- The first 2025 VW Tiguan did not include a hybrid model
- VW dealers are asking for hybrids
- A hybrid Tiguan and Atlas are planned, but not for years
On Wednesday i In 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan debuted ahead of the 2024 LA auto show, but the absence of a hybrid model.
In a press conference with Green Car Reports and other media on Thursday, Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand said. hybrids are in the works. But it will take years.
Schäfer noted that VW's American dealers “asking for hybrids loud and clear.” The automaker is now working to add hybrids to the lineup “as soon as possible,” but they weren't in the product plans as they predicted the BEV market would develop faster than it did, and that makes it difficult.
The automaker doesn't issue both a Tiguan hybrid and plug-in hybrid different in the US No decision has been made, according to Andrew Savvas, Volkswagen's Chief Sales and Marketing Officer in North America, who emphasized that what is happening with the law and fleet emission regulations will determine the right mix of hybrids versus plug-in hybrids.
2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
When asked if the Atlas will get a hybrid variant Schäfer said: “Yes.”
Whether i Atlas hybrid it will be a plug-in, Schäfer said “they will probably only make one.” It's about balance and making sure it fits the product well rather than clashing with both at the same time. The team is still learning when to launch it. It probably won't be until the next-generation Atlas, which could be years from now. Atlas was launched in 2018, updated in 2021, then updated again in 2024.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
Outgoing Volkswagen Group of America CEO Pablo Di Si has been looking for hybrids in the US market—which didn't seem like such a tall order since VW has plenty of hybrids in other global markets. But that pressure didn't translate into reality fast enough.
Unlike the Atlas, the Tiguan is a global brand. The Tiguan, which is the best-selling car in America, is now available in other markets as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid.
That means, if it gets the green light, these hybrid models won't make it to the Tiguan lineup until the mid-cycle refresh, which could be years from now. The new, third-generation, 2025 Tiguan revealed on Wednesday won't arrive until early summer.
The pint-sized Taos fits into the VW SUV family and just got a facelift for 2025. Management comments clearly placed that model behind the Tiguan and Atlas, respectively, in getting a possible hybrid version—if it happens.