It's been almost half a year since the new generation Volkswagen Tiguan premiered, and we can finally see North America's model. Set to retain the Tiguan moniker, it is a seven-seat compact crossover that's expected to launch in Europe as the Tayron (ex-Tiguan Allspace).
Our spies have managed to nab a few prototypes testing in the cold on the other side of the pond, and the design differences compared to the 2024 Tiguan are obvious. It will have a different face, albeit not similar to its predecessor, as that's just the camouflage doing its thing. We can also see a different bumper and fresh trim on the sides, as well as tweaked taillamps and a new bumper at the rear.
It is worth noting that Volkswagen has extended the rear overhang and enlarged the three-quarter windows. This move was required to increase the interior space to accommodate an extra row of seats that should be suitable mostly for kids. With the third row folded down, the cargo area will be superior to that of the new-gen Tiguan that's offered solely as a five-seater in Europe. The Tayron will be a seven-seat model, and it will be known as the Tiguan in our market.
Photo: Baldauf
A look inside is unavailable for the moment, yet when it opens up to the camera, we expect it to be the same as Europe's latest Tiguan. Thus, look for a large tablet-like infotainment system in the middle of the dashboard with up to 15 inches in diagonal in the range-topping flavors, sitting next to the smaller digital gauge cluster that will feature an anti-reflective coating. Ambient lighting will also be on deck, as will smartphone integration, voice assistance, and a generous range of safety systems.
Based on the MQB Evo platform, shared with the new Passat, Skoda Octavia, Cupra Formentor, Audi A3, and so on, the new Volkswagen Tiguan (Tayron overseas) will likely launch with the same gasoline and diesel engines found on the shorter variant in Europe, joined by plug-in hybrid models. We have no idea yet what will power the U.S.-spec, yet a four-pot, perhaps with mild-hybrid assistance and a dual-clutch transmission, seems likely. All-wheel drive will be reserved for the upper specs.
Given that it is essentially a longer version of Europe's 2024 Tiguan, the all-new Tiguan destined for North America should launch in a few months, and we expect it to go on sale before the end of the year. Thus, the outgoing Tiguan, with its $28,880 MSRP in the entry-level form, should be discontinued shortly. If anything, it will probably become more expensive, and we wouldn't be surprised if it slightly exceeds the $30k mark. The larger Atlas starts at $37,995 before destination.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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