After what seemed like an eternity, VW has finally revealed a new Tiguan for the North American market. It has new styling and a new engine but it’ll come with one less row this time around.
The new Tiguan rides on VW’s MQB Evo platform, which it shares with a multitude of vehicles, from Audi’s Q6 and A3 Mk4 to various Skoda and Cupra models from Europe. The platform gives the Tiguan a slightly longer wheelbase over the outgoing model. Styling has been heavily updated with styling that almost favors the ID4. The front fascia sits higher, with a larger lower grille, slimmer LED headlights and a lightbar that runs the width of the car.
Around back, the rear design is Audi-like. There’s an integrated spoiler in the tailgate hatch, dark colored, clear lens tail lights and another red light bar that runs across the back.
A welcome change comes under the hood. VW reworked the 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 to make 201 horsepower; 17 more hp than the outgoing Tiguan. Combined with 170 pounds in weight savings thanks to an aluminum suspension and high strength steel in the body, VW says this should help with fuel economy and acceleration.
VW made even bigger changes to the interior. With premium materials used throughout the cabin, like real American Walnut wood trim, double stitched center console and Savona leather, the new Tiguan looks much more like a space you’d want to spend time in.
As with most automakers these days, big screens are the name of the game now. The latest version of VW’s Digital Cockpit Pro is standard with a 10.25-inch screen for the driver and another 12.9-inch screen for the center display. A massive 15-inch screen is optional.
All the other usual tech you’d expect is there either standard or available: 12-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, three-zone climate control, 30-color ambient lighting and something called Atmospheres which synchronizes ambient lighting and audio for a light and sound experience.
However, the most significant change to the interior is surprising and might turn off some buyers. The outgoing Tiguan debuted for 2018. In other markets around the world, the Tiguan was available in two sizes: a two-row standard length and a three-row extended length version. The U.S. only received the three row Tiguan, making it one of the cheapest ways to get a seven seat crossover on the market. For the 2025 Tiguan, the third-row is gone and it’s not coming back; VW confirmed to me that there are no plans to offer a three-row Tiguan again.
For now, VW isn’t talking pricing or specific options just yet. The all new Tiguan should go on sale sometime next year.
