The third-generation Tiguan goes on sale in the spring of 2025.

VW showed its third-generation Tiguan at the Los Angeles car show in November 2024, with sales planned by the spring of 2025. The new car, built on what VW call the MQB evo platform, has a marginally longer wheelbase but is slightly shorter overall than its predecessor. The new Tiguan is 77 kilograms lighter than the old one. The Tiguan is now a five-seater, with no third-row seat available. The established powertrain returns for 2025.

The Tiguan is exclusively all-wheel drive and the sole engine is a turbocharges 2L four rated at 201 horsepower, 17 more than last year. Power reaches all wheels via a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission.

A full active safety suite, including a forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, a lane keep assist system, active cruise control and an exit warning.

Volkswagen has eschewed the straight-lined conservatism of its predecessor for a more rounded form that bears more than a resemblance to the styling conventions of its corporate cousin, Audi. The most controversial aspect of the new Tiguan is the big black “scar” across the front end that resembles a huge swath of electrical tape slapped on the front as part of the production process that they forgot to remove prior to delivery. All Tiguans feature LED headlights, with pricier trims having a lightbar connecting the headlights and a lit logo as well. The rear end is punctuated by highly-styled, complicated taillights that, on higher-priced trims, linked by a lightbar. The cabin is fronted by a large dashboard with a uniform shape from door to door. The driver faces a very crisply marked TFT gauge package and on premium models, the passenger faces an electronic light-style element that is repeated on the front door trims. A massive screen is attached to the centre of the dash. All aspects of climate and audio systems are run from the screen, with all climate functions using VW’s difficult-to-use finger sliders. The gear selector has been moved from the console to the steering column. The rest of the cabin looks elegant and very plush. There are some two-tone colour combinations and premium models can be had with leather seating and genuine wood accents. Being about the same size as its roomy predecessor, cabin and cargo space should be ample.

With a comprehensive active safety suite, the base Trendline trim is nicely equipped. The Comfortline trim adds larger wheels, a power tailgate, a power driver’s seat, ambient lighting and an alarm system, but looks overpriced. The Comfortline Black Edition includes larger wheels, a dual-panel sunroof, auto dim rearview mirror and alloy pedals but is very expensive for what you get with the upgrade. The Highline provides luxuries like active headlights, heated windshield, puddle lights, a 360 degree camera system, a Harman-Kardon audio system, parking sensors, navigation, a power passenger seat and three-zone climate controls, at a bargain price.

New model, not rated. Below average reliability expected. Engine problems, including failed turbo wastegates are expected and capricious electrical issues and leaks from VW’s universal “Cassette” drop-in sunroof, are common.