Compact SUVs are often chosen for practicality, but few manage to deliver genuine driving enjoyment alongside family-friendly space. This model stands out by offering an unexpectedly roomy interior paired with handling that makes everyday driving more exciting.
Inside, passengers benefit from generous legroom, a versatile cargo area, and a cabin that feels open and accommodating for its class. Meanwhile, its responsive steering, composed suspension, and smooth powertrain create a confident, engaging drive, whether you’re navigating city streets or heading out on the highway.
For buyers who want a compact SUV that doesn’t feel cramped or dull, this one strikes the perfect balance. It blends space, comfort, and fun-to-drive dynamics into a single well-rounded package, making it a standout choice in today’s crowded market.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
Volkswagen’s Tiguan Balances Comfort, Practicality, Driving Enjoyment, and Affordability
Volkswagen may not be as large in the U.S. as some other automakers, but there is no denying that they develop some pretty impressive vehicles. The Tiguan is the German brand’s compact SUV and it is packed with value, from a the impressively laid out cabin to its eager handling.
$30,245
$33,045
$36,205
SEL R-Line
$40,505
Much like the rest of the compact segment, the Tiguan has a starting price that hovers around the $30,000 mark. While not exactly plush, the base model comespretty well-equipped for the money you pay. This compact SUV may not have the most eye-catching styling, but it is solid and comfortable, making it a really great pick for families.
There are four distinct trims to choose from in this value-oriented SUV. While budget is always a factor, we think that you get the best value for your money by climbing up the trim ladder to the SE R-Line. As well as slightly sportier styling, it comes with a ton of desirable features, including sleek 20-inch wheels and a panoramic sunroof. If the R-Line extras aren’t all that appealing to you, the SE also offers exceptional value.
Changes for 2025
Volkswagen has completely changed the Tiguan for the 2025 model year, with the compact crossover entering a brand-new generation. Not only does it ride on a completely fresh platform, but it gets a more powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine compared to the outgoing model. Exterior and interior styling has been completely overhauled, and there is a ton of new tech in the cabin.
There are also some new paint colors to choose from, including Avocado Green Pearl, Ascot Grey, and Monterey Blue Pearl. The only negative that we have to report is that the automaker has dropped the optional third-row of seats which you could get in the outgoing model.
Warranties and Maintenance
You used to get the best bumper-to-bumper coverage in the industry if you opted for a VW, at six years and 72,000 miles. Volkswagen has dropped that down to four years and 50,000 miles, which is about average. Powertrain coverage also sits at around the average line. To make things up to buyers, though, the German brand does now offers two years of scheduled maintenance on the house.
The Tiguan Features One of the Most Spacious Cabins In the Compact Class
Volkswagen took what was already one of the largest compact SUVs you could buy and added some extra length to it. The Tiguan is easily one of the most versatile and practical options on the market. It may have lostits optional third row of seats, but it has gained some additional cargo space in return.
Cargo Capacity (Behind Second Row)
26.5 Cubic Feet
Whether you’re in the front or the back of the Tiguan, legroom is identical. No matter how tall your passengers are, you’re not likely to hear any complaints when it comes to the space on offer. The added length of the crossover has improved cargo capacity, with it now featuring more space for groceries and luggage. Things have also been moved around up front, with the gear shifter being moved to allow for a more spacious center console storage bin.
The Tiguan’s cabin follows the general design principles that outline every Volkswagen. While it may seem a little dull and minimalist, everything in the cabin is covered in high-quality materials. Top trims even get things like leather upholstery and genuine wood trim. Seats can come power-operated and can be fitted with heating, ventilation, and a massage function. A heated steering wheel and three-zone climate control are also on the menu.
Infotainment and Technology
Interior technology has definitely been upgraded in the new generation of the Volkswagen Tiguan. A 12.9-inch infotainment screen which is mounted to the center of the dashboard is standard, but a 15-inch screen is available. While the brand has upgraded the screens on offer, they still include physical dials for volume control as well as for selecting drive modes. Every model gets a digital gauge display.
There are a number of USB-C ports throughout the cabin as well as a standard 15W wireless charging pad up front which comes with a built-in cooling feature to prevent overheating. Ambient interior lighting is also available, with up to 30 colors to choose from. A heads-up display is optional, as is a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
A More Powerful Engine Compliments the Tiguan’s Athletic Chassis
When buying a Volkswagen, something you’re able to be sure of is that you’re in for a more engaging drive than you’d get from most of the brand’s direct rivals. The Tiguan is the perfect example of this, with handling that is much better than most of the other options in the compact SUV class. This VW turns your daily commutes into something you can look forward to.
201 HP
221 LB-FT
Driveline
FWD or AWD
Every 2025 Tiguan comes with the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood. Output has been bolstered this year, up from 184 horsepower in the 2024 model. The outgoing generation managed a zero to 60 run in 8.2 seconds, so you can expect this years model to be slightly peppier. Front-wheel drive is standard kit, with VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system available on all models.
While the Tiguan isn’t going to win any races anytime soon, it features hints of sportiness that make it more fun to drive than a lot of other options in this segment. Handling is taut and peak torque is available at 1900 RPM, making it a joy to drive through twisty sections of road.
For those wanting something a little perkier, Volkswagen is planning to launch a 268-horsepower R-Line Turbo trim with the rest of the 2026 models. This version of the Tiguan will makeeven more power than the GTI.
26 MPG
34 MPG
29 MPG
25 MPG
32 MPG
28 MPG
22 MPG
30 MPG
Tiguans with front-wheel drive deliver efficiency that is pretty good compared to other compact SUVs. The base S trim gets slightly better fuel economy than the rest of the lineup due to the fact that it runs on smaller wheels. Upgrading to all-wheel drive does have a pretty big effect on efficiency, which is pretty unfortunate.
Safety and Driver Assists
Volkswagen has bolstered the safety equipment in the new Tiguan, including the addition of four airbags, bringing the total up to ten. Things like collision warnings, emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring remain standard features. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go is also standard, with Travel Assist and Parking Assist Pro being available.
