You’ve been waiting patiently and they’re finally here. Volkswagen’s new SUVs – the midsized 2018 Atlas and the compact 2018 Tiguan - have been specifically designed for the needs of American customers, both available with 3 rows of seating. This second generation Tiguan now rides on a significantly longer wheelbase with up to 58% more cargo space. It’s nearly 11” longer than the outgoing model. With its wider, lower stance the Tiguan now has one of the longest footprints in the segment though VW says is still remains nimble enough to excel in urban driving with a smaller turning radius than the 2017 model. In front-wheel-drive models, three rows of seating are standard, including a second-row bench that can recline, slide seven inches fore and aft, fold down, and be split 40/20/40. The 50/50 split third-row provides seating for two, and also folds down. When configured with 4Motion all-wheel-drive, the Tiguan comes standard with two rows and a third row is optional. In three-row models, folding the rear seat creates ample cargo space that can be easily expanded by folding the second row using the levers in the cargo area. The 2.0-liter turbo-4 has become a staple in VW’s lineup in recent years but here it’s been heavily modified with the net effect being lower fuel consumption and more torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, output is rated at 184 horsepower and a healthy 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine also uses a gas-saving stop/start system to deliver fuel economy ratings as high as 22mpg city/27mpg highway. The latest generation of 4Motion is here, activated before wheelspin occurs at the front axle. Under light loads, the rear wheels are decoupled to save gas but can be summoned in fractions of a second when necessary. And working laterally, electronic differential locks briefly brake a slipping wheel and transfer drive power to the opposite side. It has four settings: On-road, Snow, Off-road, and Custom Off-road. Four trim levels are offered on the 2018 Tiguan with a starting MSRP of around $26,000, including S, SE, SEL and the range-topping SEL Premium with 4Motion priced from near $38,500.

Better late than never, Volkswagen is finally delivering the style of crossover SUV American consumers’ desire. Bigger and definitely better than before; this is the all-new 2018 Tiguan.
With nothing but the aged Touareg and undersized Tiguan in their lineup, VW’s 1-2 punch of this 2nd generation Tiguan and brand new midsized Atlas couldn’t come soon enough. As cars sales continue to give way to more the versatile sport utility, automakers need as many as they can get. And I’m glad to see that VW has done a fantastic job with this new Tiguan. It’s not just a tiny bit bigger, it’s 3rd row seat bigger, so the size issues of the previous model have been completely erased. Thusly, I was concerned with VW’s engine choice, but no worries – the updated 2.0-liter turbo is torquey and smooth working beautifully with the new 8-speed automatic to produce a powertrain with premium-level refinement. 23mpg on regular beats the previous Tiguan’s 21mpg on premium, the 4Motion all-wheel drive system’s Active Control has 4 driver selectable settings to compliment the additional 1” of ground clearance and light off-road proportions, and the interior design is as plush and as fresh as anything we’ve seen from VW in a long time. There are 8 trim levels starting with the front-wheel drive Tiguan S priced from $26,245 but this here is the most luxurious model – the SEL Premium with 4MOTION and the optional 3rd row, with an MSRP of $38,950. That’s pushing the top-of-the-line price envelope in the segment but this Tiguan feels worth it. It includes such high-end features as the reconfigurable Digital Cockpit Display, real leather seating surfaces, ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel, memory settings, a 9-speaker Fender Premium Audio System and a hands-free liftgate. The brighter, faster, 8” touchscreen navi with 3 USB ports features across the board smartphone integration and remote access via the VW Car-Net app. It’s a fantastic new system. I love using the overhead view camera when parking in tight spots and other helpers like auto high beams, active blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control make life safer and easier.
There’s a huge panoramic roof, the second row seats slide to give kids in the 3rd row a little more leg room and the cargo area is smart with a place to neatly stow the removable cover and remote handles for dropping the middle seating for expansive hauling space. Roof rails are standard. The sizing of the Tiguan is spot on.
At 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, the Tiguan delivers just right power, never feeling too slow with all of the premium driving precision we’ve come to expect from VW; tight steering, European ride quality, controlled body motions. Plus, there are ECO and Sport modes if you like. If you’re thinking of towing though keep in mind it can only handle 1,500 pounds.
For the Tiguan, the second time is most certainly a charm.