- The Tayron is VW’s latest SUV, positioned between the Touareg and EU-spec Tiguan.
- It features a distinct exterior design and a spacious cabin with an optional third row.
- The European model previews the US-spec 2025 Tiguan, set to debut in November.
Volkswagen has unveiled the global version of the Tayron, giving us a sneak peek at what will soon be the North America-spec 2025 Tiguan, despite some differences, which we’ll discuss below. While still considered a compact model in the US, this new model technically fits into Europe’s midsize SUV segment, filling the gap left by the now-discontinued Tiguan Allspace.
Review: Europe’s New VW Tiguan Thinks It’s Wolfsburg’s BMW X1
It’s been stretched and redesigned, boasting a bigger boot and an optional seven-seat layout, because apparently, in the SUV world, bigger is always better—even if we pretend not to notice.
#1 It’s America’s 2025 Tiguan, Give or Take
In a statement to Carscoops, VW confirmed that while U.S.-spec Tiguan will retain the long-wheelbase setup of the EU-spec Tayron, it will come with some cosmetic tweaks, different powertrain options, and the expected variety in equipment packages. Of course, until the Tiguan makes its official debut at the LA Auto Show in November, the Tayron is the closest sneak peek Americans will get—for now, anyway.
#2 It’s 9 Inches Longer Than The Euro Tiguan
The new Tayron measures 4,770 mm (187.8 inches) in length, a full 231 mm (9.1 inches) longer than the EU-spec Tiguan and just 108 mm (4.3 inches) shy of the larger Touareg. The wheelbase has been stretched by 110 mm (4.3 inches) to a spacious 2,791 mm (109.9 inches), and to top it off, the rear overhang has been extended, further exaggerating its proportions.
As we first saw with China’s Tayron L, the European Tayron’s sheet metal looks nothing like the Tiguan’s. However, you’ll still see familiar VW styling cues all over it. Slim headlights? Check. Full-width taillights with animated LED graphics? Of course. A sculpted character line emphasizing the rear fenders? Naturally. Meanwhile, the R Line trim comes with sportier bumper intakes, ditching the standard model’s “smiling” grille as nothing says “serious” like a frown.
#3 Dual Displays Up To 15-inches
Inside, the Tayron’s digital cockpit is basically a rehash of the Tiguan’s, offering a 12.9-inch or 15-inch infotainment touchscreen paired with a 10.25-inch instrument cluster. But to keep things interesting (or at least pretend to), VW has thrown in an illuminated trim piece on the dashboard, which can even be finished in real open-pore wood.
No, the Tayron doesn’t get the extra third passenger display found in China’s Passat Pro and Magotan sedans. But hey, you’ll still get a hefty amount of standard features, like three-zone climate control and adaptive cruise control. For those wanting more, optional extras include the Travel Assist ADAS, adaptive chassis control (DCC Pro), a panoramic sunroof, massaging and ventilated seats, and a Harman-Kardon sound system. Luxuries, because the real world is too rough.
#4 Seven-Seat Layout
Practicality is where the Tayron outshines the Tiguan, offering a three-row, seven-seat layout for those who insist on ferrying more passengers. In the seven-seater variant, the boot offers 345 liters (12.2 cubic feet) of space, but for the five-seater version, it expands to an impressive 885 liters (31.2 cubic feet). So, when you’re not packing in a small soccer team, you’ll have room for all that Tesco bulk shopping.
#5 Most Potent Version Flexes 268 HP
As with the vast majority of ICE-powered models from the VW Group, the Tayron rides on the MQB Evo architecture. Powertrains are shared with the Tiguan, including gasoline, diesel, mild-hybrid, and two plug-in hybrid options. Outputs range from the 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) of the entry-level 1.5 eTSI and 2.0 TDI units, up to the 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) of the most potent plug-in hybrid setup.
All trims come with a dual-clutch transmission, because it’s VW, after all. While most versions push power to the front wheels, those who want a little extra can opt for the 4Motion AWD system—standard with the stronger 2.0-liter TDI diesel producing 190 hp (142 kW / 193 PS).
Until VW finally reveals the specs of the U.S.-spec Tiguan, we can only speculate. But knowing VW’s current SUV lineup in the region, the 2.0 TSI engine sounds like a great fit for the Tiguan, especially when combined with the 4Motion AWD system. Furthermore, VW could bring both PHEV versions stateside, with 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS), offering over 100 km (62 miles) of EV-only range.
#6 Costs $8K More Than The Tiguan
In Germany, pricing for the Tayron starts at a cool €45,475 (equal to around $49,800 at current exchange rates), which makes it €7,225 ($7,914) more expensive than the base Tiguan. Competitors in Europe’s SUV market include the Skoda Kodiaq, and the Peugeot 5008, though whether or not it’s worth the premium is for the buyers to decide—or not.