2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

2018 is the launch year of the US long-wheelbase second-generation (MQB) Tiguan; every trim uses the EA888 2.0T rated 184 hp, low for a compact SUV. (The carry-over first-gen Tiguan Limited sold alongside is a separate model.)

221 lb-ft arrives low in the rev range, giving adequate around-town pull despite modest horsepower.

Instrumented tests of the 184-hp, ~3,800-lb 2018 Tiguan cluster in the high-8-second range, slower than most turbocharged compact-SUV rivals.

The 2.0T is smooth and quiet at cruise with useful low-end torque, but feels strained at highway passing speeds and when loaded; auto stop/start restarts are noticeable.

The Aisin 8-speed automatic shifts smoothly but is slow to kick down and can hesitate pulling away from a stop.

Rated at only 1,500 lbs, at or below rivals such as the Escape, Equinox and CR-V that offer 1,500–3,500 lbs.

4Motion on-demand AWD is optional on S, SE and SEL and standard on SEL Premium, with 4Motion Active Control drive modes (On-Road, Snow, Off-Road, Custom).

Off-Road mode with hill descent control helps on dirt trails, but roughly 7.9 in of clearance, no skid plates and no off-road trim make it pavement-oriented.

One engine and one transmission across all trims, with no hybrid or plug-in option.

The FWD configuration of the S/SE/SEL volume trims is EPA-rated 24 MPG combined in its 2018 launch year (1 MPG below the 2019 rating); 4Motion drops to 23 — below average for a non-hybrid compact SUV.

22 MPG city is typical of turbocharged gas compact SUVs.

27 MPG highway trails most 2018 compact-SUV rivals, which rate around 30+.

Computed from the FWD model's 15.3-gal tank and 24 MPG combined; 4Motion (15.9 gal × 23 MPG) gives about the same.

EPA estimate at 15,000 mi/yr on regular fuel at current prices.

Runs on regular unleaded across all trims.

NHTSA gave early 2018 builds four stars overall and 'Later Release' builds five stars, in both FWD and AWD. Frontal and rollover are four stars and side is five stars on all of them. The later-release result is the one that applies to most 2018 production.

The 2018 Tiguan earned a 2018 IIHS Top Safety Pick (not the Plus) with Good results in every crashworthiness test. The award applies only to cars with the optional front crash prevention, and no headlight variant rated better than Marginal, which ruled out the Plus.

In the 2018 launch year, Front Assist AEB was optional rather than standard, as the wording of the IIHS award confirms. Blind spot detection is optional on the lower trims, and adaptive cruise and Lane Assist are reserved for the upper SEL trims, so the volume S/SE lacks most of the suite.

With the optional system, IIHS rates vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention Superior. No nighttime pedestrian result exists for this year, and AEB is not standard on the volume trims.

Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert are available but not standard across the 2018 range. Both are alert-only, with no safe-exit or trailer coverage.

Lane Assist on the 2018 model is a corrective lane-keeping nudge, not centering, and it is limited to the upper trims. Travel Assist centering did not reach the US Tiguan until MY2021.

ACC with Stop & Go is offered on the upper trims and works well, but it is not combined with lane centering into a highway assist, and it is not available on the volume trims.

There is no hands-free system for 2018, and no hands-on lane-centering highway assist either.

IIHS rated four headlight variants for 2018, and none earned Good. The halogen reflectors on the volume trims rate Poor. The LED projectors with curve adaptation and high-beam assist rate only Marginal. Good-rated LEDs came only with builds from after June 2019.

The new second-generation body has an upright greenhouse and large side glass that give good sightlines for a compact SUV. The 360-degree Area View camera is limited to the top SEL Premium.

IIHS rates LATCH ease of use Acceptable. The sliding second row helps with rear-facing seats, but three across is tight.

2018 is the launch year of the long-wheelbase second-generation US Tiguan; the volume SE 4Motion is a two-row five-seater, with a small third row standard on FWD models.

Mid-pack front headroom for a compact SUV; the SE does not carry the SEL's standard panoramic sunroof.

Front legroom is on the short side of the SUV band on paper, though reviewers do not report the front row as cramped.

Generous second-row headroom for the class from the stretched MQB body.

The sliding second row gives near-midsize rear legroom in two-row models; three-row models give up about 2 in.

The volume 4Motion two-row car has no third row, and the optional or FWD-standard third row is child-only token seating.

A class-competitive cargo hold for a compact SUV, though the wide SUV band puts it low on the scale.

Maximum cargo space is near the top of the compact class, though the SUV band includes larger vehicles.

Usable everyday storage plus a sliding, reclining 40/20/40 second row with a pass-through, but no standout storage tricks or onboard power.

Supportive front seats and a roomy, reclining rear bench; the volume SE gets a power driver's seat and heated front seats in leatherette.

A composed, comfortable ride that is controlled without being harsh, among the better small SUVs.

Reviewers repeatedly cite a quiet cabin, with wind, road and engine noise well muffled for the segment.

Heated seats and dual-zone climate arrive on the SE and remote start on the SEL, but the heated wheel is SEL Premium only and ventilated seats are not offered.

The all-new long-wheelbase 2018 Tiguan launched at a low entry price for a compact SUV of its size, about $300 above the 2019 price cut.

The SE with 4Motion is the volume configuration; at launch it priced roughly in line with CR-V EX AWD and RAV4 XLE AWD, higher than the 2019 SE after VW's price cut.

Only the first scheduled service is included, and the EA888 2.0T's known out-of-warranty items (water pump/thermostat housing, PCV) plus German-brand labour rates put spend above Toyota/Honda rivals, though the 6-year warranty absorbs most early repairs. Launch-year production adds slight risk versus later MYs.

The Tiguan depreciates faster than the compact-SUV average (~60% retained); the higher 2018 launch pricing leaves a slightly bigger gap to used values than the 2019.

MY2018 brought VW's 6-year/72,000-mile 'People First' New Vehicle Limited Warranty to the Tiguan — double the 3/36 mainstream norm and transferable to later owners.

Engine, transmission and 4Motion are covered by the same 6/72 warranty — longer than the 5/60 mainstream norm but short of Hyundai/Kia's 10/100.

VW Carefree Maintenance covered only the first scheduled service (1 year/10,000 miles) for 2018, plus 3-year/36,000-mile roadside assistance and a Car-Net trial — a short included-maintenance period well behind ToyotaCare.

$30,380 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (50% retained, or about $15,190) leaves about $15,190 in depreciation. Add the projected $6,500 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $21,690 in total.

2018 is the launch year of the second-generation (2018-2024) long-wheelbase Tiguan in the US, so it is a change year rather than a carry-over. J.D. Power rates its quality and reliability only 'Fair' (69/100), below the 77 it gave the 2019. Consumer Reports gave it a very poor predicted-reliability rating, with power equipment rated worst-possible. Both sources point below average.

Around 2018, Volkswagen sat in the lower third of Consumer Reports' brand reliability rankings and below the industry average in J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study. Most complaints were electrical, infotainment and accessory faults rather than catastrophic failures.

As a launch year, MY2018 carries a heavy recall load: about a dozen campaigns for the second-generation LWB. Several are safety-critical: a corroding steering-rack bolt that can cause loss of steering (filed in 2026), loose front lower ball-joint nuts, a sunroof LED short with fire risk, a passenger airbag that may tear, front seat-belt webbing that may tear, and fracturing rear coil springs. That pattern puts it below the typical band.

The 2018 US Tiguan's only powertrain is the 184-hp EA888 Gen3 2.0T paired with a new Aisin eight-speed automatic. It is a high-volume pairing with no systemic failure pattern. Water-pump/thermostat-housing coolant leaks, direct-injection carbon buildup and some first-year transmission-shift complaints keep it out of the proven-durable band.

The new-generation cabin is clean and well laid out, with soft-touch upper surfaces and conventional physical controls. Reviewers note many hard plastics lower down and a plain look on the volume S/SE trims.

The structure is solid and quiet, but as a first-year launch from VW's Puebla, Mexico plant, the 2018 drew more assembly-related recalls and a 'Fair' J.D. Power quality score. Those include improperly tightened ball-joint nuts, engine support bolts, back-up light wiring and a mis-installed roof reinforcement.

Volkswagen's roughly 600-650 US dealers give solid metro coverage but thinner rural reach than Toyota, Honda, Ford or Chevrolet, and VW service satisfaction is mid-pack. The 2018 Tiguan introduced VW's 6-year/72,000-mile transferable bumper-to-bumper warranty, which is above the class norm.

This is a high-volume generation and the EA888 engine is ubiquitous, so parts are plentiful and the aftermarket is deep. German-brand component pricing and labor times keep typical repair costs somewhat above the compact SUV average.

The volume SE has the 8-inch MIB II glass touchscreen. That is small against today's band but typical for 2018.

MIB II is logical, with physical volume and tune knobs plus menu shortcut keys, and reviewers found it easy to use, though the screen is small and the graphics are dated.

Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (Car-Net App-Connect) are standard on every trim; wireless projection did not arrive until MIB3 on the 2022 refresh.

Native Discover Media navigation with Car-Net Guide & Inform arrives at the SEL, so the volume SE relies on phone projection; command-style voice control is basic.

A six-speaker base system, with the Fender premium system reserved for the top SEL Premium.

In 2018 the excellent 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit was exclusive to the SEL Premium; the volume trims use analog gauges. It spread to the SEL for 2019.

MIB II with 2018 Car-Net has no meaningful over-the-air vehicle software updates; map updates are dealer or manual.

The Car-Net app offers remote lock/unlock, honk-and-flash, vehicle location and remote start (where fitted), on a trial then subscription; there is no digital key.

There is a single USB port on the base car with more on upper trims, all USB-A. Wireless charging was not confirmed on 2018 trim lists, and there is no household outlet.

KESSY keyless entry and push-button start are standard from the volume SE, remote start and a power liftgate from the SEL, and a hands-free liftgate on the SEL Premium; there is no phone-as-key.

A rear camera is standard, but in 2018 front and rear park sensors (with Maneuver Braking) and the Area View surround camera came only on the SEL Premium.

No head-up display was offered on any 2018 US Tiguan trim.

A spacious sliding and reclining second row and wide-opening rear doors suit car seats well, and the flexible third row helps in a pinch. LATCH is rated only Acceptable.

It earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick and NHTSA 5 stars on later builds, and the SE has standard AEB and blind-spot monitoring, but the base S needed an $850 package and good headlights were SEL Premium only.

A quiet, plush highway ride and generous rear room carry a family of four well, but rear amenities are thin (no rear-seat heat on volume trims), and luggage space is ordinary once a third row is occupied.

A quiet, composed and easy-to-see-out-of commuter, held back by some off-the-line hesitation from the 8-speed and leisurely acceleration.

About 24–25 MPG combined trailed rivals such as the CR-V and RAV4 by several MPG; it runs on regular fuel.

A 37.7-ft turning circle and good outward visibility make it manageable, but the 185-in body is long for the class and park sensors and the surround camera were top-trim only in 2018.

A 1,500-lb tow rating and a modest 184-hp engine limit it to very light utility duty.

A family-oriented crossover with no fleet or work pedigree, and 2018 was the first model year of a new generation, with no hard-use track record.

Roof rails, cargo tie-downs and a dealer trailer hitch are about the extent of it; there is no onboard power and no upfit ecosystem.

A quiet, plush highway ride and comfortable seats make it a good tourer, while a 15.3–15.9 gal tank gives roughly 365 miles; stop-and-go ACC is SEL and up only.

Available 4Motion with Active Control off-road and snow modes, about 7.9 in of clearance and roof rails handle gravel roads and bike racks, but towing is just 1,500 lbs.

A large 73.5 cu ft maximum hold, a sliding 40/20/40 pass-through rear seat and standard roof rails make it more flexible than most compacts.

The MQB chassis feels composed and secure, with good body control; reviewers rank it among the better-handling compact SUVs.

Precise, confidence-inspiring steering that beats the class norm, though it offers limited feedback.

Brakes are easy to modulate and stop smoothly, with unremarkable instrumented distances.

The 2.0T and 8-speed are smooth once moving, but acceleration is leisurely and there is noticeable off-the-line hesitation plus stop/start.

Engine noise is well muffled in normal driving and gets a little coarse only when revved hard.

A mid-pack turning circle for a compact SUV on a 110-in wheelbase.

An upright driving position with good visibility and simple, logical controls; the volume trims have a power driver's seat.

The composed chassis is pleasant, but 184 hp in a heavy body (about 8.8–9 s to 60 mph) leaves it forgettable rather than fun.

FWD models get a standard third row and the SE adds heated seats, keyless access, an 8-inch screen and Front Assist AEB with blind-spot monitoring, but the base S lacked AEB at a time when CR-V (EX and up) and the 2018 RAV4 (TSS-P standard) made it widely standard.

Class-leading cargo space, an optional third row and a 6-year/72,000-mile warranty give solid content per dollar, offset by launch pricing a few hundred dollars above the 2019, a slow 184-hp 2.0T, below-par fuel economy and weak resale.

Four trims, each with FWD or 4Motion, plus a two- or three-row choice give a reasonable spread from $25k to $38k, but there is one engine, no hybrid, and fewer trims than the six offered from 2019.

The new generation quickly became VW's best-selling US model, with roughly 100,000+ Tiguans (including the carry-over Tiguan Limited) sold in 2018 — a sharp rise over the first generation, but a fraction of RAV4/CR-V volume.

VW's 'German engineering' image gives the Tiguan a near-premium feel, but in 2018 the brand was still recovering from Dieselgate (the long warranty was part of that effort), and below-average resale keeps it neutral.

As a launch-year redesign the Tiguan saw fewer cash allowances early in 2018, though VW lease specials and APR offers became common later in the model year, so typical buyers could negotiate below sticker.

MY2018 is the launch year of the US long-wheelbase second generation on the MQB A2 platform, with a facelift not due until 2022 — about as fresh as the model gets.

Reviewers praised the redesign's space, ride comfort and quality cabin, and it earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick, but it rarely won comparison tests against CR-V and RAV4 because of its slow powertrain and fuel economy.