I got up early this morning in Bozeman, Montana, for a quick first taste of the all-new 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. When we rolled out, it was 38 degrees, the kind of chill that tests whether a modern SUV really shows up for its driver—and in the case of the SEL R-Line, it absolutely did.
Let’s start with what stood out. The heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats made a real difference as we pulled away in the cold. The 10-point massaging seats took it up a notch, offering real comfort even during our short press drive loop. Both front seats are 10-way power adjustable with memory. While I might question whether memory settings for the passenger are necessary, it’s a feature that contributes to the upscale feel VW is clearly aiming for.
The quilted leather seats give off a near-premium vibe, and though the faux wood trim won’t fool anyone upon touch, it does complement the dash visually — as long as you resist the urge to tap it. The fit and finish throughout the cabin are impressive, and the detailed contrast stitching and clean surfacing reinforce VW’s design maturity. Three-zone climate control is a welcome addition for families — which, let’s be honest, is exactly who this Tiguan is designed for.
The drive itself? Smooth, composed, and predictable. This isn’t a performance SUV, and VW does not claim it is. Acceleration from the 201-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is adequate, but it doesn’t inspire much beyond daily duty. The Drive Mode Select feature adjusts throttle feels more than anything else — don’t expect dramatic changes between Eco, Comfort, and Sport.
Handling through the Montana countryside was stable and easygoing. There’s enough refinement to satisfy commuters and small families, but if you’re craving something with more punch, you might want to wait for the higher-output variant expected in fall 2025.
One thing that should appeal to younger buyers? The 15-inch infotainment screen. It’s clear, fast, and tablet-like, which makes sense for a generation raised on swipe and tap. I still prefer knobs for some functions, but VW includes a rotary dial in the center console to control both volume and Drive Mode.
Tech-wise, the Tiguan is stacked. IQ.DRIVE is standard, and Travel Assist offers semi-automated help on the highway. It works, but in 2025, I expected a little more sophistication compared to what Hyundai, Toyota, and Honda are offering. The addition of Exit Warning and Emergency Assist is appreciated, and there’s peace of mind in knowing the Tiguan now features 10 airbags, including knee, rear side, and front-center.
Where it falls a little flat for me is the “Atmospheres” feature. It’s a cool idea—ambient lighting and audio settings that match your mood—but it feels more like a party trick than something drivers will use often. Younger shoppers may disagree. And as in other recent vehicles I’ve tested, Amazon Alexa integration still feels intrusive. She chimed in a few times without prompting, which reminded me why I typically turn off that feature.
The front seat provides solid comfort—both for the driver and passenger. The cabin is quiet, and the ride quality is composed on winding roads. Visibility is good, and the layout has a practical flow. That said, families needing to haul two strollers and a week’s worth of groceries might find the cargo area a little tight, especially with the rear seats up.
Visually, the 2025 Tiguan gets a well-executed refresh. The slimmer headlights, light bar with illuminated VW logos, and available 20-inch wheels make it feel fresh without trying too hard. It’s not trying to be a performance SUV — it’s trying to be the smart, stylish, tech-forward choice for small families or young professionals. On that front, mission accomplished.
Final Word
The 2025 Tiguan SEL R-Line is a well-thought-out evolution of VW’s best-seller, and it brings a premium feel to the compact SUV segment without breaching luxury pricing. At $41,180 as tested, it comes fully loaded with features you won’t find in the RAV4, CR-V, or CX-5 — including massaging seats and a 15-inch touchscreen.
If you’re loyal to the VW badge or looking for a stylish step up from mainstream competitors, this Tiguan should be on your list. If you want a more exciting powertrain, maybe wait for the turbo upgrade in 2026. Otherwise, this feels like a solid upgrade from the inside out — and one that families will appreciate, whether commuting or road-tripping to a chilly morning soccer game.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan Buyer’s Guide
Model Overview:
The 2025 Tiguan is a complete redesign of Volkswagen’s MQB Evo platform. It’s now a two-row-only SUV with bold exterior styling, improved power and efficiency, a more premium interior, and a tech-forward user experience. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivers 201 horsepower and better fuel economy across the lineup, making this Tiguan a strong contender in the compact SUV class.
Tiguan S
Starting MSRP: $29,295 (FWD) | $30,995 (4Motion AWD)
Key Features:
LED headlights and taillights
17” aluminum-alloy wheels
10.25” Digital Cockpit Pro
12.9” MIB4 infotainment display
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Wireless charging (15W cooled pad)
2-zone Climatronic Touch climate control
Cloth seats with heated manual front seats
Smart Floor cargo storage system
4 USB-C fast-charging ports
Standard IQ.DRIVE driver assist suite (Travel Assist, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Assist, etc.)
10 airbags including new rear side, driver knee, and center airbag
Park Distance Control, Light Assist, Exit Warning
Tiguan SE
Starting MSRP: $32,295 (FWD) | $33,795 (4Motion AWD)
Adds or upgrades:
19” alloy wheels
Power tailgate
Remote start
CloudTex perforated leatherette seating
8-way power driver seat with lumbar support
Framed auto-dimming rearview mirror
Front footwell lighting
Interior chrome trim
LED exit lights in doors
Driving Experience Dial with “Atmospheres”
10-color ambient lighting
SiriusXM and enhanced voice control (Plus Speech AI)
Optional 18” wheels ($300), black roof or black roof/mirrors ($395), panoramic sunroof ($1,200 – FWD delayed)
Tiguan SE R-Line Black
Starting MSRP: $35,455 (FWD) | $36,995 (4Motion AWD)
Adds or upgrades:
20” black R-Line alloy wheels
R-Line front and rear bumpers
Black exterior accents (badging, mirrors, roof rails)
Black headliner and brushed stainless steel pedals
Panoramic sunroof
Perforated sport steering wheel with R-Line badge
Illuminated door handles and R-Line scuff plates
Frameless auto-dimming mirror
Head-Up Display
Tiguan SEL R-Line
Starting MSRP: $39,755 (4Motion AWD only)
Adds or upgrades:
20” silver R-Line wheels (new design)
Illuminated front and rear logos with full-width LED light bars
All-weather cornering lights
Quilted Varenna leather seats (heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats)
10-way power front seats with 3-position memory
Heated rear outboard seats
3-zone Climatronic Touch climate control
Easy Open/Easy Close power tailgate
Real American walnut interior trim
IR-reflective, sound-insulating windshield
30-color ambient lighting system with backlit dash décor
15” infotainment display with navigation
Harman Kardon premium 12-speaker sound system
Park Assist Plus
Area View and Dynamic Road Sign Display
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy
S FWD: 26 city / 34 highway / 29 combined
SE & SE R-Line Black FWD: 25 city / 32 highway / 28 combined
All AWD Models: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined
