Production of the more affordable 2025 Ford Escape just got underway at the Louisville Assembly plant in Kentucky roughly two months ago, but the future of that crossover remains a bit murky. In fact, more than one report has indicated that the Escape will be discontinued at some point in the near future, most recently, via one claiming that production of that model is slated to end by 2026 – after which it could be replaced by an all-electric model or simply fall by the wayside as The Blue Oval prioritizes the Ford Bronco Sport as its compact crossover of choice. In either event, for now at least, the Escape has a new rival to contend with – the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Debuting mere months after the Escape and Bronco Sport rivaling 2025 Volkswagen Taos, the all-new Tiguan – Volkswagen’s best-selling nameplate in the U.S. – has received the same sort of revamped exterior styling, which is comprised of completely new sheetmetal. The 2025 Tiguan rides on the MQB evo platform and is a bit longer in terms of wheelbase compared to its predecessor, coupled with a shorter rear overhang. There are plenty of sporty elements such as slimmer headlights, an available LED light bar, a rear roof spoiler, and various wheel options topping out at 20 inches in diameter.
The interior of the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan has also received a comprehensive makeover with a more upscale feel thanks to American walnut trim and Savona leather, while the gear selector has been relocated from the center console to the steering column to free up storage space. In terms of screens, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is standard along with a 12.9-inch infotainment display, though a larger 15-inch unit and head-up display are available as options.
Power for the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan comes from the turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, which now makes 201 horsepower rather than 184 in the outgoing model. In addition to that bump, the new Tiguan is reportedly 170 pounds lighter than its predecessor due to the presence of more aluminum and hot-formed steel, which should also aid in the performance department. For now, VW isn’t revealing pricing or launch info for the new Tiguan, but we expect to learn more about the all-new crossover in the coming months.
Comments
I have seen Escape pulling Tiguan from bogging, but I have never seen Tiguan pulling Escape from bogging.
It’s a big improvement, especially ditching the absurd 3rd row, but I’d never buy any new design for 2 model years. Of ANYTHING, these days.
I’ll give VW credit for putting effort into this; it’s a very nice update. I saw that VW updated its whole lineup within the past few years. Then I looked at Ford, and well… the Escape is being killed. Sometimes, I hate what they’ve done to Ford.
It’s at least a step above the Escape. No longer a compact SUV, it’s now larger, approaching the Edge’s dimensions. Certainly of interest for those looking for a near-midsize SUV with 5 seats only.
It’s a very sharp looking ride. The 2.0t should make more than 200hp, that’s a real letdown.