Volkswagen’s best-selling car just got a stylish, new update

According to July 2024 data from Kelley Blue Book, one segment of cars has a strong foothold in the top ten best-sellers list. 

Though four popular pickup trucks, the Ford F-series and the Ram line, have established themselves as best-sellers, crossover SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V have made their mark on the list. In total, the four top-selling crossovers, the RAV4, CR-V, Tesla Model Y, and Nissan Rogue, accounted for over 783,000 U.S. automobile sales as of July 2024. 

Don’t miss the move: SIGN UP for TheStreet’s FREE Daily newsletter

But while these manufacturers reap the benefits and rewards of this accolade, one legendary automaker is left out: Volkswagen.

Over the years, sales of the brand’s Tiguan have paled compared to those of its competitors. However, a bold, new redesign may be a signal from VW that there may be hope in sight. 

VW’s Tiguan spaceship

Redesigned for 2025, Volkswagen’s new Tiguan has been revamped in a gift-wrapped package for the U.S. market, offering new features in a stylish and tech-rich form exclusive to American drivers.

On the outside, the Tiguan’s body is slightly bigger than the outgoing model and features a new set of striking styling details. According to VW, the increased size of the new car is due to its new platform, which allows for more space between the front and rear wheels. 

Under the hood, the new Tiguan is equipped with just one engine: a turbocharged 2-liter that has been uprated to 201 horsepower and mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. According to VW, this new combo allows for upgraded towing capacity of up to 1,800 pounds in 4Motion all-wheel-drive models. 

Volkswagen has not provided fuel economy figures just yet, but it is confident its EPA results will improve. In addition to the new motor, the 2025 Tiguan is also lighter than the outgoing one by around 170 pounds, which it says is due to the use of aluminum in the suspension and body structure.

Inside, the Tiguan’s cabin is relatively modern, complete with screens, clean lines, and carefully placed accent lighting, which gives it a more luxe feel than ever before. 

Like most dashboards on the market, the Tiguan’s entire dashboard is dominated by screens. Up ahead and behind the steering wheel is a 10.25-inch display called the Digital Cockpit, a screen standard on all trims that acts as the vehicle’s gauge cluster. 

However, next to the Digital Cockpit is another standard 12.9-inch infotainment display or an optional 15.0-inch unit that looks compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

More Automotive:

• Mazda’s budget-friendly EZ-6 EV starts under $20K — but will it leave China?
• These parents shun Uber for Waymo for a built-in safety feature
• Distressed luxury sportscar maker files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

VW says interior options besides the bigger screen include an available head-up display and a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

Additionally, VW is planning some optional extras that belong on the catalogs of its Audi cars, including a power Easy Open / Close tailgate, 12-way power front seats with quilted leather seating surfaces plus 10-point, full-back massage and ventilation, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, and a three-zone climate-control system. 

However, one cool feature unique to the Tiguan is something VW calls ‘Atmospheres,’ a function that gives the Tiguan interior certain “moods” while you are driving. As per VW, Atmospheres provides “synchronized ambient lighting and audio settings for a harmonious blend of sight and sound that enables you to tailor the vehicle’s mood to your preferences.”

Volkswagen says information regarding pricing and availability of the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan will be announced closer to launch.

Related: VW America CEO exits amid turmoil and a window of opportunity

New Tiguan could be the start of VW’s golden opportunity

The introduction of the new Tiguan comes as VW is in the middle of a leadership transition period. Out at VW of America is its CEO Pablo Di Si and in comes Kjell Gruner, who will officially take the helm on December 12. 

In the meantime, VW Chief HR Officer Gerrit Spengler will assume the role, but Di Si’s move comes after reports suggested that Di Si’s commitment to EVs and fumbling of opportunities has left a sour taste with VW bigwigs back in Germany. 

However, VW’s top brass are confident that its new Americas CEO will help guide its journey towards brighter days in the region, as prior positions at the Boston Consulting Group, VW Group nameplate Porsche, Daimler-Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, and Rivian have given him a unique perspective on the American market. 

“Kjell Gruner is an absolute expert for the U.S. market,” VW AG Group Human Resources Board Member Gunnar Kilian said. “He has over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry and extensive know-how in exploiting and expediting growth opportunities in North America.”

Related: Veteran fund manager sees world of pain coming for stocks