UPDATE: We’ve since driven the all-new 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. See our first review, plus pricing, specs, pictures and more.
Riding on a longer wheelbase and adding nearly a foot of overall length, the all-new 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan offers an available third row of seating for the first time. Now with 7-passenger capability, the all-new Tiguan now splits the size difference between compact and midsize crossover SUVs. The extra length also expands the Tiguan’s cargo-hauling by as much as 57 percent versus the current model.
Good for kids, but a bit iffy for adults, the newly minted third row comes as standard equipment on front-wheel-drive 2018 Tiguans, and as an extra cost choice for models equipped with the optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Tiguans putting power to all four wheels start out in a 2-row/5-passenger layout. A standard sliding second row makes getting the 40/20/40-split bench seat just right for occupants, and opens up necessary extra space for access to the rear seats in 3-row versions.
Updated engine
Powered by an updated version of VW’s turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the new Tiguan summons a little less horsepower (184 hp vs. 200), but more good-for-acceleration torque (221 lb-ft vs. 207). A new 8-speed automatic transmission transfers engine power to the driven wheels on every new Tiguan, so it’s reasonable to expect a bump in fuel economy.
Also: Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards of 2017
The added size for the Tiguan and a strong evolution in its exterior styling give the SUV more presence. Nothing radical, but simultaneously more edgy and more mature. Inside, an interior refresh for the Tiguan includes a pattern update to the standard cloth seats, as well as the availability of Volkswagen‘s Digital Cockpit which allows you to configure the instrument panel layout to your preferences.
New features
VW has set up the new Tiguan for success in the comfort-and-convenience league as well. Highlights include the availability of push-button heat for the front seats and steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and a foot-activated power liftgate.
Also: Check out all the latest news from the 2017 Detroit Auto Show
Paying closer attention to the driver’s peace of mind, VW is also catching up to competitors in its roster of available driver-assistance features. An upgraded version of the Tiguan’s adaptive cruise control allows it to be used in stop-and-go traffic. Forward collision monitoring and autonomous emergency braking (we recommend both) are now available as well, as are the nearly universal options of blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warnings, and rear cross-traffic alerts.
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is built at VW’s Puebla, Mexico, assembly plant. The MSRP is yet to be finalized, but Volkswagen assures us that the new Tiguan will be priced “competitively,” which is important because the current model’s feature-for-dollar pricing took some criticism. We can expect an announcement closer to this summer when the SUV goes on sale.
More Compact SUVs:
More New and Redesigned Models for 2018
