Step inside the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan, and you might think, “Is this really a VW?” The base-model Tiguan S starts at $30,920 and comes loaded with standard features like a 12.9-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster (Cockpit Pro in VW-speak), heated front seats, and parking sensors. Not bad for an entry-level trim. Climb the trim ladder, and the goodies keep coming: The SE adds ambient lighting, the SE R-Line Black throws in a head-up display and panoramic sunroof, and the range-topping SEL R-Line goes all out with ventilated and massaging front seats. The Tiguan is certainly dressed to impress. What really sets the 2025 Tiguan apart is its noticeable step up in interior quality. Volkswagen didn’t just sprinkle in a few nice touches; it overhauled the cabin with materials that feel genuinely upscale. The base trim has cloth seats made from bamboo yarns with an embossed design to add some plushness, and the top trim goes all out with quilted leather seats and real American wood on the dashboard that elevates the cabin’s panache. Depending on the trim, leather or cloth extends to the door panels, and soft-touch surfaces are found right where your elbows naturally land. Yes, there are still some hard plastics on the center console, grab handles, and lower door panels, but overall, the effort shows. VW’s design team also deserves credit for its eye for color. The SEL R-Line’s brown and black combo looks sharp and sophisticated, and even the base model’s gray and black mix feels fresher and more inviting than the sea of bland black interiors we’ve seen in past Tiguans and in some of the competition. See All 47 PhotosVolkswagen also moved the shifter from the center console to the steering column, freeing up space and fitting bigger cupholders. It might take some time to get used to how the new shifter works: It’s like the one found in the ID 4 or ID Buzz, where you move the selector forward to go forward, and back to go in reverse. The shifter itself could be of better quality, but that’s nitpicking. We’ve had our fair share of gripes with Volkswagen’s infotainment setup—mainly those finicky capacitive-touch sliders for volume and temperature. And although the 2025 Tiguan doesn’t ditch them entirely (yes, the temperature sliders are still there), there is at least a proper volume knob that doubles as a drive-mode selector (more on that later). The 2025 VW Tiguan’s interior space hits a sweet spot. At 6 feet tall, I had plenty of legroom sitting behind my own driving position, and headroom was solid, too—though taller folks might find it a bit tighter up top. Two adults are perfectly comfortable in the second row, but squeezing in a third makes it cozy. Cargo space is generous, with handy side pockets for stashing smaller items. The second row folds in a 60/40 split, and you can drop the seats from either the back or the cargo area. One notable change: The third row is gone. Yes, the 2025 Tiguan sticks with a two-row layout, bringing it in line with most of its compact SUV rivals. Technology is front and center in the new Tiguan, and just like with the interior, Volkswagen put in plenty of work. Most trims come with a 12.9-inch touchscreen, while the top-tier SEL R-Line gets a massive 15.0-inch display. The infotainment software is the same across the board—it takes a little getting used to, but it’s smooth sailing once you're dialed in. The graphics are clean and easy to read, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. You also get four USB-C ports with fast 45-watt charging and a 15-watt wireless charging pad that even has its own cooling system to keep your phone from overheating. We ran into some tech hiccups with our long-term 2023 VW GTI, so we hope this new system is more stable. See All 47 PhotosBehind the Wheel , Elevate family journeys with the Volkswagen Tiguan – the essential family SUV. Compact and spacious, stylish, and safe for unforgettable adventures., Compare 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan trims side by side to find the right vehicle for you. Compare prices, expert and consumer ratings, features, warranties, fuel economy, incentives and more..