2025 Volkswagen Tiguan review

This comprehensively reworked crossover represents the complete package for Australian families.

As someone who test drives SUVS week in, week out, it takes more than a new grille or a bigger screen to make one stand out.

It has to tick all the boxes – practicality, tech, comfort, driveability, and of course, price.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan does exactly that.

MORE: Why the new Tiguan is a winner

Volkswagen’s Tiguan borrows elements from the Tiguan.

Value

Completely redesigned for 2025, the third-generation Tiguan offers enhanced styling, new technology and revised engines.

It’s now longer, wider, and rides lower. Visually, it’s a close relative of its larger sibling in the VW Touareg.

While some models see price increases up to $10,000, some are actually more affordable than the variants they replace.

The base model 110TSI Life starts from $44,900 (plus on-road costs), a $1000 increase over the outgoing model. The mid-spec 150TSI R-Line – the sweet spot in the range – starts at $55,900 (plus on-road-costs), this is actually $4,600 less than the previous 162TSI R-Line. At the top of the line-up, the new 195TSI R-Line lands in the mid-$60,000 range once options are added.

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The Tiguan is available with Golf GTI power.

Interior

I always know when I’m in a Volkswagen, not only because of the badge, but because its cabin layout just makes sense.

It’s functional and practical.

One standout is the middle console. It includes dual wireless charging pads and a fold-down tray that covers your phone while it charges.

Not only does it help ventilate your device to prevent it from overheating but it also hides notifications from view – a great safety feature.

These classic “1 per centres” might seem small, but really make sense.

Across the 2025 range you’ll find each trim level varies.

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The car’s cabin is much flasher than before.

The Life offers cloth seats, 12.9-inch infotainment system, wireless phone mirroring and ambient lighting, great option for families.

The Elegance is for those wanting something luxurious, it adds heated and ventilated leather seats with massage, illuminated dash trim and for an extra cost you can add a panoramic sunroof.

Personally, I think the R-Line trims are where things get exciting.

New ‘atmospheres’ lift cabin ambience.

The 150TSI R-Line features gloss black trims, integrated headrests, sculpted sport seats with blue contrast stitching. The 195TSI R-Line turns heads even more with its 20-inch Leeds alloys, black exterior pack (optional) and dynamic LED lighting.

You’ll also find a larger infotainment system (15-inch) in the higher trims and optional in the 110TSI Elegance and 150TSI R-Line.

A weak spot is the decorative, what looks like plastic panel in front of the passenger seat, it feels cheap on first impressions, particularly when backlit by the LED ambient strip. Boot space is great with 652L with seats up or 1650L folded.

Engine

There are three engine options. The 110TSI variant uses a 1.4-litre, 110kW and 250Nm turbo engine with front-wheel drive, while the 150TSI and 195TSI R-Lines get a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and all-wheel drive. The 150TSI produces 150kW and 320Nm, while the 195TSI has 195kW and 400Nm, matching the power of a Golf GTI and the torque of a Tiguan R.

Volkswagen’s Tiguan is on sale now.

How it drives

The Tiguan might be a family SUV but it’s not afraid to have fun.

We drove all variants on twisting roads and I came away impressed by how composed and at times playful it felt. I started off in the 110 and 150 and to be honest, I had just as much fun in them as the 195. But if you’re wanting something more powerful than the 195TSI is the real star.

Sports mode takes it from a family SUV to dynamic SUV, one that hugs corners, sharpens steering and stiffens suspension.

Comfort mode was just as enjoyable, offering instant response, precise steering and a smooth ride.

The best part? You can switch between driving modes by voice.

I haven’t seen that before.

On test, fuel consumption was high at up to 11.6/100km for the 195TSI, though it should be less in everyday driving.

Verdict

The 2025 Tiguan doesn’t feel like a boring family SUV. The top-end 195TSI is great fun and a contender for those who want GTI-like thrills with SUV practicality. Overall, the 150TSI R-Line hits the sweet spot – it’s a perfect all-rounder for families who want a little more than a family car.

4 stars

Originally published as 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan review