2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was offered in five trim levels, including the SE, SE with Technology, Peak Edition, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line. The Peak Edition had an off-road appearance, while the SEL Premium R-Line was sportier with the most standard equipment. A five-passenger version, the Atlas Cross Sport, was also available, featuring a more rakish design. Prices ranged from $38,200 to $53,205, excluding a $1,425 destination charge. The Atlas SEL Premium R-Line, tested in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, had a polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels, giving it a chiseled, upscale look. Inside, diamond-stitched leather and metallic accents created a warm environment, though touch-sensitive controls for temperature and volume were less satisfying.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, marking its third generation. It adopted sleek modernity from VW's electric vehicles, with narrower headlights and a larger visual grille. The top SEL R-Line trim featured illuminated badges and light bars. The Tiguan's sportier silhouette was enhanced by a tapering hatch and contrasting roof. The interior modernization included a tablet-like infotainment display and a digital instrument panel. The dashboard was more minimalist, with climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. Materials were average for the class, with soft-touch areas and durable plastics for rear seats. The center console offered more storage, and the gear selector was moved to the steering column.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous options. It produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in FWD or AWD. Despite initial skepticism, the engine proved refined, similar to the Audi Q7's base engine. It offered a satisfying torque curve between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm, though Sport mode affected fuel economy. The Atlas returned 15.5 mpg in urban conditions and 19.2 mpg overall, with EPA ratings of 18 mpg city and 21 mpg combined. Ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Handling was predictable, with the Bridgestone Alenza tires being the weakest link.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with FWD, and AWD was available. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to reach 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds. The drivetrain delivered smooth power, and braking was confident. The suspension favored comfort, smoothing over road imperfections while maintaining composure in corners. The cabin was quiet, with minimal tire and wind noise. A more powerful Turbo version was anticipated for 2026, offering 268 hp and 258 lb-ft. A hybrid powertrain was also teased for the future.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a comfortable third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. The SEL Premium R-Line's front seats were heated, ventilated, and massaging, though the leather felt stiff. Visibility was excellent, aided by a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a climate-control panel. The third-row seat was easily accessible and provided adequate leg support. Storage space was commendable, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 96.6 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row, increasing second-row legroom by 1.5 inches. The interior featured traditional controls, improving usability. Visibility was comparable to other small SUVs, and the center console offered more storage. Cargo capacity was not finalized, but the area appeared smaller than before. The angled liftgate limited loading bulkier items, but deep pockets provided secure storage. Remote seatback releases and a power liftgate added convenience.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW's MIB3 infotainment system with a 12-inch touchscreen. It lacked traditional controls, relying on touch-sensitive buttons. The system's voice recognition was inconsistent, making smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto essential. The Harman Kardon audio system was impressive, but the MIB3's user experience had glitches, such as incorrect song displays and confusing navigation screens.

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

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas included IQ.Drive features like Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. Adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. The Atlas earned a five-star safety rating from NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor, lane-keep assist, and more. Emergency Assist and post-collision braking were also standard. Higher trims added a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-automated parking. Safety features functioned well, with no false alarms.