Step inside, and you’ll notice how VW has massaged the materials list: soft-touch dash panels, available leather seats, even genuine wood trim in higher trims. There’s a heated steering wheel for those frosty mornings and three-zone climate control so the back-seat passengers can set their own comfort zones. It’s almost as if Volkswagen held a town hall with owners and said, “Okay, what do you actually want?” The answer, evidently, was a cabin that feels more premium without charging premium prices—something Edmunds highlighted in its deep dive into Tiguan’s interior transformation [3].

Of course, no refresh is without its trade-offs. That eager new cabin vibe comes at the cost of the third-row option. Families who’ve grown fond of squeezing seven aboard will have to look elsewhere—remember those weekend tailgate trips?—because the Tiguan is now strictly a five-seater [4]. And while the turbocharged engine promises zest, some testers grit their teeth at the slight delay off the line. Still, for buyers prioritizing intuitive controls and refined materials, the 2025 Tiguan feels like a vindication of speaking up. Plus, if you’re curious how the Tiguan stacks up on value and comfort compared to budget alternatives, our cut-price SUV showdown might be worth a look.

Key Areas Where Volkswagen Listened To Feedback

The single biggest takeaway in this refresh is that real buttons—yes, actual tactile controls—are back. You don’t fully appreciate the relief until your fingertip finds that satisfying click. VW has restored a proper volume knob, complete with detents and a digital indicator, so you never have to hunt through a touchscreen. According to enthusiasts, this is a direct answer to complaints that touch-only panels distracted more than delighted [2].

Beyond the knobs, the package of materials and layout tweaks shows a clear nod to premium rivals. You’ll find plush leather available, genuine wood inlays, and a shift lever relocated to the steering column—freeing up a cavernous center console with wireless charging and deeper cubbies. It’s these small gestures, reviewed favorably by Car and Driver, that elevate the Tiguan’s cabin from functional to welcoming [1]. And for those with a penchant for classic VW charm, check out the evolution of tactile design over decades in our piece on Golf Mk2 interior features.

Safety and comfort tech didn’t take a backseat in VW’s listening tour, either. Massaging and ventilated front seats are on the options list, as is a heated steering wheel—perfect for those early morning commutes when the frost still clings to the windshield. In terms of driver aids, the Tiguan now ships standard with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and wireless Apple CarPlay. It’s an impressive roster that seems directly lifted from customer wish lists submitted over the years [3].

Ongoing Criticisms and Missed Opportunities

All these wins aside, the 2025 Tiguan still isn’t without its grumbles. Under that newly refined bonnet, the turbocharged four-cylinder produces adequate power, but there’s a perceptible lag when you push the pedal to the floor. One Car and Driver reviewer likened merges to a game of chance—will the boost kick in swiftly, or will you hesitate mid-merge? That unpredictability can be unsettling when you need to hustle onto the highway [4].

Even with the tactile comeback, the infotainment system’s deeper menus still demand attention. Adjusting navigation settings or toggling climate zones can feel like navigating a video game rather than a cockpit, a criticism that Edmunds reiterated in its review [3]. Have you ever tried to dial up the fan speed while merging onto a busy road? It’s a minor frustration, but in a segment where driver distraction is top of mind, every swipe counts.

Perhaps the biggest strategic misstep is the removal of the third-row option. For parents who once counted on that extra two seats for carpools or weekend getaways, the Tiguan’s five-seat cap may feel restrictive. While cargo volume has seen modest gains, the lack of that occasional seating row changes the equation for buyers who valued the Tiguan for its versatility. Our exploration of how choice of tires can enhance comfort and practicality might help soften the blow, but it doesn’t replace that missing seat tyre choices.

Driving Experience

On the move, the Tiguan impresses with more eager steering and a suspension tune that strikes a fine balance between composed and comfortable. Turn-in feels sharper than before, and the steering weight is natural—a refreshing change from the overly light, disconnected feel so many compact SUVs suffer from [4].

On rough pavement, the Tiguan’s chassis soaks up bumps with poise; it’s firm enough to avoid the floaty sensation yet compliant enough not to jostle occupants. The cabin’s sound insulation has been dialed up, ensuring conversations remain pleasant even at highway speeds [3]. Push into a series of bends, and that steadiness holds, giving drivers a welcome confidence on twisty back roads.

Anyway, where was I? Right—the main point is that VW’s adjustments to ride and handling make the Tiguan feel tailored to drivers who want engagement and ease, not just a cushy shell. It’s proof that listening to feedback—both in the boardroom and on enthusiast forums—can yield a more rounded, enjoyable vehicle.

Volkswagen’s quick fix to the Tiguan’s touchscreen woes might just win back hearts and steering wheels.

Summary Table: Volkswagen Tiguan 2025 – Response to Customer Feedback