Next-Gen Volkswagen Tiguan Teased With Wildly Different Interior
The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan is right around the corner. Currently in the final stages of development and testing, it will make its global debut this fall and go on sale next year, likely as a 2025 model in Canada.
What will the German automaker’s best-selling vehicle look like following its complete redesign? We now have a better idea with the first official pictures and details released online.
- Also: Volkswagen Wants a Plug-in Hybrid in North America
- Also: 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan: Steady as She Goes
Sure, the new Tiguan is still wearing camo, but the silhouette appears to be smoother and a little bit rounder. Volkswagen says it has grown in length by around 3 cm. Height, width and wheelbase remain almost identical.
The redesigned headlights are available with IQ.LIGHT HD matrix lighting technology, significantly improving visibility. Alas, that’s not the case with the rear window, which definitely seems to be smaller. Unsurprisingly, the wheels feature a new design, though the ones seen here don’t exactly get our pulse racing.
The lone shots of the interior show a wildly different cockpit, with a redesigned dashboard integrating a digital instrument cluster and an available 15-inch touchscreen. That’s right, 15 inches. It will be powered by a new, more intuitive infotainment system with configurable menus and functions.
The HVAC controls are now located on the screen, while many more buttons have been removed from the centre console, which instead gets a “Driving Experience Control” rotary dial with its own mini-screen that can be used to control drive mode, radio volume or ambient lighting colours. Similar to the ID.4 electric crossover, the gear selector is mounted on the steering column.
Some unique touches also catch our attention, like the techy trim pieces on the right side of the dashboard and upper door panels. Volkswagen says the seats are new and more refined (the front ones can be specified with ergoActive technology for adjustable support and massage), storage and cargo capacity are increased, and an acoustic package is available to provide premium-class noise comfort.
Volkswagen has further developed its modular platform for the new Tiguan. The new generation is called “MQB evo” and it serves as a basis for a new adaptive suspension with two-valve shock absorbers. A standard vehicle dynamics manager, shared with the current Golf GTI, controls the functions of the electronic differential locks (XDS) and the lateral dynamics components of the controlled shock absorbers to ensure superior handling. Amen.
Finally, you should know that the next-gen Tiguan has been designed to accommodate a variety of powertrain options. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine will be back (possibly with more power) and a plug-in hybrid system could be offered, as well. Volkswagen’s top executive for North America, Pablo Di Si, made that wish clear recently. Based on the WLTP standard our European buddies like to use, zero-emission range is estimated at up to 100 km, which sounds quite promising.
Oh, and a fully electric Tiguan is coming in 2026, too. Keep following The Car Guide for more details about the new VW Tiguan!