2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a sophisticated exterior that many found more premium than its non-European competitors. Its design was marked by standard LED headlights and taillights, with an illuminated grille light line on the SEL R-Line trim. The model name was prominently displayed in all-caps at the rear, alongside the classic Volkswagen badge. The base trim was limited to grayscale colors, while higher trims offered more vibrant options like Atlantic Blue and Kings Red Metallic, albeit with specific interior color pairings and additional costs. The interior featured heated front seats and cloth upholstery in the base trim, with upgrades to leatherette and dual-zone climate control in the SE trim. The SEL R-Line boasted real leather, front-seat ventilation, and a heated steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, adopting a modern aesthetic inspired by VW's electric vehicles. The front featured narrower headlights and a larger visual grille, with illuminated elements on the SEL R-Line trim. The side profile showcased a sportier tapering hatch, enhanced by a black contrasting roof and dark-tinted windows. The rear replaced conventional taillights with a single bar spanning the liftgate. Inside, the Tiguan embraced a minimalist design with a tablet-like infotainment display and a digital instrument panel. The gear selector was moved to the steering column, freeing up space in the center console. While materials were average for the class, the interior offered practical storage solutions and improved ergonomics.

The 2024 Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with 4Motion all-wheel drive available for an additional $1,500 on lower trims and standard on the SEL R-Line. The AWD models had a slightly larger fuel tank, accommodating the system's impact on fuel economy. The Tiguan's power delivery was inconsistent, with noticeable turbo and transmission lag. Steering was light but rubbery, while visibility and handling were commendable. The ride was comfortable, though seating surfaces drew some complaints.

The 2025 Tiguan retained a similar 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, with output increased to 201 horsepower but torque reduced to 207 pound-feet. The eight-speed automatic transmission remained, with FWD standard and AWD available on all models. The new drivetrain delivered power more smoothly, with improved braking and a suspension tuned for comfort. The Tiguan cornered with minimal body roll, maintaining composure on winding roads. The cabin was quiet, with well-silenced tire and wind noise. While not sporty, the Tiguan was appropriately tuned for a balance of performance and comfort. A more powerful Turbo variant was anticipated for 2026, offering increased output for spirited drivers.

The 2024 Tiguan offered a two-row configuration in AWD models, providing 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The three-row FWD models had reduced cargo space but maintained passenger space, with 39.6 inches of headroom and 40.2 inches of legroom in the front. The third row was tight, with 33.8 inches of headroom and 27.9 inches of legroom, but still more spacious than competitors like the Mitsubishi Outlander.

The 2025 Tiguan eliminated the third row, increasing second-row legroom by 1.5 inches. The interior featured traditional button controls, improving usability over the previous capacitive-touch buttons. Visibility was comparable to other small SUVs, with narrow front roof pillars and a sufficiently large rear window. The center console offered more storage, with cupholders, a smartphone slot, and a deep armrest bin. Cargo capacity was not finalized, but the new design suggested a smaller area than before. The power liftgate was standard on all but the base trim, with hands-free operation on the SEL R-Line.

The 2024 Tiguan featured haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. The infotainment system had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the base trim had a 6.5-inch screen. The Digital Cockpit System was standard, with a fully configurable 10.25-inch screen on the SEL R-Line. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System was a highlight, offering excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Tiguan came standard with a digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 15-inch display available on the top trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, paired with a wireless phone charger. A new volume knob controlled drive modes and the Atmospheres feature, which combined ambient lighting and audio settings. The standard audio system had seven speakers, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system available on the top trim. VW's Car-Net system offered remote monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2024 Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with improved safety features for 2024. The IQ.DRIVE suite was standard, including adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous highway driving. Additional features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection.

The 2025 Tiguan's crash test results were not yet available, but it offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. These included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and a driver condition monitor. The SE R-Line added a head-up display, while the SEL R-Line featured a surround-view camera system and semi-automated parking.