2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan has never been in the running for the best-seller title tag, even with its plush interior setup, and respectable performance figures. but things are about to change with this upgraded model, as practicality also seeps in now to the mix. Although having said that, fuel economy should still be a concern, as all the other rivals perform better on this front. Now even with its share of flaws, the 2018 Tiguan has to compete with rivals such as the Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, and the Mazda CX-5.

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan comes in over 4 trim levels, namely S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium, with prices ranging from an MSRP of $24,595 for the S trim, whereas the top-most SEL Premium trim will set you back by $37,550. Available in AWD and a standard turbocharged engine across the lineup, the feature list is the only thing that changes across the lineup. Many of the latest safety features included in the Tiguan are now standard from the base up.

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The base VW Tiguan S makes for a great option with three-row seating, all-wheel-drive, rearview camera, and roof rails for weekend adventurers. Still, if you can stretch your budget then consider going for the SE which is a smart buy. It gets all the features of S trim and adds keyless entry and ignition, leather upholstery, and much more. The Volkswagen SE and the SEL Premium adds some more features but the 2018 Volkswagen SE has enough to meet all the needs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is rated at 22 MPG in the city and 27 miles to the gallon out on the highway. This is with the 2.0L turbocharged engine sending power only to the front wheels of the SUV. When backed by the 4Motion AWD system, the 2018 Tiguan delivers 21 MPG in the city and 27 miles to the gallon out on the highway.

The Tiguan also has the Auto Start/ Stop function that further helps in aiding the fuel-efficiency front. The 2018 Tiguan might not be the best in terms of fuel efficiency, but it more than makes up for it in terms of the powertrain front.

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan uses quality materials throughout the cabin, which is well-insulated from outside noise - Cars.usnews.com

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Interior Seating and Comfort

The 2018 VW Tiguan gets a major overhaul both on the exterior and interior front after a decade or so. With the latest MQB architecture, the Tiguan is only available in a long-wheelbase version in the US, which means more cabin room with the third-row, for about the same price. Able to seat in 7 adults in the utmost comfort, with the increase in wheelbase dimensions, the 2018 Tiguan has even more second and third-row legroom for all.

The Tiguan does earn good points for the space it offers. Also, the seats in the SUV are well-bolstered for adequate comforts in long weekend-ride situations. Draped in cloth upholstery in the base trims, the top-most trims are draped in premium leather. An 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat is standard across the trim board, although the rear seats do get just 4-way adjustability. Heating and ventilating functions are rather optional only in the higher trims.

Some of the interior features include:

• Leatherette and leather upholstery
• 8-way Power-adjustable driver seat
• Heated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Sunroof
• 40/20/40-split folding rear seat
• Power liftgate

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Infotainment

Standard across the trim range is a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is pretty decent to use. Apart from that Volkswagen also offers an optional 8-inch touchscreen system, which is all the more intuitive and also has clear graphics too. The buttons make it all the more easier to navigate through options. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are offered with the 2018 Tiguan. For all the audiophiles out there, VW has you covered with the premium 9-speaker Fender sound system. 

Some of the infotainment features included within are-

• Dual USB ports
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• 8-inch touchscreen with Navigation
• HD Radio
• Voice Recognition
• 9-speaker Fender sound system

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Cargo Space

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has a cargo capacity of 12 cu. ft behind the third row. Fold-down the rear seats in a 40/20/40 manner, and that space increases to 65.7 cu. ft. This has been made possible due to the change in the Tiguan's dimensions, making it longer. The loading height is good enough for ease of use. Plus, for added convenience, a power liftgate has also been provided.

The interior storage spaces also include different and loads of cubby holes spread across the cabin room. The rest of the segment has only two rows, and amongst them, when it comes to practicality, the Honda CR-V is the ultimate SUV on offer.

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan steps out with a new shape and a new size that won’t be instantly recognizable to past Volkswagen crossover owners - The Car Connection

As it is based on the new MQB architecture, the 2018 VW Tiguan is now more longer following its growth spurt this year. The Tiguan grows 7.3-inches longer in terms of wheelbase and 10.6-inches in terms of overall length. The third-row seat also adds in an odd 300 lbs or so to the whole heft.

The 2018 Tiguan sports a fresh look, with sharp and precise character lines flowing across the side profile. The athletic front end has a chiseled outlook to it with the horizontal grille and the sharper and symmetric headlights clouding up the corners. The base trims can be had with 17-inch wheels, whereas the top SEL and SEL Premium trims can have 19-inch wheels, which in turn provide a more upscale look.

Some of the Exterior Features on offer are-

• Automatic headlight with coming/leaving the home feature
• LED taillights
• LED daytime running lights
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers

As we have mentioned earlier, Volkswagen now introduces a number of advanced safety tech as standard from now on. The federal agency NHTSA gave it a full 5 on 5 stars for its crashworthiness, whereas the IIHS also rated it with a "Good" rating throughout all sections. Volkswagen has the Tiguan covered on the reliability front too.

Some of the most eminent standard safety features offered with the 2018 Tiguan are-

• Forward collision warning
• Blind-spot monitoring system
• Electronic Stability Control
• Anti-Slip Regulation
• Electronic Differential Lock
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rear Traffic alert
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2018 Honda CR V

The 2018 VW Tiguan is one of the most expensive offerings in this segment. Nevertheless, when it comes to sheer value, the Tiguan certainly aces on this front. Both these stalwarts are the best at what they do, wherein the Tiguan aces on the performance front, the Honda CR-V aces on the fuel efficiency front.

On the looks department too, both these SUVs have their own fan following, but the Tiguan edges a bit further because it has been redesigned fully for this year.

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2018 Mazda CX-5

Mazda CX-5 is one of the more affordable SUVs out in this segment, and rightfully so, it is an amalgamation of both sheer performance and good looks. Preferably the most adored SUV of all, in terms of looks, the CX-5 has only that one trump card, as it loses out on the rest.

The most powerful car in the lot arguably is the slowest in the segment. Coming to the interior front, the Tiguan has the more plush and yet practical cabin space.

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has certainly been the talk of the town since the whole overhaul that it has been put through his year. Plush cabin, with three rows of seating, a potent powertrain, and a multitude of the latest feature offerings make the 2018 Tiguan the most awaited compact crossover this year. A practical option that gives the rest of the rivals a run for their money, the 2018 Tiguan is certainly a smart buy.

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