Sunday Drive: New Car Reviews

By BJ Killeen

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: Refreshingly Unique

The compact SUV segment of the marketplace is equivalent to the soda wars; there are a few outright leaders, and then a slew of others who might be just as good, but have neither the budget nor the history to challenge the leaders. Such is the case with the Volkswagen Tiguan. Because it plays in the same segment dominated by the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, few repeat owners of those CUVs are willing to give something new a try. If you’re a Coke drinker, you don’t switch to Pepsi, and vice versa. Plus, you’d have to have a serious reason to completely jump ship and go to a lesser-known cola.

However, there are those who dare to think (or drink) outside the box, and for those brave enough to do so, they are usually rewarded with a beverage that not only tastes better, but is more affordable. Such is the case with the all-new Volkswagen Tiguan. This is the second go-round for the Tiguan compact SUV, and Volkswagen improved on what was already a decent vehicle. The biggest difference between the new and previous model is size. The new Tiguan has almost 11 inches more length than the 2017 version, which means almost a 60% bump in cargo capacity. And for those who need it, there’s a third-row seating option standard on all-wheel-drive models.

The Tiguan is offering a nice lineup, starting with an entry-level S trim, then SE, SEL and SEL Premium. All trim levels are offered with VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, so any trim can get the third row optional if desired. Plus, the extra row is only a $500 up charge. Prices also are competitive, with the S starting at $26,245 including a $900 destination charge. For the fully loaded SEL Premium 4Motion, you’ll be looking at $38,950, including third row and destination. For those who like a bit more performance look, the R-Line can be added to the SEL or SEL Premium trim for $1,795 and $1,495 respectively. By comparison, the Ford Escape Titanium model fully loaded is $38,120, and the Toyota RAV4 Limited is $37,235. Neither of the competitors offers a third-row, however. For those who don’t want to buy a midsize CUV just to get a third row for those occasional extra passengers, the Tiguan is the perfect solution.

There has to be more to a vehicle than just seating. In this respect, the VW Tiguan also does well. First, the styling is attractive. We aren’t the first ones to say it looks like a smaller VW Atlas, and that’s a fair statement. Both the Atlas and Tiguan are attractive, with a good balance between body and greenhouse. The Tiguan has a clean, modern appearance, with standard LED taillamps and available LED headlamps. Wheels and tires start at 17s, and go up to 20s with the R-Line package for a more aggressive stance. Underneath the Tiguan’s skin is a solid platform. It’s built on the same MQB architecture as the MK7 Golf family and the new Atlas. The platform allows VW to alter the length, height, and width to create different models, as well as accommodate a variety of powertrains. It also helps save money on production costs: a win-win in anyone’s book.

Inside, the Tiguan is totally Volkswagen, meaning it feels clean, open, and contemporary. Every model but the S gets the 8-inch touchscreen, which is easy to use. One feature we have always loved on VW models is the flat-bottom steering wheel. Wish everyone did that in their vehicles. The seats are comfortable (something we never used to say in VWs), and the upgraded 480-watt 9-speaker Fender audio system cleanly kicks out the sound at Ted Nugent levels. The SE and SEL trims should be popular, as it comes nicely equipped with a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, navigation, power liftgate, and remote start.

To get the Tiguan moving is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. While not the most powerful engine in the segment, the Tiguan scoots along fairly well once you get the revs up. It could use more torque at the low end, especially if the vehicle was loaded with six people and cargo. The shifts were smooth from the 8-speed automatic transmission, and The independent suspension does a good job of absorbing road irregularities. We have always liked VW’s steering feel, and the Tiguan is fun to play with on a curvy road. Fuel economy isn’t as much as we would like, with a 22 city/27 highway rating for front-wheel drive models. Both the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 beat those numbers, albeit only by one or two mpg.

One area we can’t fault is VW’s 4Motion system. It’s always been one of the best in the industry, and it works as it should in the Tiguan to deliver a high level of confidence in bad weather as well as fun driving on dry roads. To help deliver that confident feel behind the wheel, the Tiguan offers a variety of driver-assist features, such as front assist with pedestrian monitoring, lane assist, rear traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, park distance control, and rear traffic alert with braking.

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ll in all, the VW Tiguan is a great option for those who need more seating but don't want to step up in size nor price to get it. It may not have the splash behind it like Coke or Pepsi, but it’s a refreshing choice for those who are looking for something to make them stand apart in a crowded segment.