Best SUVs for Cottage Country: Why Muskoka Families Choose the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

June means one thing in Ontario cottage country – it's time to head north to Muskoka. Whether your family cottage sits on Lake Joseph, Rosseau, or one of the region's 1,600 lakes, the journey from Orillia brings unique driving challenges. Gravel access roads, steep boat launches, and fully-loaded cargo needs require more than your average family SUV.

The all-new 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan answers these challenges with German engineering designed for real cottage life. This completely redesigned SUV delivers the ground clearance, cargo space, and 4MOTION all-wheel drive that make weekend escapes and summer-long stays worry-free. For families who split their time between suburban comfort and lakeside adventures, the Tiguan bridges both worlds seamlessly.

Why Cottage Families Upgrade to the 2025 Tiguan

The third-generation Tiguan redesign addresses specific cottage country needs that matter to Muskoka families. The new MQB evo platform provides improved ground clearance for navigating rough cottage roads, while the standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive system handles everything from muddy driveways to steep, rocky boat launches.

Cargo space proves essential for cottage trips, and the Tiguan delivers 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded. This capacity easily accommodates a week's worth of groceries, water sports equipment, fishing gear, and the camping supplies that make cottage weekends memorable. The wide tailgate opening and low load floor simplify loading bulky items like coolers, outdoor furniture, or lumber for dock repairs.

Cottage-Ready Features: 

• 1,668 litres of cargo space (rear seats folded) 
• Standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive 
• 816 kg braked towing capacity 
• Trailer hitch preparation on all models 
• Hill Hold Assist and Hill Descent Control 
• 201 hp 2.0 TSI turbocharged engine

The updated 2.0 TSI engine produces 201 horsepower – a 17 horsepower increase over the previous generation. This extra power helps when climbing steep cottage access roads with a full load, while the improved fuel economy (9.3 L/100 km combined) makes the weekly drive from southern Ontario more affordable.

4MOTION AWD: Built for Cottage Road Conditions

Muskoka's cottage roads test even experienced drivers. Loose gravel, steep grades, and seasonal washouts require traction that front-wheel drive simply cannot provide. The Tiguan's 4MOTION system automatically sends power to all four wheels when sensors detect slipping, providing the grip needed for challenging terrain.

The system operates transparently during normal driving, engaging rear wheels only when necessary to maintain fuel efficiency. During cottage road driving, 4MOTION activates instantly when front wheels lose traction, helping maintain forward progress on loose surfaces or steep climbs.

Hill Hold Assist prevents the Tiguan from rolling backward when starting on steep grades – particularly useful at boat launches or steep cottage driveways. Hill Descent Control maintains safe speeds when descending steep access roads, reducing brake wear and improving control.

Interior Comfort for Long Cottage Drives

The drive from Orillia to popular Muskoka lakes ranges from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on your destination. The Tiguan's redesigned interior prioritizes comfort during these regular journeys, while accommodating the gear that cottage life requires.

The new dashboard design centers around a 12.9-inch infotainment display – the largest in its class. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing passengers to stream music or access cottage area maps without cable connections. The available 15-inch display option provides even more screen real estate for navigation and entertainment.

Climate comfort comes from the standard two-zone Climatronic automatic system, allowing driver and passenger to set individual temperatures. Available three-zone climate control extends comfort to rear passengers during longer drives. Heated front seats provide warmth during cooler spring and fall cottage trips, while the heated steering wheel adds another comfort touch.

Storage solutions throughout the cabin accommodate cottage essentials. The large 8-litre centre console holds maps, sunglasses, and electronics. Door pockets fit water bottles and snacks, while the under-floor cargo storage keeps valuable items secure when parked at marinas or trailheads.

Technology That Enhances Cottage Adventures

The Tiguan integrates technology that simplifies both cottage travel and lakeside life. The 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro provides customizable displays showing navigation, trip information, or real-time 4MOTION status. During cottage road driving, drivers can monitor which wheels receive power and when the system engages.

New "Atmospheres" combine synchronized ambient lighting and audio settings to enhance the driving experience. Choose from five preset modes or customize your own – particularly enjoyable during scenic drives through Muskoka's forested roads. The available 30-colour ambient lighting creates the perfect cabin mood for evening returns from the lake.

The premium 12-speaker harman/kardon sound system delivers concert-quality audio during long drives. Whether streaming your cottage playlist or keeping kids entertained with audiobooks, the system fills the cabin with clear, balanced sound that makes highway miles pass quickly.

Safety technology proves equally important for cottage travel. Travel Assist provides semi-automated driving assistance during highway portions of the journey, while the comprehensive IQ.DRIVE suite monitors for potential hazards. Front Assist with pedestrian monitoring helps detect wildlife that commonly crosses cottage country roads, especially during dawn and dusk hours.

Ready to discover why Muskoka families trust the Tiguan for their cottage adventures? Visit Orillia Volkswagen to explore all trim levels and experience the 4MOTION difference on local cottage roads.