Bozeman, Montana, set the stage for our first experience with the 2025 VW Tiguan, now available at U.S. dealerships. Against the backdrop of big skies and winding mountain roads, the newest generation of VW’s best-selling nameplate made a striking impression, not only for its refreshed style but also for its elevated blend of technology, comfort, and driving dynamics.
The 2025 Tiguan arrives with bold updates both inside and out. Its two-row layout (a shift from the previous generation’s available third-row option) is paired with a redesigned cabin centered on digital innovation. A larger touchscreen display, available up to 15 inches on the top-tier SEL R-Line model, dominates the dashboard and serves as the interface for climate, navigation, and media systems. Physical buttons haven’t disappeared entirely, though—steering wheel controls, stalk-mounted toggles, and a column-mounted gear selector maintain intuitive functionality, freeing up space on the minimalist center console.
Trim levels include S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and the top-of-the-line SEL R-Line. Front-wheel drive is standard across the range, with Volkswagen’s 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system available on all trims—except the SEL R-Line, where AWD comes standard. While the entire Tiguan lineup offers more power, improved fuel economy, and enhanced safety features compared to the outgoing model, it’s the SEL R-Line that truly delivers standout sophistication and performance.
The 2025 Tiguan SEL R-Line wears its new exterior confidently. With sharper lines, a more sculpted front fascia, and a wider stance, this Tiguan feels more athletic and premium. The grille has been reimagined with integrated LED lighting elements, while sleek LED tail lights and optional 20-inch alloy wheels round out the contemporary look. R-Line badging, chrome accents, and black window surrounds give the SEL R-Line a sporty yet upscale visual identity that clearly separates it from more utilitarian crossovers.
Step inside the SEL R-Line and it’s clear Volkswagen is leaning into a more refined aesthetic. The cabin offers a clean and sophisticated design punctuated by upscale materials and thoughtful detailing. Buyers can choose from Grigio and Black, Mistral, or Amber Brown interior colors, each paired with perforated Varenna leather upholstery in an elegant diamond quilt pattern. American walnut wood trim, featuring double stitching on the wrapped center console, adds warmth and craftsmanship, while a black headliner lends a premium feel to the R-Line models.
Ambient lighting is another area where the SEL R-Line shines—literally. With 30 color options and backlit décor on the dash and front doors, drivers can tailor the cabin atmosphere to suit their mood. The Driving Experience Dial on the center console controls not only drive modes but also volume and lighting presets, offering a tactile way to personalize every journey.
Technology takes center stage in the new Tiguan. The SEL R-Line features the advanced Volkswagen Digital Cockpit system, providing a customizable digital instrument cluster that’s clear, responsive, and intuitive. The centerpiece 15-inch infotainment display offers crisp graphics and fast navigation, anchoring a dashboard design that’s both futuristic and functional.
Audiophiles will appreciate the standard Harman Kardon® audio system on SEL R-Line models. With 700 watts of power delivered through 12 speakers—including a subwoofer—and a 16-channel amplifier, the system delivers rich, immersive sound that easily fills the cabin, whether you’re enjoying a podcast or cranking up a road trip playlist.
We put the 2025 Tiguan SEL R-Line through its paces on the scenic, twisting roads outside Bozeman. The experience was nothing short of impressive. Steering is precise and weighted just right for a balance between everyday ease and mountain road confidence. The ride quality is composed, easily soaking up rough patches and gravel without sacrificing control. The powertrain—more efficient and responsive than before—offers strong mid-range torque that makes highway merging and passing feel effortless.
Volkswagen’s 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system kept us grounded on loose surfaces and elevation changes, delivering the kind of poised performance you’d expect from crossovers at a much higher price point. What we love is that Volkswagen didn’t just update the Tiguan—they reimagined it. With elevated styling, an interior that rivals luxury competitors, and a tech suite that blends utility with elegance, the 2025 Tiguan SEL R-Line is a standout in a crowded segment. It’s a vehicle that brings German refinement and smart versatility to the American market in a way that feels fresh, confident, and well-calibrated for modern life.
