When you’re shopping for a compact SUV, you want honest answers about what you’re actually getting for your money. The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan has been completely redesigned, and while it looks impressive on paper, how does it actually perform when you need to haul your family around town or take a weekend road trip?
What’s Actually New in the 2025 Tiguan
Volkswagen clearly listened to customer feedback when designing this latest Tiguan. The interior has received a major upgrade that you’ll notice the moment you sit down. Gone are the cheap-feeling materials of the previous generation, replaced with surfaces that actually feel premium when you touch them.
The technology updates are equally impressive. Instead of fighting with touch-sensitive controls that never seemed to work when you needed them, you’ll find real, physical buttons on the steering wheel. The infotainment system is more intuitive, and the displays are clearer and easier to read while driving.
But here’s what hasn’t changed much: the actual driving experience. Under the hood, you’ll find the same basic 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that powered the previous generation, though it now produces 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque – a modest increase of 17 horsepower.
How Does It Actually Drive?
Performance That Gets the Job Done
Let’s be honest about what you’re getting performance-wise. The Tiguan isn’t going to pin you back in your seat when you hit the gas pedal. It takes 8.1 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is perfectly adequate for merging onto highways and passing slower traffic, but don’t expect sports car thrills.
The engine feels a bit lazy when you first press the accelerator, and the transmission sometimes hesitates when you need a quick downshift for passing. It’s not terrible, but it’s not particularly exciting either. Most families will find the power adequate for daily driving, school runs, and vacation trips.
Handling That Won’t Disappoint
Where the Tiguan does shine is in its overall composure on the road. The suspension strikes a nice balance between comfort and control. Your passengers won’t get bounced around on rough roads, but the SUV still feels stable when you need to take a corner with some enthusiasm.
The steering is tuned more for comfort than sportiness, which makes sense for a family SUV. You won’t get the connected feeling you’d experience in a Volkswagen GTI, but most drivers will appreciate how easy it is to maneuver in parking lots and during daily driving.
Real-World Fuel Economy and Range
The Numbers You’ll Actually See
The EPA rates the all-wheel-drive Tiguan at 22 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. These are honest, achievable numbers, though they’re not particularly impressive compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, both of which offer better fuel economy.
With a range of about 390 miles per tank, you won’t be stopping for gas more often than necessary, but you also won’t be setting any efficiency records. For most families, this range is perfectly adequate for weekly commuting and weekend trips.
Space Where It Counts
Cargo Reality Check
Here’s where things get a bit disappointing. Despite looking larger than the previous generation, the 2025 Tiguan actually offers less cargo space. With the rear seats up, you get 26.5 cubic feet of storage – a significant drop from the previous model’s 37.6 cubic feet.
Even with the rear seats folded down, you’re looking at 58.9 cubic feet, compared to the RAV4’s 69.8 cubic feet and the CR-V’s impressive 76.5 cubic feet. If hauling large items or camping gear is a priority, you might want to consider those alternatives.
Interior Comfort for Real Families
The front seats are comfortable for adults, and there’s adequate room for most passengers in the back. The materials feel more upscale than you’d expect in this price range, and the overall cabin feels well-built and thoughtfully designed.
How It Compares to the Competition
Against the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4
When you’re cross-shopping compact SUVs, these three inevitably come up. The Tiguan holds its own in handling and interior quality, but falls behind in cargo space and fuel economy. The CR-V offers more space and better gas mileage, while the RAV4 provides proven reliability and resale value.
The Tiguan’s advantage lies in its more sophisticated interior materials and slightly more engaging driving dynamics. If you value feeling like you’re in a premium vehicle, the Tiguan delivers that experience better than its Japanese competitors.
Pricing and Value Proposition
What You’ll Actually Pay
The base Tiguan starts at $30,920, which is competitive with similarly equipped Honda and Toyota models. The SEL R-Line 4Motion tested, with its sporty appearance package and all-wheel drive, carries a starting price of $41,180.
That pricing puts it squarely in line with well-equipped versions of its main competitors. You’re not getting a bargain, but you’re not paying a premium either. The key is deciding whether the Tiguan’s strengths align with your priorities.
Should You Buy the 2025 Tiguan?
The Bottom Line for Real Buyers
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is a solid choice if you prioritize interior quality, reasonable driving dynamics, and don’t need maximum cargo space. It’s significantly improved over the previous generation in areas that matter for daily living.
However, if fuel economy, maximum cargo capacity, or proven long-term reliability are your top priorities, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 might serve you better. The Tiguan sits in an interesting middle ground – more sophisticated than some competitors but not necessarily more practical.
For buyers who want to feel good about their daily drive and appreciate quality materials, the Tiguan delivers. Just make sure its limitations align with your lifestyle needs before signing on the dotted line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan reliable? A: While the 2025 model is too new for long-term reliability data, Volkswagen has improved their build quality in recent years. The Tiguan uses proven mechanical components, but historically, VW vehicles have required more maintenance than Honda or Toyota equivalents. Consider extended warranty options if reliability is a primary concern.
Q: How does the Tiguan’s all-wheel-drive system work in snow? A: The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system automatically sends power to all four wheels when needed. It works well in snow and light off-road conditions, though it’s primarily designed for on-road use. The system is more sophisticated than many competitors’ AWD setups, providing confident traction in winter weather conditions.
Q: What’s the difference between the regular Tiguan and the R-Line version? A: The R-Line adds sporty visual elements like unique bumpers, side skirts, and interior trim, plus larger wheels and sport seats. Mechanically, it’s identical to the regular Tiguan – same engine, transmission, and suspension. You’re paying for appearance and slightly sportier interior appointments, not performance upgrades.