2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　

What's new

Fully redesigned with more room and a third rowMore fuel-efficient than last yearStandard Apple CarPlay and Android AutoPart of the second Tiguan generation introduced for 2018

　　With the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, it looks like the German automaker is finally ready to offer a small crossover SUV that many Americans will want. Though entertaining to drive, the previous generation Tiguan fell short of the competition because of its small cargo space, mediocre fuel economy and, more recently, a lack of now common driver safety aids such as blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning. The Tiguan's premium price didn't help its case either.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$157/mo  for Tiguan S

　　Tiguan S

　　S 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $24,595 MSRPS 4Motion 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $25,895 MSRPSE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $26,750 MSRPSE 4Motion 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $28,050 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $31,090 MSRPSEL 4Motion 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $32,390 MSRPSEL Premium 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $36,250 MSRPSEL Premium 4Motion 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $37,550 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　For 2018, however, the Tiguan is thoroughly overhauled. It rides atop a new platform that underpins Volkswagen models ranging from the compact Golf hatchback to the new three-row Atlas SUV. This Tiguan even shares its new muscular shape and style with the Atlas. It's also 10 inches longer than its predecessor, which VW uses for more cargo space, more legroom, and an optional third-row seat that's small but handy if you need to cart around a couple of extra kids.

　　Some of the Tiguan's traditional strengths carry over, including a quiet and comfortable ride, top-notch cabin materials, and a user-friendly tech interface that's now even easier and quicker to use. These upscale touches no longer exact a price premium either.

　　Overall, we think the new Tiguan is worth a look alongside other roomy small crossovers such as the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue. 

　　Notably, we picked the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan as one of zzdcar' Best Small SUVs for this year.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　With more space and a new third-row seat, the redesigned 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is a significant improvement on its predecessor. It also boasts a muscular new look and advanced driver safety features. Overall, we think the new Tiguan is a solid pick if you're shopping for a small crossover SUV.

　　

Driving

　　More a quiet, comfortable cruiser than a sporty curve machine, the Tiguan features a punchy turbo four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed transmission. The engine lags from a standstill, however, and overall fuel economy is not especially impressive compared to that of competitors.

　　

Acceleration

　　The Tiguan's turbocharged engine feels punchy when you put your foot down at speed.

　　

Braking

　　It feels more buttoned-down than some other small crossover SUVs, but it's still shy of being a sporty driving experience.

　　

Drivability

　　We're not fond of how the Tiguan reacts slowly when you take your foot off the brake pedal and go for the gas. The delay is pronounced enough that you'll need to look for larger gaps in traffic when making turns into oncoming traffic.

　　

Off-road

　　Optional all-wheel drive and 7.9 inches of ground clearance should give the Tiguan enough capability to handle moderate bumps and ruts en route to trailhead, campsite or kayak launch. Automatic hill descent control and a customizable off-road mode come with all-wheel-drive models.

　　

Comfort

　　A quiet, comfortable ride remains one of the Tiguan's strengths. The front seats should be comfortable on long drives.

　　

Seat comfort

　　The cloth upholstery is more durable than it is comfortable, but cushioning remained supportive on an hourlong drive. Simulated leather is available in middle two trims; real leather is reserved for the top trim. The latter is more attractive and luxurious but doesn't breathe as well on a hot day.

　　

Ride comfort

　　You'll likely enjoy the quiet, comfortable ride for your daily commute. We recommend against larger wheels since the 19-inch wheels on SEL Premium test car produced a sharp, heavy impact when running over sunken manhole covers. The 17-inch wheels on the base model proved much more forgiving.

　　

Interior

　　The classy interior that looks and feels solid and well-built — another traditional Tiguan strength — remains intact. Design and parts influenced by (and perhaps borrowed from) the Atlas SUV give the Tiguan a much-needed style update.

　　

Utility

　　The Tiguan's ultimate utility depends on whether you opt for a third-row seat. The three-row Tiguan offers less cargo space overall, but it still measures up well to the rest of the field. The standard roof rails give a head start for outdoor adventure seekers and their gear.

　　

Technology

　　The 2018 Tiguan comes with VW's latest infotainment and safety systems. Overall, it's an appealing mix of features.

　　

Audio & navigation

　　A revised tech interface is a key highlight on new Tiguan. The base S trim gets a 6.5-inch touchscreen; others get an 8-inch display. The interface is similar to earlier models, but the system has quicker responses. The top trim gets a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system.

　　

Smartphone integration

　　Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink come standard. Certain functions, such as remote door locking and unlocking, can be controlled via the VW smartphone app.

　　

Driver aids

　　Glaringly absent from earlier models, the new Tiguan offers a comprehensive list of driver aids. Essential features (blind-spot monitoring, auto emergency braking) are optional on the base trim and standard for everything else. You can get more safety features on the upper trims.

　　

Which Tiguan does zzdcar recommend?

　　The base Tiguan S is a great value, with standard three-row seating (optional with all-wheel drive), a rearview camera and roof rails for weekend adventurers. But if you can stretch your budget, the SE is a smart buy. Upgrades includes keyless entry and ignition, simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats and a larger touchscreen tech interface. The SEL and SEL Premium offer a few more amenities, but we think the SE will hit the sweet spot for most buyers.

　　

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan models

　　The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan comes in four trim levels: S, SE, SEL and SEL Premium. There can be some confusion, however. Volkswagen is also selling the old Tiguan this year. It's called the Best Small SUVs (reviewed separately).

　　Standard features for the Limited include 16-inch wheels, black cloth upholstery, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a 5-inch touchscreen display, and an audio system with radio, CD player and SD card reader.

　　The first step up is the Tiguan S, and it's the base trim for the redesigned Tiguan. The new Tiguan features a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque) that's connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional.

　　Tiguan S features include 17-inch wheels, roof rails, heated side mirrors, automatic headlights, adaptive foglights, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, a USB port, a six-speaker sound system and VW's Car-Net App Connect, which controls select smartphone apps from the touchscreen and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

　　The optional Driver Assistance package adds forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

　　The SE includes those Driver Assistance features, plus heated washer nozzles, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite and HD radio, voice commands, two extra USB ports and the Car-Net Security & Service (remote access to the vehicle through a smartphone app, automatic crash notification, and monitoring services for young drivers). A panoramic sunroof is optional on the SE.

　　The SEL comes standard with the sunroof and adds 18-inch wheels, a power liftgate, remote start, adaptive cruise control, navigation and Car-Net Guide & Inform (displays real-time traffic, weather and nearby fuel prices).

　　Finally, the SEL Premium adds adaptive LED headlights, automatic wipers, a hands-free liftgate, a digital gauge cluster, leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, a nine-speaker premium Fender sound system, and extra driver assistance features including a top-down parking camera system, lane departure warning and intervention, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic high-beam control.

　　The R-Line package offered on SEL and SEL Premium trims includes larger wheels (19-inch for SEL, 20-inch for SEL Premium), sportier exterior styling elements and, for the SEL, front and rear parking sensors.

　　

2018 Tiguan Highlights

Trim: SS 4MotionSESE 4MotionSELSEL 4MotionSEL PremiumSEL Premium 4MotionS

　　

Base MSRP	$24,595
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$157/month
Seating	7 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	6 years / 72,000 miles