The Tiguan’s excellent steering and pedal response -- expected attributes of any VW -- contribute to an overall driving feel that’s among the best in the segment - Kelley Blue Book
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Engine and Transmission
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine running point on its power front. This 2.0L engine is all set to put down 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. This places it right amongst the top half of the compact crossover segment. The engine is adequately powered to pull through long straight backs across freeways, and also through jam-packed city streets.
The transmission is an efficient and precise 8-speed automatic unit, which sends all of the 184 horses to all the wheels. The transmission is efficient enough to put down the power when required, enough to add convenience to an already lenient driving experience. The 4Motion AWD system as such is also capable of allowing the Tiguan to take on off-roading capabilities.
Models |
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan |
2018 Chevrolet Equinox |
2018 Honda CR-V |
2018 Mazda CX-5 |
MSRP |
$24,595 |
$24,575 |
$24,150 |
$24,150 |
Engine |
2.0L turbocharged inline-4 |
1.5-liter turbo Inline-4 engine |
2.4L Inline 4 Gas engine |
2.5L Inline 4 Gas engine |
Transmission |
8-Speed Automatic |
6-speed automatic |
CVT Automatic |
6-speed Automatic |
Power |
184 hp @ 4400 RPM |
170 hp @ 5600 RPM |
184 hp @ 6400 RPM |
187 hp @ 6000 RPM |
Torque |
221 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM |
203 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM |
180 lb-ft @ 3900 RPM |
186 lb-ft @ 3250 RPM |
Compared to the 2017 Tiguan, the 2018 MY has had a bump of 16 horses and a decrease of 14 lb-ft of torque. The lack of power is quite evident while you push down on the throttle. Coming to the competition at hand, the Tiguan has the most torque on offer followed closely by the Equinox with 203 lb-ft.
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Acceleration
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan does the 0-60 MPH sprint in just about 8.5 seconds, all the while covering the quarter-mile sprint in 16.2 seconds. These numbers are quite impressive and put the Tiguan right at the top of the performance table. One would not expect, but there is a respectable alarming turn of pace when you press the throttle.
Models |
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan |
2018 Chevrolet Equinox |
2018 Honda CR-V |
2018 Mazda CX-5 |
0-60 MPH |
8.5 sec |
8.5 sec |
8.6 sec |
8.7 sec |
Quarter mile |
16.2 sec |
16.9 sec |
16.7 sec |
16.3 sec |
Moreover, as it has been mentioned above, overtaking maneuvers with the Tiguan is a piece of cake, as it can hold out it's own both in city streets and open freeways. It can be seen that the Mazda CX-5 has a power advantage over its rivals, and that is well reciprocated into the quarter-mile times. But following its low torque figures, the CX-5 loses out on the 0-60 MPH sprint.
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Braking and Handling
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan comes with a 4Motion AWD system, which even without the help of a Traction Select system, is able to take the Tiguan through the uncharted path. The steering is adequately responsive and is a boon in jam-packed city streets. The adaptive and pliant suspension setup allows the riding dynamics of the Tiguan to be as calm and collected on the road, as of the road. As a well-mannered practical car, the heft of the SUV is surely felt around corners, as enough body-roll is evident.
Model |
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan |
2018 Chevrolet Equinox |
2018 Honda CR-V |
2018 Mazda CX-5 |
Front Brake Rotors (in) |
13.4 |
11.8 |
11.1 |
11.7 |
Rear Brake Rotors (in) |
11.8 |
11.3 |
10.2 |
11.9 |
Curb weight(lbs) |
3777 |
3274 |
3307 |
3563 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
134 |
119 |
129 |
135 |
The 2018 VW Tiguan with 13.4-inch front brake rotors and 11.8-inch rear brake rotors, allows the SUV to come to a dead stop from 60 MPH in just about 134 ft. The braking performance is sub-par considering the fact that it is the heaviest vehicle off the lot, and it also has the biggest brakes in the segment.