New 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Debuts With More Room for Junk in the Trunk
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has debuted at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show as an all-new long-wheelbase model, which will be the only Tiguan available in North America. A shorter wheelbase model continues to be sold in Europe.
Available with both two or three rows of seating, the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is 10.7 inches longer than the current model, which results in up to 57 percent more cargo space. A third row comes standard with front-wheel drive models and is optional on all-wheel drive models. The second row is able to slide seven inches front and backward and splits 40/20/40, and a foot-activated power liftgate is also available.
At 185 inches long, it bumps this new Tiguan well past the 2017 Honda CR-V (180 inches long) and Mazda CX-5 (178) in terms of length, and just shy of bigger crossovers like the 2017 Ford Edge (188) and the Kia Sorento (187).
Of course, the new Tiguan will be powered by Volkswagen’s smooth and refined 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that outputs 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard, while 4Motion all-wheel drive is optional.
ALSO SEE: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Crossover Revealed, Launches Spring 2017
The crossover also gets a conservative restyling that makes it look more planted and less bubbly than the Tiguan it replaces. The Tiguan’s tailgate also has a lower lift-in height, making it easier to use.
The interior also receives big changes in terms of more premium materials and more technology. A new reconfigurable digital dashboard is now available and a backup camera and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility are now standard. The available adaptive cruise control has been upgraded with stop-and-go functionality for traffic jams, and forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and lane departure warning and mitigation are also available.
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan joins the new Atlas this year to help bolster the German automaker’s crossover and SUV offerings. Unfortunately, VW hasn’t yet revealed the price or availability of the new Tiguan, but the company has said that it will be priced competitively within the segment.
Written with notes from Sebastien Bell at VW Vortex
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Jodi has been obsessed with cars since she was little and has been an automotive journalist for the past 12 years. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and a jury member for the prestigious North American Car/Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY). Besides hosting videos, and writing news, reviews and features, Jodi is the Editor-in-Chief of AutoGuide.com and takes care of the site's day-to-day operations.
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As a long time VW man, I have to say Tiguan continues to be a disappointment if not a disgrace to European cars. A continuation of a bland front look. Poor poor driver position design, i.e. buttons disorganized, hard to reach when driving. Lack of any kind of performance. Reliability leaving a lot to be desired. Is this a VW or is this something from Asia ???
I, too, have waited for this vehicle based on the European smaller version. I don't think it looks good stretched out, and I don't need the 3rd row or extra space. VW just lost another sale.