2025 Tayron represents a significant opportunity for Australian families looking for a premium 7-seater SUV without the premium price tag. Volkswagen’s decision to price the entry-level model under $50,000 opens up German engineering to a broader audience.
For families currently considering the Kia Sorento, Mazda CX-8, or similar vehicles, the Tayron offers a compelling alternative that combines European sophistication with practical family functionality.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
No vehicle is perfect, and the Tayron has some considerations potential buyers should keep in mind:
Service Costs: Volkswagen vehicles typically have higher service costs than Korean or Japanese alternatives. Families should factor ongoing maintenance expenses into their decision-making process.
Fuel Costs: While the engines are efficient for their size, larger SUVs inherently consume more fuel than smaller alternatives. The entry-level front-wheel-drive model will likely offer the best fuel economy.
Resale Value: While Volkswagen has improved its resale values in recent years, brands like Toyota and Mazda still typically hold their value better in the Australian market.
A Strong Contender in a Competitive Market
The 2025 Volkswagen Tayron arrives at an interesting time in the Australian automotive market. With families increasingly seeking larger, more versatile vehicles, the Tayron’s combination of space, technology, and German engineering could prove highly attractive.
At under $50,000 for the entry-level model, Volkswagen has priced the Tayron competitively while offering genuine improvements over its predecessor. The expanded interior space, upgraded technology, and improved performance make it a legitimate contender against established rivals.
However, success in the Australian market depends on more than just specifications and pricing. Volkswagen will need to demonstrate the Tayron’s reliability, maintain competitive service costs, and build consumer confidence in the brand’s long-term commitment to the Australian market.
What Happens Next?
The 2025 Volkswagen Tayron will arrive in Australian showrooms in September, giving families the opportunity to experience this new SUV firsthand. With six exterior color options available from launch and a comprehensive range of variants, there should be a Tayron configuration to suit most family needs and budgets.
For families in the market for a new 7-seater SUV, the Tayron deserves serious consideration. Its combination of German engineering, competitive pricing, and practical family features could make it one of the standout automotive launches of 2025.
The question isn’t whether the Tayron is good enough to compete – the specifications and pricing suggest it is. The real question is whether Australian families are ready to embrace Volkswagen as a mainstream family SUV choice. Based on what we’ve seen so far, the 2025 Tayron has everything it needs to succeed.