2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line: A Compact SUV Worth Taking Seriously

It’s been a while since the Volkswagen Tiguan made a big splash. While it’s long been a staple in VW’s U.S. lineup, its reputation has leaned more toward functional than flashy. The last time I reviewed a Tiguan was back in 2018. It was a competent, family-friendly crossover with tech-forward features and good road manners—but not exactly inspiring. I even owned a VW Atlas at the time and, while I appreciated the brand’s sensibility, I never found myself wowed by their interiors.

But the 2025 Tiguan? That’s a different story. Volkswagen has finally put some serious weight behind their compact SUV—and it shows. With a complete redesign, a fresh platform, upgraded materials, and an impressive suite of standard features, this new Tiguan isn’t just better. It’s genuinely impressive.

This week I’m behind the wheel of the 2025 Tiguan SEL R-Line 4MOTION, finished in Sandstone Gray over Grigio & Black leather, priced at $41,180 as tested. If you’re cross-shopping small SUVs—or if you’re a former VW owner wondering if it’s time to come back—this is the one you need to watch. And hey, we’ve got a full video walkaround and driving review on the TXGarage YouTube channel, so check that out for more visual context.

Let’s get into it.

Glow-Up on Wheels

Volkswagen didn’t just tweak the Tiguan—they gave it a full-blown makeover. Built on the new MQB Evo platform, the 2025 Tiguan has a wider stance, sharper lines, and modern detailing that puts it squarely in the upper tier of compact SUV design.

From the front, the signature illuminated VW badge, LED daytime running lights, and adaptive front lighting system give it a bold presence. Move around to the back and you’ll find one of my favorite touches: a fully illuminated rear badge and red light bar spanning the hatch. It’s subtle but stylish—and it absolutely pops at night.

As an SEL R-Line, this Tiguan gets even more visual flair. There’s gloss-black trim, unique front and rear bumpers, 20-inch alloy wheels, silver roof rails, and R-Line badging that signals this is the top of the lineup. It’s not trying to be a hot-rod SUV—but it definitely looks the part of a premium daily driver.

From Functional to First-Class

Here’s where things get real: the interior of this Tiguan is shockingly good. Volkswagen interiors have historically been practical and clean—but rarely premium. This 2025 model, especially in SEL R-Line trim, flips that narrative on its head.

The seats are covered in Varenna leather, heated and ventilated up front, and even heated in the rear. But what really got me? The 10-point massaging seats with position memory. In a compact SUV under $45K, that’s a power move. The cabin also features a black headliner, stainless steel pedals, and soft-touch materials across all the major touchpoints.

Tech is front and center with a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system and VW’s Digital Cockpit Pro, plus a head-up display that feels straight out of a luxury segment. The lighting system deserves a shoutout too—with multi-color ambient lighting, light bars in the doors and dash, and front footwell lights that bring the whole cabin to life after dark.

This isn’t just a better Tiguan. This is the best interior Volkswagen has ever put in a compact SUV.

Driving It: Confident, Not Cocky

The Tiguan isn’t chasing lap times—but that’s not the point. It’s built for comfort, capability, and real-world confidence—and in that role, it absolutely delivers.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. It’s a solid setup. Acceleration is smooth and midrange torque makes for easy passing and merging. That said, the turbo can get a little vocal when pushed hard, and there’s some slight lag off the line. It doesn’t feel effortless, but it’s never underpowered.

What it lacks in thrill, it makes up for in comfort. Ride quality is excellent—even on the larger wheels—and the updated chassis does a great job soaking up bumps without ever feeling floaty. It’s the kind of SUV that makes a long daily commute or road trip feel just a little more relaxed.

Fuel economy lands at 25 mpg combined (22 city / 30 highway), which is competitive in this segment, especially with AWD standard on this trim.

Tech You’ll Actually Use

Volkswagen packs the Tiguan with all the right tools—and crucially, they’re easy to use.

The star of the show is IQ.DRIVE, VW’s suite of advanced driver assistance features. That includes Travel Assist (a hands-on semi-autonomous system), adaptive cruise control, lane centering, blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, and even Emergency Assist—which can bring the vehicle to a stop if it detects the driver is unresponsive.

Also helpful: the Dynamic Road Sign Display, Park Assist Plus, and a 360° overhead camera system that makes tight parking spots a breeze.

Between all of that and the standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Qi wireless charging, Harman Kardon premium audio, and remote start, this Tiguan feels like it was spec’d for the modern tech-savvy family. Nothing feels gimmicky—it’s just smartly executed.

Cargo & Practicality: Still a Tiguan at Heart

This new Tiguan ditches the optional third-row seat, and honestly, it’s better for it. With only two rows, the interior feels more spacious and less compromised.

Behind the second row, you get 26.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is enough for a couple of large suitcases or a full grocery run. Fold the second row flat and that opens up to 58.9 cubic feet—plenty for road trip gear, IKEA runs, or helping a friend move a dresser. There’s also underfloor storage and a hands-free power liftgate that makes loading up easier when your hands are full.

Who’s It Competing With?

In the compact SUV arena, the Tiguan is now genuinely competitive with big-name players like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5.

• The RAV4 still wins on efficiency and hybrid options, but can’t match the Tiguan’s interior polish.
  
• The CR-V is the default pick for many shoppers—and for good reason—but it feels more conservative by comparison.
  
• The CX-5 offers sharp handling and upscale vibes, but can’t match the Tiguan’s interior tech and overall space.
  

With this redesign, VW has carved out a real sweet spot: a compact SUV that balances comfort, style, tech, and practicality—without getting lost in the crowd.

Final Verdict: This One Deserves a Look

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line surprised me. In the best way. For the first time, this compact SUV doesn’t feel like it’s playing catch-up. It feels like it belongs at the top of your test-drive list.

It’s not perfect. The engine note could be quieter, and some of the touch controls might take a minute to get used to. But from the exterior lighting and premium materials to the comfort, tech, and driver aids—it’s a big step forward for VW.

If you’re shopping in this segment and want something that blends function with flair, the Tiguan should absolutely be on your radar. It’s not just better—it’s competitive. And for Volkswagen, that’s a big deal.

Want to see it in action? Check out our full video review on the TXGarage YouTube channel for a closer look at the interior, drive footage, and all the tech in motion.