CarExplore Rating

8.0 /10

Expert Scorecard

Media Expert Rating:
8.1 /10
Safety Rating:
8.8 /10
Eco Rating:
7.0 /10
Reliability Rating:
6.8 /10
Cost of Ownership:
7.5 /10
How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?
Volkswagen Tiguan

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Summary

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan ushers in the third generation of VW’s top-selling family SUV, sporting a dramatically evolved design, a high-tech interior, and enhanced practicality.

Set to land in Australia by mid-2025, the new Tiguan promises more space, advanced infotainment systems, and drivetrain options ranging from front-wheel drive to AWD with turbocharged petrol power.

While final Aussie specs and pricing remain under wraps, Volkswagen suggests the entry point could hover around $50k.

Early impressions abroad indicate a comfortable, refined, and family-friendly mid-size SUV that continues the Tiguan’s successful formula—albeit with next-gen polish.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
- Significantly updated cabin with premium finishes - Australian pricing not confirmed, could start ~$50k
- More cabin space & clever features (e.g. new “Smart Dial”) - Local engines not tested (Euro diesel/hybrid not planned here)
- Latest tech (up to 15” touchscreen, AI-based voice assist) - PHEV version uncertain for Australia
- Solid drivability and improved refinement - VW’s historical service/parts costs can be higher than rivals

Specifications

Body Style 5-door Mid-size SUV
Platform MQB Evo
Engines (AU) 1.4T (110TSI FWD), 2.0T (150TSI/195TSI AWD)
Transmission 7-speed DSG automatic
Launch Q2 2025 in Australia

(PHEV & Diesel versions exist in Europe, but not confirmed for local sale.)


Pricing

While no exact Aussie figures are official, we can estimate:

Pricing Information

Expected Drive-Away Costs (Est.)

Tiguan 110TSI (FWD): ~$50,000 drive-away
Tiguan 150TSI (AWD): ~$58,000 drive-away
Tiguan 195TSI R-Line (AWD): ~$63,000+ drive-away

Once pricing is released, we will update this page, or you can view it directly on our drive away pricing tool.


Interior & Features

Design & Tech:

  • Available 15-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, plus built-in nav and ChatGPT-based voice assistant in some markets.
  • Digital cockpit (10-inch) with configurable layouts.
  • Haptic slider for volume, “Smart Dial” on console for quick control of drive mode or audio.

Materials & Comfort:

  • Softer dash and door trims, ambient lighting, optional massaging & cooled front seats in higher trims (R-Line).
  • Spacious second row with increased leg/shoulder room vs. outgoing model.
  • Large door bins, cupholders, and dual wireless phone charging in some variants.

Cargo:

  • 652L boot (up 37L), 40:20:40 rear seat folding, adjustable floor, typical VW finishing touches (bag hooks, 12V port).

Engine & Fuel

Local powertrains for Australia are expected to mirror the previous generation’s line-up:

1. 1.4L TSI (110TSI FWD)

  • ~110kW, 250Nm, 7-speed DSG, front-wheel drive

2. 2.0L TSI (150TSI AWD)

  • Power & torque TBC; ~132–140kW expected

3. 2.0L TSI (195TSI AWD R-Line)

  • Sportier tune, ~195kW, 4Motion

Fuel consumption: TBA; likely ~7.0–8.8L/100km combined depending on engine/drive.



Expert Media Reviews

CarExpert +

Score: Not Rated

"The German giant’s third-generation mid-size SUV is more approachable, more high-tech, and more practical than its predecessor."

Link: Read review

Carsales +

Score: 8.8 / 10 (or 88/100)

"A big leap forward in refinement and interior tech, setting the stage for VW’s new era of SUVs."

Link: Read review

CarsGuide +

Score: 7.9 / 10

"Improved comfort and space, with a modern flair to the cabin design. Australian details remain TBC."

Link: Read review

ChasingCars +

Score: Not Rated

"Promising better practicality and drive, though final Aussie specs remain unknown."

Link: Read review

WhichCar +

Score: 7.5 / 10

"VW’s mid-size SUV has grown up, with sharper looks and a big tech upgrade. One to watch in 2025."

Link: Read review

Consumer Reports +

Score: Not Rated

"Focuses on a refined ride and advanced infotainment, but US specs may differ from Australia’s."

Link: Read review


Safety Rating

Adult Occupant (83%) Child Occupant (88%) Vulnerable Road User (84%) Safety Assist (78%)
33.53/40 43.25/49 53.46/63 14.21/18

Read the full ANCAP report here.

Standard Safety Features:

  • AEB w/ pedestrian, cyclist, junction & head-on detection
  • Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert
  • Adaptive cruise w/ stop-and-go & lane centring (“Travel Assist”)
  • Surround-view camera, front + rear parking sensors
  • Front, front-side, centre, and curtain airbags

ECO Rating

There's currently no GreenNCAP report for the Volkswagen Tiguan, once it becomes available, we will update this section and the ratings.


Reliability Rating

Based on 175 owner reviews (global data), the Tiguan’s average stands at 3.5/5 (~70/100).

Considering the four recalls between 2020 and 2024 on the outgoing generation, we factor a mild penalty—leading to a rating of 6.8/10 in our scoreboard.

Past Recalls (previous-gen):

  1. Rec-001414: Missing bolt on driver seat rail
  2. Rec-005418: Engine cover risk of fire
  3. Rec-005502: Rear wheel bearing housing fracture
  4. Rec-005930: Potential side curtain airbag defect

The new model, as of now, has no listed recalls.


Cost of Ownership

Servicing:

  • Intervals yet to be locked in for Australia, but typically 12 months/15,000km.
  • Expect both pay-as-you-go capped prices and prepaid Care Plans up to 5 years.
  • Current outgoing Tiguan plans cost $3020–$3700 over 5 years, which is relatively high for the segment.

Warranty:

  • 5 years/unlimited km (as per VW’s standard).

Fuel:

  • Projected to be ~7.0–8.8L/100km depending on engine.

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Let's Summarise

Approaching its Q2 2025 Australian launch, the third-gen VW Tiguan aims to balance premium features, next-level infotainment, and practical versatility in the ultra-competitive mid-size SUV market.

Though local engine details and exact pricing remain guesses, early drives in Europe highlight a roomier, plusher cabin and a more refined on-road demeanor.

If Volkswagen can keep costs near the projected range, the 2025 Tiguan should remain a go-to choice for those seeking a European SUV with strong safety and family-friendly comfort.


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