The new VW Tiguan will replace the current model’s angular surfacing with more curves, while being offered with a heavier dose of electrified powertrains
November 13, 2022 at 12:38
by Thanos Pappas
This story includes illustrations for the next Tiguan created by Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien for CarScoops that are neither related to nor endorsed by VW.
The next generation of the VW Tiguan is expected to arrive in 2024 as the last one to be fitted with a combustion engine. Following the first appearances of Tiguan prototypes on the road, our associates created a more accurate (and less adventurous) rendering than our previous speculative drawing, giving us an early look at VW’s upcoming compact SUV.
The current Tiguan has been facelifted in 2020 adopting styling cues from the latest Golf. The visual updates were extensive for VW standards, but they were focused on the front end. As a result, the angular treatment of the remaining bodywork has started to feel a little dated compared to newer rivals. VW will fix that with the all-new third-generation Tiguan, featuring a fully redesigned bodywork without going over the top.
More: What A Merged A4 Sedan And A5 Sportback Model Could Look Like In Audi’s Range
The speculative rendering of the 2025 VW Tiguan (above) was modeled after the recent spy shots of lightly camouflaged prototypes (below).
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Lightly camouflaged prototypes of the Tiguan have been spotted, revealing a more sculpted profile with more curves and fewer straight lines. As you can see from our rendering, the SUV will feature toned-up fenders, similar to the larger Touareg. The window line will get rounded edges, while the plastic cladding on the wheel arches and bumpers will remain subtle.
The front end borrows elements from the ID range including the slimmer grille, the LED headlights, and the aerodynamic side inlets on the bumper. However, as with all ICE-powered models, there is a greater need for cooling, thus the much larger central intake. A second intake positioned just above the splitter takes things to the sporty side instead of the more rugged-looking skidplates found in some rivals.
Similarly, the tail will feature a softer design with sleeker LED taillights extending to the rear fenders and a more inclined rear windscreen covered by a spoiler. Interior changes will also be quite extensive, focused around a large free-standing infotainment display that will be joined by a digital instrument cluster and fewer physical controls. Thankfully VW will revert from the trend of touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel after receiving negative feedback from owners.
More Electrified Powertrains
The third-gen Tiguan is expected to ride on an updated version of the MQB Evo architecture. According to the latest reports, the SUV will be offered with a selection of mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Among those will be the recently updated 1.5 TSI Evo2 set to produce up to 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) in combination with electric motors as part of a PHEV setup.
It is not clear if the performance-focused Tiguan R will live on to the next generation since VW R has pledged to go EV-only by 2030 and is already actively working on a number of EVs. Speaking of which, a fully electric variant of the Tiguan is not entirely off the cards, but it is less likely to appear since there is not much breathing space between the upcoming ID.3-sized electric SUV and the ID.4.
The Tiguan has plenty of time to shine until VW becomes an EV-only brand by 2033. However, the compact SUV has to face strong competitors including the likes of the Peugeot 3008, Ford Kuga, Renault Austral, Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, and Hyundai Tucson, alongside the mechanically-related Skoda Kodiaq and Seat Ateca.
