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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

The second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan is noticeably bigger than the original model. It loses some of its predecessor's sharpness but makes up for it by offering a spacious cabin with space for up to seven passengers.

Overview

Even at first blush, the Tiguan is easily recognizable as a Volkswagen. The lines are straight and deliberate, with the only notable sculpting occurring around the crossover's belt line.

It rides on Volkswagen's mind-boggingly flexible MQB platform, which underpins an array of cars including the tiny Polo, the gargantuan Atlas, and even Audi's sporty TT. It stretches 185.1 inches, a figure that makes it 10.6 inches longer than the first-generation Tiguan and one of the largest vehicles in its class.

strong>Life aboard

Inside, the Tiguan's Volkswagen-ness continues with a business-like interior. Most models come with an analog instrument cluster and an eight-inch touch screen for the infotainment system. Top-end variants receive Volkswagen's digital instrument cluster, and base models settle for a more basic 6.5-inch touch screen.

As in most Volkswagen models, the Tiguan's controls are logically arranged and easy to use. The infotainment system responds quickly to input and it's about 50 percent brighter than an iPhone screen, making it easy to view in daylight conditions.

The passengers in the front and rear seats enjoy an ample amount of space. The optional third row is spacious enough for kids. Trunk space checks in at 12 cubic feet with all three rows left up, 33 cubic feet with the third row folded flat, and 65.7 cubes with just the front seats up. The two-row model has 37.6 cubic feet with both rows up and a cavernous 73.5 with the rear seats folded.

Technical specifications

The Tiguan's sole engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder tuned to produce 184 horsepower at 4400 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. It shifts through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Front-wheel drive comes standard, and all-wheel drive is offered at an extra cost regardless of trim level.

Fuel economy checks in at 22 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg in a combined cycle with front-wheel drive. Selecting all-wheel drive lowers those figures slightly to 21, 27, and 23, respectively.

Standard and optional features

Volkswagen offers the Tiguan in four trim levels named S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium, respectively.

The list of standard features includes black roof rails, power-operated door mirrors with a heating function, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, single-zone climate control, cloth upholstery, manually-adjustable front seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and the aforementioned 6.5-inch touch screen.

The optional driver assistant package adds forward collision warning, emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, and a blind spot monitoring system. Also, note the Tiguan comes standard with two rows of seats, meaning buyers who want seating for seven will have to pay extra for it.

Occupant safety

Every Tiguan comes standard with dual front, side, and curtain airbags in addition to electronic traction control and electronic stability control.

Key competitors

The Volkswagen Tiguan competes in the same segment as the Honda CR-V, the Nissan Rogue, the Mazda CX-5, and the Dodge Journey. Buyers who don't need the extra space can also compare it to smaller models like the Subaru Forester.

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