Why Buy? | 2018 Vokswagen Tiguan Review

Motor1 Senior Editor Jake Holmes gets behind the wheel of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan to see if it's a better fit for the American crossover class.

As-tested price: $37,450

There has been a schism in the Volkswagen Tiguan’s lineage. Whereas the first-generation SUV was pretty much identical in the U.S. and Europe, we now receive a different model that’s specifically tailored to the U.S. market. Notably, it’s 10.6 inches longer than the outgoing Tiguan (and more than 8 inches longer than Europe’s model), with 58 percent more cargo area than the old Tiguan and three rows of seats.
Compared to its quirky and cramped predecessor, the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is a much more practical choice that should help the automaker compete in the ever-growing compact SUV segment. With a long list of optional features, plus a new turbocharged engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, the Tiguan looks better suited than ever to appeal to modern American families.
To find out for certain, we’re putting the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan through the same meticulous tests to which we’ve subjected other compact SUVs. Take a look at how the Tiguan stacks up in our latest Why Buy? video review.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 2.0-Liter Turbocharged I4
Output: 184 Horsepower / 221 Pound-Feet
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 21 City / 27 Highway / 24 Combined

Why Buy? Playlist:

CREDITS
Host: Jake Holmes
Video Producer: James Bradbury

[luistapia]

I get about 30-35 on the highway and 20-27 in the city. Love my tiguan sel premium. Feels so much more than what it actually is. Fuel economy really depends how u drive.

[cyrus]

I bought a 2019 SE recently and I love it! Very few complaints. I wish the center console armrest was adjustable. And I wish it had full time led headlights, but it has Halogen LED strips on the bottom. It feels more expensive than what I paid after Dealer Discounts. It takes really 87 octane gas and none of the trim levels require premium. As the reviewer stated, the Tiguan is a little thirsty on gas if you drive it aggressively. I do not regret my purchase after driving all its top competitors. I regret not stepping up and getting the SEL Premium. I don’t have the Panoramic sunroof or 9-speaker sound system or automatic lift gate. I recommend the Tiguan to anyone. Also, the 3rd row should be relegated to little ones or your mother-in-law. The Tiguan is very smooth. I have let friends & family get behind the wheel and they have all commented how smooth it is right away.

[davidruder]

We just bought the Top model Tiguan and traded our wonderful 2010 Subaru Outback.One big reason was the 3rd row seating for our young grandchildren who visit us often. Surprised that you did not mention the real mission of the third row seating, was for children or in a pinch for a short ride for an adult. Another reason for this purchase were all these new safety features, considering we are getting older and perhaps we are a litte less reactive to traffic situations. The 7 year or 72, 000 mile warranty also helped us to make this decision.

[TheGbeecher]

Love ❤️ my '19 sel premium...good handling and decent power, roomy and comfortable interior, good gas ⛽️ mileage, quiet and smooth ride...🙂

[soloshandpan]

VW normally underrates there fuel efficiency, I would like to see in real time driving what it delivers in fuel in city/ combine /high. I find reviewers need to put more time in this area, as I am hearing people are getting a lot better fuel consumption, than what is put on the sticker. Some even say they are getting as good as the Honda Crv Combine and High way.

[mockband]

Mortor1, would you ever consider getting rid of the sound effect such as "How does it look?', 'How does it drive' and so on? I love the show but I think it makes the show little tacky. Just the suggestion. Keep up the great job. Thank you.

[sgbradley]

Always liked it even against the Atlas, but is it Premium fuel? Cause here on Vancouver Island Premium fuel is at $1.53 a litre and regular at $1.41 Cdn as of today.... 😥

[Sportscards-izlw]

Im thinking of buying one, I have a genesis sedans 3.8l will I save gas ?

[MrSponge]

I have the SEL AWD and I get MPG in the 30’s on the hwy

[shawn]

Love how the questions are imputed into the video #newsubie

[thismanagain]

Gotta say the design looks much better on the EU version, because of it's smaller dimensions.

[brandononbrand]

The suitcase stuff is cool. But who uses suitcases in their car unless they're dropping people off at the airport? Real day to day life is a lot less organized than that. How is this car for a massive Costco run or a hastily cobbled together road trip?

[swanblake]

This thing is so huge now. Really sad. Same cookie cutter SUV that is now underpowered like the rest of its offerings. Boat on wheels

[swanblake]

North America VW products are the worst. The EU VW are on such a higher level of quality