The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan lasts around 200,000 miles with some oil consumption and dead battery issues reported. At $18,250 to $32,750, it’s a decent value for an entry-level German SUV with some advanced technology features.
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a decent year for the VW Tiguan since it offers great build quality with a nice cabin. Owner reviews praise the responsive handling, advanced safety technology and the low running costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a small SUV, the seats are supportive on longer drives, cargo space is also good for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no serious problems reported on the 2018 Tiguan. Models from 2009–2013 are known to have engine problems, while 2014–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is average from the standard four-cylinder engine which is not as strong as some of the other small SUVs on the market.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Tiguan is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with automatic emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 27 MPG, giving 429 miles of range out of the 15.9 gallon tank. Gas costs are $13 cheaper than average at $197 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is a decent value since it has a lot of Germany build quality for a reasonable price.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the VW Tiguan?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 VW Tiguan offers plenty of passenger and storage space, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Tiguan at 3.7/5, enjoying the advanced driver safety features, but doesn’t like the rough suspension with the larger tires.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the VW Tiguan a 4.4/5, praising the upscale interior and technology, but owners don’t like the lower predicted reliability ratings.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan include excessive oil consumption, dead batteries, and delayed gear changes. These problems are similar to some other SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Tiguan ages.
Excessive oil consumption is the most widespread complaint from 2018 Tiguan owners, showing up at around 20,000 miles. Usually, oil consumption is just part of normal engine operation and is nothing to worry about. We recommend checking the oil regularly and adding more oil as needed. There are some rare reports of worn-out piston rings, which can cost over $1,000 to replace.
Dead batteries are another problem mentioned by 2018 Tiguan owners within the first 10,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the Tiguan, and if any of them get left on it can drain the battery. Some owners report that leaving the key in the vehicle will cause the battery to drain as well. Diagnosing the source of any parasitic electrical draw costs around $100, while repairs range from $20 to $250.
Delayed gear changes also show up on some 2018 Tiguan models at around 1,000 miles. There are software updates for the transmission control module which improve the speed and reliability of the gear changes. Most dealerships will install this update for free, while others will charge around $100 for labor.
There are 13 recalls on the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, which is worse than many other compact SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall is for a lower suspension ball joint separation which can lead to an accident. VW will replace the nut on the joint for free on affected models. Other recalls include the back-up lights, air bags, and rear coil springs. Volkswagen will fix all of those problems for free as well.
How Long Will the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than many other small SUVs like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than some competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $580 per year.
As a used 2018 Tiguan reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the drive belt tensioner for $275, transmission oil cooler line costing $400, along with the brake vacuum pump which costs $570.
It is very reliable. I had engine issues once, but I bought my car second-hand, so there is no way of knowing.
It is very reliable and haven't had too many problems. I had a weird issue with water getting into the wiring but that was fixed at the dealership under warranty.
It is incredibly reliable although is uses oil really fast. I wouldn't say anything bad about it really it is a great car and should be bought.
I have not had any problems with this car. It is less than a year old and has not had an issue to date. I have had several Volkswagen and have had no issue out of any of them.
I have never had any problems with it so I think it is reliable. I trust it to take my family places.
So far, I have not had any problems with my Volkswagen tiguan apart from the washer fluid lid being loose but that was an easy fix
Yes, the vehicle is reliable. I have not gotten stuck in any snow, it has started up every time in the cold weather and have not had any problems yet.
The Tiguan is very reliable. I have had no problems with it except the safety feature that turns the engine off when you open the door for any length of time.
How Is the Technology?
Standard entertainment technology is good with a standard 5-inch touchscreen display. Optional upgrades include larger 6.5-inch and 8-inch touchscreens, which also feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from VW’s Car-Net App Connect.
Standard safety technology is relatively basic, offering a rearview camera.
Optional advanced driver assistance features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Pedestrian detection
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lane departure warning
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Surround-view parking camera
- Automatic high beams
Is the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is a decent value since you get German build quality paired with a nice interior for the money. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $18,250 to $32,750, making it similar in price to a Subaru Forester or Honda CR-V. When new, the price range was $24,595 to $37,550. Depreciation is similar to other small SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the VW Tiguan?
There are five main models of the 2018 VW Tiguan offered from the entry-level Base to the more luxurious SEL Premium. The Tiguan comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 16-inch wheels
- Black cloth upholstery
- 40/20/40-split folding rear seat
- Rearview camera
- Bluetooth
- 5-inch touchscreen display
- Audio system with radio, CD player, and SD card reader
S is a step up, adding:
- 17-inch wheels
- Roof rails
- Heated side mirrors
- Automatic headlights
- Adaptive fog lights
- 40/20/40-split folding rear seat
- Rearview camera
- Bluetooth
- 5-inch touchscreen display
- USB port
- Six-speaker sound system
- VW’s Car-Net App Connect (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity)
SE adds more features such as:
- Optional Driver Assistance package: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert
- Heated washer nozzles
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Dual-zone climate control
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Satellite and HD radio
- Voice commands
- Two extra USB ports
- Car-Net Security & Service
- Optional: Panoramic sunroof
SEL has more luxury items such as:
- Standard sunroof
- 18-inch wheels
- Power liftgate
- Remote start
- Adaptive cruise control
- Navigation
- Car-Net Guide & Inform
- R-Line package option: larger wheels (19-inch), sportier exterior styling elements, front and rear parking sensors (for SEL)
SEL Premium is the flagship model which has:
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Automatic wipers
- Hands-free liftgate
- Digital gauge cluster
- Leather upholstery
- Heated steering wheel
- Nine-speaker premium Fender sound system
- Extra driver assistance features (top-down parking camera system, lane departure warning and intervention, front and rear parking sensors, automatic high-beam control)
- R-Line package option: larger wheels (20-inch), sportier exterior styling elements
What Engines Come In the VW Tiguan?
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine: This engine provides 184 horsepower and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 24 mpg for the all-wheel-drive version and 27 mpg for the front-wheel-drive model. Acceleration from 0 to 60 MPH takes about 8.2 seconds, which is similar to other small SUVs.
What Colors Does the VW Tiguan Come In?
How Comfortable Is the VW Tiguan?
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is known for offering a comfortable ride, thanks to its well-designed interior and thoughtful features. The seats are crafted with quality materials, providing ample support and comfort, even during longer drives. Both front and rear passengers can enjoy spacious legroom, allowing for an easy and relaxing journey. The available three-row seating model provides versatility for larger families, although the third row can be a bit tight for adult passengers.
The Tiguan’s suspension is tuned to provide a smooth and composed ride, absorbing most road imperfections with ease. Noise insulation is quite effective, minimizing road and wind noise, adding to the overall tranquil experience inside the cabin. Standard features such as climate control and optional upgrades like heated seats enhance the comfort level further. Infotainment options are user-friendly and contribute to an enjoyable in-car environment. Overall, the 2018 VW Tiguan’s blend of quality seating, smooth handling, and well-considered amenities adds up to a highly comfortable and satisfying driving experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the VW Tiguan Have?
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan offers a generous amount of storage space that caters to various needs. In the two-row version, there’s 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. When these seats are folded down, the space expands to an impressive 73.5 cubic feet. However, in the three-row models, the cargo space behind the third row is more limited, at 12 cubic feet, expanding to 33 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down.
These measurements provide a versatile storage solution for different needs. For example, the 73.5 cubic feet of space in the two-row model can easily accommodate large items like bicycles or flat-pack furniture. The 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats is perfect for several suitcases or a week’s worth of groceries. Even the more compact 12 cubic feet in the three-row model’s trunk can handle daily errands, fitting a stroller or some shopping bags. This flexibility in cargo space makes the 2018 VW Tiguan a practical choice for families and individuals alike.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Volkswagen Tiguan was launched for the 2018 model year.
2015: Upgraded 5-inch touchscreen is standard on all models, redesigned automatic transmission, and a rearview camera is also included.
2016: Standard vinyl upholstery, heated front seats, and keyless ignition.
2017: SE and R-Line models removed from the lineup, new Wolfsburg Edition and Sport models launched, standard 6.3-inch touchscreen on all models.
2018: Fully redesigned for the second generation with optional third row, more technology, and stronger engine choices.
2019: Minor trim level options adjusted.
2020: More standard driver safety features added, heated steering wheel on the SEL model.
2021: Standard adaptive cruise control added to the SE model, new infotainment system with a larger 8-inch touchscreen.
How Does the Volkswagen Tiguan Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is a decent compact SUV, although you do sacrifice ownership costs and some reliability for the solid German build quality.
The Hyundai Tucson is another compact SUV which costs about $1,500 less. Interior materials are a bit more luxurious in the Hyundai Tucson, while the Volkswagen Tiguan offers more safety technology. We recommend the Volkswagen Tiguan since it has fewer mechanical problems reported by owners as it ages.
The Ford Explorer is a larger SUV which is available for about $2,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Ford Explorer, while the Volkswagen Tiguan has a more upscale interior. We recommend the Ford Explorer if you need the extra room, otherwise predicted reliability is similar between the two.
Do Owners Recommend the VW Tiguan?
Yes, it's a great vehicle. It has enough space for everyone, the trunk is very spacious and has 2 extra seats. The car feels very light when driving and is very economical when it comes to gas.
Yes, I love my tiguan. I live in an area that gets a lot of snow and there are tons of steep hills. I am handles well both in poor weather conditions and going up and down steep hills in snowy conditions. I also really like the integrated technology.
Yes, good for skiing. Also very good as it does not freeze and I really enjoy the drive as the drive does not feel heavy at all.
It is an awesome vehicle! It is sporty and roomy and dependable. Volkswagens have excellent financing, warranty and reputation.
I think it is. I like that it is small but still like an SUV. It is a good fit for my family right now.
It is a wonderful car. It is very comfortable and safe, yet, it is good looking and powerful. A very dependable vehicle
Yes it's a good vehicle. The interior is very nice and has lots of features for it being just the base model. Also the AWD works great in the winter with all the snow we get.
The Tiguan is a good, safe vehicle. It is fun to drive. It does not however, do well in snow and ice. So far I have had no issues with the vehicle.