By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com
The bestseller for Volkswagen has undergone a major transformation for 2025. Sitting between the smaller Taos and the larger Atlas, the Tiguan takes on a new look, boost in power, and now is available solely as a five-passenger compact SUV. So, if you are looking for anything bigger in the VW family, opt for the seven-seater Atlas.
Under the hood sits a turbo, intercooled and direct-injected 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder engine putting out 201 horsepower (up 17 from 2024) @ 5000 rpm and 221 pounds-feet of torque @ 1500 rpm. Quick off the mark, responding with agility in any situation (weighs 170 pounds fewer than its predecessor), this third-generation SUV is equipped with a flawless 8-speed auto gearbox. Ensconced on the unitary body, available as a front-wheel or our 4MOTION (all-wheel-drive) tester version, is a robust and reliable strut-type front and a multilink rear suspension. The electric power steering is quick and communicative to result in a positive on-center response. Drive modes include eco, comfort, sport, custom, off-road and snow.
Slimmer LED headlights meet up on a light bar to surround the centered, illuminated VW crest on the grille. The SEL R-Line trim fetches you roof rails, bumpers and headliners (all in black, of course!) as well as an exclusive R-Line badging inside and out. The gorgeous cabin exemplifies European styling with a simple but elegant instrument panel of large analog speedometer/tachometer gauges and driver information center. New for 2025 is a column-mounted gear shifter, saving space in the center area. The infotainment touchscreen for audio, phone and nav controls is a mammoth 15 inches, sitting atop the dashboard. Passenger volume is praiseworthy at 126 cubic feet, an increase of 2 cubes from the prior year. Audiophiles will take to the 700-watt, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Ambient light options of at least 30 colors, stainless-steel pedal caps, front-door sill scuff plates and American walnut wood trim are a fine touch. Other amenities include a panoramic power sun roof and lift gate, three-zone auto a/c with second-row air vents, head-up display, three-spoke power leather tilt/telescopic steering column, eight-way power driver and front-passenger heated/cooled seats and a wireless phone charger.
Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for both rows, front knee airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability with anti-slip regulation and engine brake assist, traction control, lane departure and forward collision warning, blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert, park distance control, three-point seatbelts for all positions, adaptive cruise control, rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard.
The Tiguan sticks out in the swarming compact SUV field, thanks to a sprightly engine, exceptional handling and balance, everyday practicality and decent fuel economy. As for its odd-sounding name, look at it as a boon for once. It’s German for ‘tiger’ and ‘iguana.’
TIGUAN SEL R-LINE (AWD)
Tires: 255/40R20 H, all-season
Wheelbase: 109.9 inches
Length: 184.4 inches
Width: 73 inches
Height: 66.5 inches
Weight: 3,801 pounds
Fuel capacity: 15.6 gallons
City: 22 mpg
Highway: 30 mpg
Base price: $39,755
Price as tested: $41,635
Web site: www.vw.com
