Used 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited compact SUV shouldn’t be confused with the all-new Tiguan. Its “Limited” name designates it as a carryover version of the previous version. The rationale for having two concurrent Tiguan models is pricing. Starting just over $23,000, the Tiguan Limited is $2,345 less than the all-new model, making it an attractive option for those wanting a small-crossover SUV for a low price. While the Tiguan Limited is smaller than the new version and lacks that model’s advanced safety features and fresh design, this older Tiguan still has appeal. Beyond a price that undercuts rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Tiguan Limited has a zesty turbocharged engine, fun driving dynamics, and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Though it’s older than every other small SUV in its class, the Tiguan Limited still holds its own in terms of powertrain and driving manners. That’s because it was above-average to begin with, and was among the first to use a turbocharged engine. In fact, at 200 horsepower, the turbocharged 4-cylinder in the Tiguan Limited actually has 16 more horsepower than the engine in the all-new model (though the new Tiguan has more torque). With a peppy engine, smooth 6-speed transmission and small footprint, the Tiguan Limited is fun yet easy to drive, and a cinch to maneuver. For a little extra spice, there’s a Sport mode that holds the gears longer. If you live in a cold-weather state or visit the mountains often, you’ll probably want the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system that enhances traction. In general, the Tiguan Limited has a smooth ride, but our evaluators did note a somewhat noisy cabin, and others found the head restraints intrusive. At a high of 26 mpg, the Tiguan Limited isn’t as fuel efficient as newer competitors. A Honda CR-V, for example, is rated up to 34 mpg.

The 2018 VW Tiguan Limited’s 5-passenger interior is straightforward with simple yet logical controls and good fit and finish. Still, there’s little hiding that this Tiguan is the value play, especially if you don’t opt for the Premium Package. Cloth seats are the only choice, and the cabin looks Spartan. You won’t even get steering-wheel-mounted audio controls or a USB input. That will be remedied if you opt for the lone option package, which will also swap the small 5-inch touch-screen display for a 6.3-inch unit. Space has always been tight in the Tiguan due to its smaller size. Where the Honda CR-V boasts 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, the Tiguan maxes out at 56.1 cubic feet. That’s about the same as the subcompact, less expensive Honda HR-V.

With an overall length just over 174 inches, Volkswagen’s Tiguan Limited is small even by compact-SUV standards. Citing the CR-V again as the benchmark example, the Honda is a half-foot longer. Compared to the new Tiguan, the Tiguan Limited is nearly a foot shorter. Still, we find the old body style of this Tiguan handsome after all these years. The Tiguan Limited’s smooth, uncluttered lines and horizontal grille give it a squat appearance. Formerly standard but now costing extra, roof rails add some toughness and utility to the Tiguan Limited.

IMPRESSIVE WARRANTY
The Tiguan Limited may be an old body style, but it has gained VW’s new warranty. Dubbed “The People First Warranty,” it aims to reassure those wary of Volkswagen reliability with six years/72,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage that’s also transferable.

HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO
If you appreciate good audio quality, there’s another reason to spring for the Premium Package. It adds a USB input for flash drives and phone connective, plus the ability to play FLAC files, a type of audio codec with CD-quality sound.

As a mono-spec, value-priced model, the Tiguan Limited is pretty bare-bones, especially compared to its former self. But you will get what are now basics in new cars, like power windows/door locks, rearview camera, 8-way manual-adjust driver’s seat, a 40/20/40-split rear seat, and 16-inch steel wheels. The basic infotainment system consists of a 5-inch touch-screen display, Bluetooth connectivity and 8-speaker AM/FM/CD player audio system. Also included is VW’s impressive new warranty. If you want features like cruise control or even a USB port, however, you’ll have to opt for the Premium Package. Read on for details on that.

Unless you are content with only the most basic of Tiguans, we recommend spending the extra $1,295 on the Premium Package. It bundles a larger, 6.3-inch touch-screen display, adds HD Radio and satellite radio, a USB port, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with buttons for audio and cruise control, roof rails, cargo cover, keyless access with push-button start, and VW’s Car-Net that runs certain smartphone apps. Also available is all-wheel drive in lieu of the standard front-wheel drive. Larger, 17-inch wheels are also offered.

The Tiguan Limited may use an older engine, but it’s still impressive, making a robust 200 horsepower. The sole transmission is a 6-speed automatic with manual shift and sport modes. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) is available. The Tiguan’s towing capacity is rated at 2,200 pounds. The Tiguan Limited’s fuel economy lags that of competitors, and adding insult to injury, premium gasoline is recommended (but not required).

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
200 horsepower @ 5,100 rpm
207 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26 mpg