2018 VW Tiguan SEL: The Brand’s New And Improved Compact Crossover

Highlight: VW kept the original Tiguan in its portfolio, renaming it the Tiguan Limited, while adding a new compact crossover.

Test Vehicles MSRP: $33,450 (Base MSRP: $25,495)

Seating Capacity: 5 (VW says 7!)

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; daytime running lights; heated side mirrors; a rearview camera; automatic headlights; and a hillstart assist system

Standard Equipment (Base S Model): 17-inch wheels; all-wheel drive; an 8-speed automatic transmission; 5 passenger; black roof rails; foldable side mirrors; a leather wrapped steering wheel; manually adjusted front seats; cloth seats reclining second row seats and slide feature, when equipped with third row seat; fold flat third row seats; illuminated vanity mirrors; 6.5-inch infotainment screen; and electric parking brakes

Standard Equipment (SEL): 18-inch wheel; 7-passenger; third row split seats;  chrome side window trim; silver roof rails; power panoramic sunroof; a power driver’s seat with lumbar support; heated front seats; pseudo leather seats; second row reading lights; carpeted floor mats, first and second rows; a forward collision warning system with a pedestrian detection system; blind spot monitor with a rear traffic alert system; a keyless entry system; a push-button ignition system; a SirriusXM radio system; a dual zone automatic climate control system; a radar activated cruise control system; a remote engine start feature; a power rear liftgate; and an 8-inch infotainment system (AM/FM/HD/CD with USB)

Options: None

Other Trim Levels:

S
SE
SEL Premium

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker with AM/FM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Depending on trim

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 6 years or 72,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 6 years or 72,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbo/184-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:
22-city/27-hwy

Standard Towing:
1500 lbs

What’s New: The second generation American infused Tiguan is all new for the 2018 model year.

Why: Everything that the first generation Tiguan was lacking has been addressed in the German brand’s compact crossover. The second generation Tiguan is larger, spacious, competitively priced and contains many of the driver safety aids that escaped the previous model.

Unlike VW’s previous premium price position, this isn’t the case with the all-new Tiguan. The vehicle is priced right in line with its segment competitors.

The roomy vehicle has also been designed with American car buyers in mind. The seats are comfortable, the second row seats partially recline and there is extra cargo space in the rear, when the third row seat isn’t in use. On highway trips the Tiguan feels and drives like its larger sibling, the American manufactured Atlas, the brand’s large three row crossover/SUV.

The new Tiguan is powered by an 8-speed automatic transmission, has a start- stop feature that can be deactivated and a new engine, which allows for VW to ink out additional miles per gallon, as a result of these changes.

Its available in a front wheel drive or an all wheel drive configuration. The compact crossover is also available in a variety of trim levels.

The vehicle is also equipped with the latest safety driving aids. Unlike the first generation Tiguan, which is now known as the Tiguan Limited, the 2018 model offers the latest safety driving aids, as a standard automatic post collision braking system to such optional features as a forward collision braking system to a lane departure warning system.

Lastly, the interior layout is well thought out. And the infotainment is easy to use and navigate.

But: In VW’s previous compact crossover, one of our biggest gripes was the size. While the engineers and the design team have addressed that issue, they seem to have gotten ahead of themselves. This time around they have stuffed a third row into this compact. The Nissan Juke is the only other crossover to have this distinction. Unfortunately, the downside is that even with the additional interior space, this vehicle is only designed for five.

Furthermore, with the third row seat in use, the cargo room is virtually eliminated.

Verdict: The new Tiguan has received a complete makeover. Everything is either new or magnified, when compared to Tiguan Limited, which it replaced. Now VW has a competitive vehicle in this segment that can now rival the competition. Added to that the vehicle now offers one of the best warranties in the industry.

Competition: Chevy Equinox; Ford Escape; Honda CR-V; Hyundai Tuscon; Jeep Cherokee; Kia Sportage; Mazda CX-5; Nissan Rogue; Toyota RAV4; and Subaru Forester