- Volkswagen has a redesigned Tiguan headed to U.S. showrooms next year
- The new compact crossover skips the third row of the outgoing model
- The sole powertrain at launch will be a 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 201 hp
Volkswagen late on Wednesday revealed its new Tiguan compact crossover for the U.S. market.
It makes its formal debut this week at the 2024 Los Angeles auto show, and is expected to start sales next summer as a 2025 model. The newcomer is lighter and more powerful than the model it replaces, and its cabin has a much more upmarket look and feel.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
VW unveiled a new Tiguan for the rest of the world last fall, and the U.S. version closely resembles that model. However, it misses out on the global Tiguan’s plug-in hybrid option, debuting with only a 2.0-liter turbo-4, but VW has hinted that a hybrid option may be added at some point.
The 2.0-liter engine is rated at 201 hp, which is up 17 hp on the output of the outgoing Tiguan’s 2.0-liter turbo-4. The engine is hooked to an 8-speed automatic, and drives the front wheels as standard and all four wheels with the available all-wheel-drive system. Towing capacity is 1,500 pounds for the FWD Tiguan and 1,800 pounds when AWD is added.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
In addition to the power bump, the new Tiguan weighs around 170 pounds less than the outgoing model thanks to the use of aluminum for some of the suspension parts and more high-strength steel for parts of the body. VW said the lighter weight results in improved fuel economy and acceleration, though the automaker is waiting until closer to the market launch to publish performance figures.
VW hasn’t provided dimensions but said the wheelbase has grown slightly and the rear overhang was made shorter, resulting in the outgoing model’s third row no longer being offered. Underpinning the vehicle is an updated version of the outgoing model’s MQB platform. The updated platform is known as the MQB Evo, and now supports electrified powertrains.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The interior design represents a big leap in terms of technology and quality. Depending on the model and trim, the Tiguan can be had with American walnut wood trim, quilted leather, and heated and cooled seats with a massage function. A 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard, and is joined by an infotainment screen that is now 12.9 inches as standard and can be upgraded to 15.0 inches. A head-up display is also available. Some physical controls remain on the dash and center console, one of which is a large rotary dial that controls the volume but also doubles as the controller for drive modes and mood settings known as Atmospheres. The mood settings adjust the ambient lighting and various sounds generated in the cabin.
Production will be handled at VW’s plant in Mexico, and deliveries are expected to start early next summer. Prices will be announced closer to the market launch.