Volkswagen has officially announced the specifications for the next-generation 2025 Tiguan ahead of its Australian debut in May. The third-generation model will be available in three familiar trims—Life, Elegance, and R-Line—marking its arrival more than 18 months after its European debut. For the first time, the Tiguan Elegance will be offered with the base 110kW 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine. Meanwhile, the popular R-Line trim will be available in two different 2.0-litre turbocharged versions, producing 150kW and 195kW, respectively.
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Volkswagen Australia describes the 195TSI R-Line as the spiritual successor to the 235kW Tiguan R, which was available toward the end of the outgoing model's lifecycle. This version also serves as a more powerful option for existing Tiguan 162TSI owners looking to upgrade. However, diesel-powered variants will not be making a return to the Australian market after being discontinued in 2023. While mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are available overseas, Volkswagen is instead shifting its focus to the all-electric ID.4 and ID.5 mid-size SUVs, which are expected to arrive in Australia just before the new Tiguan, following multiple delays.
Pricing for the 2025 Tiguan is not expected to increase significantly compared to the outgoing model, which ranged from $43,990 before on-road costs for the base 110TSI Life to $60,590 for the 162TSI R-Line. The previous Tiguan R was priced at $73,790. Volkswagen has positioned the fully-optioned 1.4-litre front-wheel-drive 110TSI Elegance as a competitor to naturally aspirated four-cylinder SUVs, such as the Mazda CX-5 G25 Akera, Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed, and Nissan X-Trail Ti, which are priced between $51,000 and $53,000. For reference, the outgoing 2.0-litre AWD 162TSI Elegance was priced at $57,090 and continues in the new lineup as the 150TSI Elegance.
The entry-level 110TSI Life continues as the most affordable option, now featuring a 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, replacing the previous six-speed unit. It also gains several new standard features, including larger 19-inch alloy wheels (up from 18 inches), a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 360-degree camera, an electric tailgate, and wireless phone charging. Safety features have been upgraded as well, with the addition of side exit warning, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic alert, more advanced autonomous emergency braking, and two additional airbags, bringing the total count to nine.
The Tiguan has already received a five-star ANCAP safety rating in New Zealand, where it is currently on sale, and this rating is expected to be carried over to Australian models. Additionally, the Tiguan becomes the third Volkswagen model in Australia to feature traffic sign recognition—joining the Amarok and Touareg—a technology that has been available in European Volkswagen models for years. Volkswagen Australia has positioned the mid-range 110TSI Elegance as a choice for private buyers who may not have previously considered a Tiguan. This trim offers leather-appointed upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions, chrome exterior accents, upgraded headlights and tail-lights, and optional extras such as a panoramic sunroof and a Sound and Vision package.
The 150TSI R-Line and Elegance trims—both featuring a 150kW/320Nm 2.0-litre engine—replace the outgoing 132TSI Life, 162TSI R-Line, and 162TSI Elegance variants. The range-topping 195TSI R-Line delivers the same power output as the latest Mk8.5 Volkswagen Golf GTI hatchback, with 400Nm of torque—matching the previous Tiguan R and surpassing the Golf GTI by 30Nm. All 2.0-litre variants (150TSI R-Line, 150TSI Elegance, and 195TSI R-Line) now come equipped with Volkswagen’s improved 'DCC Pro' adaptive chassis control suspension featuring two-valve shock absorbers. As before, R-Line models also include progressive steering and a sportier body kit.
The new Tiguan has grown slightly, now measuring 4539mm in length—30mm longer than its predecessor—while maintaining the same 2680mm wheelbase. Built on the updated MQB Evo platform shared with the current Golf, the new model offers increased practicality, with boot space expanding to 652 litres, a 37-litre improvement, and 1650 litres with the second-row seats folded down.
Final Australian pricing and details will be revealed closer to the vehicle’s May launch. Meanwhile, the long-wheelbase, seven-seat Tiguan Allspace has been phased out in favor of the Volkswagen Tayron, which remains closely related to the standard Tiguan. The Tayron is expected to arrive in Australia in late 2025.