VW Tiguan and Atlas hybrid models will likely see the light of day, but the wait will be long

Volkswagen confirms the arrival of the Tiguan and Atlas hybrid models, but the launch will not take place for several years.

• The VW Tiguan and Atlas hybrid won’t arrive until mid-cycle refreshes or next-generation redesigns.

• Dealer pressure has brought VW’s focus back to hybrids after prioritizing EVs.

• Emissions regulations will determine the hybrid mix for North America.

Volkswagen is working on introducing hybrid versions of its Tiguan and Atlas SUVs, although these models won’t go on sale for several years. The news came as the 2025 Tiguan was shown ahead of the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show without an electrified option.

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Thomas Schäfer, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, addressed the issue of the hybrid delay during a media roundtable, noting that while hybrids are under development, they were not initially included in the company’s plans. VW products for North America. The manufacturer had anticipated faster adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEV), which changed its priorities. However, North American dealers have expressed the need for hybrid models. This prompted Volkswagen to accelerate the development of hybrids.

Thomas Tetzlaff, director of public relations at Volkswagen Canada, confirmed that “the powertrains of both vehicles are currently being considered for future hybridization.” He added: “There is no definitive timetable or final decision at this time, but the matter is definitely under review. »

Andrew Savvas, director of sales and marketing for North America at Volkswagen, emphasized that the introduction of hybrids versus plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) will depend on evolving emissions regulations and needs. fleets. “What happens in terms of legislation will determine the right mix,” Savvas said.

A hybrid variant of the Atlas SUV is under consideration, Schäfer confirmed when asked. However, any hybrid version of the Atlas will likely coincide with the launch of its next-generation model. The Atlas, initially introduced in 2018 and refreshed in 2021 and 2024, is not expected to receive a hybrid powertrain until several years later. Schäfer suggested that Volkswagen would likely focus on developing just one hybrid version – plug-in or standard – for the Atlas to ensure good market positioning.

The Tiguan, Volkswagen’s best-selling vehicle in the United States, is another top priority for electrification. While the new third-generation 2025 Tiguan will arrive in North America in early summer, hybrid options won’t join the lineup until at least its mid-cycle update. Currently, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Tiguan are available in other global markets, but their introduction here remains a longer-term plan.

The Taos, Volkswagen’s smallest SUV, was recently refreshed for 2025, but is not expected to receive a hybrid powertrain anytime soon. Company executives have indicated that hybrid projects are a priority for the Tiguan and Atlas.