2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Review: Reasonably Dependable Small SUV With Some Expensive Ownership Costs

Alex Showalter
Aug 25, 2023

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.

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likeFilled The Good
There’s a lot of safety technology offered, cargo space is great for a small SUV, and the stereo system is easy to use.
dislikeFilled The Bad
The base engine is not very powerful, the third row is very cramped, and the steering feels loose.

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 20092013 are known to have engine problems, while 20142022 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

accountCircle Suzanne G
My tiguan will fit nicely for comfort, roominess, economy, technology and style.
This was my 2nd SUV and I fell in love with it on first sight. I chose the base s model trim level. My only complaints: slow acceleration from a stop, but adequate power to pass. Superior detail given to the leather interior. Since this model comes with the 3rd row seats I can say it should only be used for kids or the family (small) dog; just not enough head or leg room back there. Biggest complaint: really a chore to move the manual seats, front or middle ones. Seems like the seats rails are oiled with tar. The middle rear seats are easy to fold down and a separate mechanism to pull seats back into original position make it easy to put back into place.
accountCircle Amber A
Best car purchase I have ever made!
Driving is so smooth. There is a lot of space in the back seat. My tall friends fit in there perfectly. The trunk size is small compared to other SUVs but still a good size. The controls are easy to figure out without having to use a manual. It is very fun to drive and the best purchase I have ever made.
accountCircle Steph F
VW is an Awesome Buy And Value
No problems with the vehicle. Love VW. Very reliable car and well made. Quality vehicle. Excellent service when purchased the car and when I go into the service center for maintenance. This is my second VW. I look at VW first when looking for a new car.
accountCircle Vicki L
My vehicle is a 4 door SUV, with a roomy back,
Its reliable and roomy, dogs fit in the back, able to take long trips with no problems. The only problem that I have found is that it doesn't have heated seats and it doesn't have a strong take off like other cars, the only other issue I have is that the seats are tan so they show everything.
accountCircle Stacey O
Heated seats and car accident senor
My car drives like a drive l love it and would recommend to anyone the heat seats are a great thing to have the sensors to control accidents are a plus and many more options please buy a car like this so safe. Reliable and not bad on gas very roomy car front and back
accountCircle Courtney M
Would recommend 10 out of 10.
This is a very reliable vehicle especially in winter. I have had no issues with this vehicle since beginning my lease. I love the audio features including apple carplay and cannot live without a panoramic sunroof after driving this vehicle! I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a great SUV!
accountCircle Tracy M
Volkswagen love - lifetime customer.
Incredibly reliable, comfortable, perfect size. I love the Tiguan so much this is my second one, and I still have the 2010 my husband drives now. I would buy another VW again.
accountCircle Jessica M
Volkswagen tiguan is the best vehicle I have owned.
I haven't had any problems with the vehicle. It drives smoothly with turbo charged engine. Has apple play and Bluetooth. Backup camera and safety features. Has a big cargo area with option for third row seat. The backseat is large enough for my son and another adult. Has sport mode for tighter suspension and acceleration.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Judy V
Engine loosing power in traffic
This vehicle is laden with problems. I have had it to the dealer to fix over 15 times.Most of the time I have to come back multiple times to get the problem fixed. Poor engine performance. Leaks in the roof, Poor pick up when going up to speed. The radio has had multiple issues working properly. Now I find out that the problems I've had are well known to VW. Yet I can't get them fixed. Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Never buy again.
accountCircle Rudolf Heider
Don’t buy. Not only is it a bad car but VW service is the worst
Will try to keep this short. I must say that I have never been so disappointed with a car ever before. Within the first 12 months the car was in the shop for more than 3 months. First they thought the cylinder head was leaking. Then it was aluminum cast and then they changed the entire engine. To be honest, I still feel that this could happen but VW did not even apologize and they were extremely apprehensive about helping to fix the problems (told me I had to pay for the tests). The customer service is borderline rude and just don’t want to deal with issues. Please spend your money elsewhere. I would give it 0 stars if I could.
accountCircle Rudolf H.
Service is horrendous car would be ok
In the first 12 months my car was in the shop for over 3 months. Volkswagen is blaming the dealership and vice versa. I simply got a lemon. In the end the engine was changed but there are still issues and nobody cares. I wouldn’t mind the car would the service and ownership be better
accountCircle David Kennedy
To many recalls
It’s a nice stylish looking vehicle. Lots of room and interior is nicely done on the other had we are into out seventh recall one of wish took 6 weeks and other that was only partially fixed . Not impressed. It takes time to get recalls done and I don’t see anyone from VW willing to compensate us.
accountCircle Dana F
Not comfortable for long trips
I'm disappointed with a few things. The car has no pick up and the eco setting is not ideal when you sitting at very long stop sign in 100 degree weather. Recently, the rearview mirror fell off the window. It took two weeks to get a new windshield and another week to calibrate. I've never owned a car where the rearview mirror falls off.
accountCircle Kenzie W
Not a good option for family.
I have had multiple recalls, I had an error message come up while driving down the highway there was an issue with my transmission but ok to continue driving. I had a defective part on transmission turns out and the CarPlay stopped working. I have had lots of issues with the company themselves too. I have 3rd row seating and it is ridiculously small. An adult cannot sit back there. It is useless space now.
accountCircle Melanie K
Nice features in se model, but lackluster engine.
The engine stalls and jerks. Computer that controls front assist randomly activates and slams on the breaks when there are no vehicles around. Lots of rattling noises in the sidebar of the doors. It is a pretty car and has some nice features, but performance is seriously lacking.
accountCircle David C
2018 VW tiguan sel 4motion.
The turbo comes in from a complete stop in a sudden jerky sort of way. Acceleration is not smooth or gentle. The third row seat is almost unusable and does not fold flat to the floor. It does get pretty good fuel economy. Almost 30 mpg on longer road trip, more like 23 around town.

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.

accountCircle Sophia C

It is very reliable. I had engine issues once, but I bought my car second-hand, so there is no way of knowing.

accountCircle Rebecca F

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.

accountCircle Alex J

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.

accountCircle Cheri L

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.

accountCircle Katie S

I have never had any problems with it so I think it is reliable. I trust it to take my family places.

accountCircle Sandy L

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

accountCircle Megan C

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.

accountCircle Del P

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.

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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.

Ranks #8 Compact SUV by Owners

1
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4.71
2
Tie
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4.69
8
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4.5

Do Owners Recommend the VW Tiguan?

accountCircle Sophia C

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.

accountCircle Rebecca F

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.

accountCircle Alex J

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.

accountCircle Cheri L

It is an awesome vehicle! It is sporty and roomy and dependable. Volkswagens have excellent financing, warranty and reputation.

accountCircle Katie S

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.

accountCircle Christina H

It is a wonderful car. It is very comfortable and safe, yet, it is good looking and powerful. A very dependable vehicle

accountCircle Leigh P

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.

accountCircle Brad R

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.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Dana F on October 4, 2021
Not comfortable for long trips
I'm disappointed with a few things. The car has no pick up and the eco setting is not ideal when you sitting at very long stop sign in 100 degree weather. Recently, the rearview mirror fell off the window. It took two weeks to get a new windshield and another week to calibrate. I've never owned a car where the rearview mirror falls off.
accountCircle Dana W on June 25, 2021
Great car overall just small on space.
Third row seat is way to small as is the actual room space in front seats especially floorboard area. Performance is great. All the safety features are awesome. Great to drive and quality made car. Great service department and car handles like a dream. The ability to connect with apple play makes the car very easy to use. Not a great car for large car seats and for needing extra storage.
accountCircle maria V on June 5, 2021
The amazing family SUV/car.
I love my car the favorite feature is using my phone s navigation as a car navigation. The heating seats and the sunroof are a great touch. The trunk is spacious and the backseat has enough room for the kids. The gas last enough for a week. It is a great family car.
accountCircle Debra L on June 4, 2021
Good gas mileage and comfortable ride.
The car seats 7 people, but is compact and comfortable to drive. The car has comfortable seats with lumbar support. Easy to drive and smooth ride. No complaints so far.
accountCircle Dawn T on June 4, 2021
Honest review - tiggy and I have a love/hate relationship.
I love the safety features of this vehicle and all the add ons included. The auxiliary lights in the moon roof and doors make night driving very pleasant. The back seats do not lay back and this can be problem-some for long drives as passengers cannot lay back to sleep. We've had on-going issues with the front wiper blades - it appears the design made them a bit long and they click with every swipe of the blades. It is very annoying particularly during the very rainy season (as we have in Oregon).
accountCircle Carla M on May 21, 2021
Tiguan - worst car I have ever owned.
The tiguan is one of the worst cars I have ever owned. It had too many recalls during the past 2 years. It has been in the shop several times. One of the main problems it had was the sunroof. Water got in the car to the point that it was soaked. Apparently, all the 2018s models had that problem. After they fixed it, we had an unbearable smell for about 3 months. VW said the smell will eventually go away and that there was nothing they could do. The good thing about the car is that it has a third row. My kids love having the third row because all their cousins and friends can fit in one ride. Besides that, I cannot wait to get rid of my lease which ends in 2 months.
accountCircle Alex M on May 18, 2021
The tiguan sel rides great on the roads. The moonroof is my favorite feature.
This car is awesome SUV. Very safe on the road and the car drives so smooth. The leather interior cleans well and the moonroof is one of my favorite features of the car. With 30k miles, it still drives like the day I picked it up. The trunk is very spacious, I would recommend this car for someone that is single, a couple, or a family.
accountCircle Sara H on May 17, 2021
2018 Volkswagen tiguan. Super easy to drive.
I do not like the start/stop feature very much. My window got a leak in the seal so water gets in when it rains. It is very easy to drive and I haven't had it very long and have already put a ton of miles on it. I have had very few problems with it since I got it 2 years ago.
accountCircle Valerie S on May 13, 2021
Good and bad of the VW tiguan.
I have had some mechanical issues and a leak issue with the sunroof drain, but all issues we handled under warranty and addressed above my expectations, just an inconvenience. I feel extremely safe in my car. I love all the features such as the radio and dash display. Also, the panoramic sunroof is so nice on a good day.
accountCircle Tiffani A on May 9, 2021
Super modern style with great reliability and comfort!
What I love about my vehicle is the style, the way it drives, and the gas mileage. It is a really classic clean look with the leather package and tinted windows. It is comfortable for everyday driving and for travel. The driving is extremely smooth and I love the digital screen features that let me know about my mileage tire pressure etc. It gets wonderful gas mileage on and off the highway. My only complaint is that the third row is really not truly big enough for my kids. When we leased this car we had hoped based on the test drive and other reviews that it would be large enough for our six person family but as it turns out we definitely need something bigger. Otherwise this car would have been a great purchase at the end of the lease.
accountCircle Carrie H on May 4, 2021
Roomy and comfortable for family and cargo.
Roomy I like the color and the space it provides for family and I throw all the back seats flat when I want to haul anything very decent sized to move or haul items around. The sunroof is a plus and decent sound system. Just hate the car payment. That is my mistake.
accountCircle Marla G on April 30, 2021
Great gas mileage and power.
I love that it is midsize with a 3rd row! With the 3rd row laid down it has plenty of cargo space also. It gets great gas mileage and has plenty of power! The radio and features are easy to operate. The windows are convenient with the one touch down and up on all windows. Volkswagen makes great cars that last.
accountCircle Christian A on April 18, 2021
Great handling and economic in gas consumption.
No problems with performance. Car is highly reliable and gas consumption is reasonable. I never had any problems with the service and price for service and parts replacement is reasonable. Comfort is medium given the price of the car. Navigation feature are nice.
accountCircle Emily J on April 15, 2021
The Volkswagen tiguan: the fun car.
I love this car so much! It has a modern yet classic feel to it. The interior has a touch screen system, but my favorite part of the car in the double sunroof that it has. Also, this Volkswagen tiguan is super deceiving because it can fit 7 people comfortably!
accountCircle Drexter R on April 14, 2021
Not the best midsize SUV you can buy.
It always has a warning light on for some reason or another. The cabin noise is really bad for a newer model car. I have had issues with the fuel injection system until it had to be replaced. The front tires seem to go flat pretty often for some strange reason.
accountCircle Harlan W on April 5, 2021
Like the car we own, the tangun, bit prefer the passat.
I do not drive, my wife is the designated driver. The car is ok, only use it for short trips, drive less than 5,000 miles per year. No major repair bills, we do have the car serviced by the dealer. Like the VW brand, had a passat, which has our favorite vehicle.
accountCircle Imani B on April 2, 2021
Awesome car with slight hiccups!
Awesome car! Biggest issue is not having automatic seats, the radio/screen freezing and turning off by itself or not connecting to my phone. Otherwise this car is awesome, very comfortable, helped me move to different apartments and provides ample amount of space.
accountCircle Nora M on March 29, 2021
Love the vehicle itself, maybe not loving Volkswagen in general
Within the first 9000 miles I started having an issue where something in the rear of the vehicle kept squeaking constantly, making me think there is a QA issue. There is a 7 year bumper to bumper warranty so I hope that will cover this issue. I've also already had to have a part replaced as part of a recall which was inconvenient. However, the vehicle handles very well, and I am getting 30 mpg fuel economy which is great for a compact SUV. The vehicle is big enough to have a small family in. When the back seats are flattened, there is a ton of room to haul furniture or whatever else needed to move, as much as my husband's truck.
accountCircle Victoria M on March 28, 2021
The 3rd row seating is optional but fits all my grandkids very well.
Love the features and benefits. I especially love the two tone colored seats. Great warranty. Only wish it came with some free maintenance. Price was good too.
accountCircle Alexis M on March 28, 2021
Road trips and features!
The VW tiguan is great on gas mileage, I have taken mine on multiple road trips of over 400 miles and only needed to get gas twice! The 2018 does not come with a sunroof which is an add on I believe but it also does not come seat heaters which the 2019 & 2020 models do. I highly suggest this vehicle!
accountCircle Rachael G on March 28, 2021
Space, comfort and affordable.
All the new safety features are helpful, such as automatic brake and lane assist. The car also provides a stop/start option to help conserve gas. I have had horn issues with this vehicle a few times due to a blown fuse but have gotten it fixed since. The Tiguan is spacious and has an option for a 3rd row if wanted. It is high quality leather and hard plastic.
accountCircle Caitlyn B on March 24, 2021
The rearview camera? The cargo space? The car is perfect for me so depends on what people are looking for.
Love the size. Love the feel of the drive. I love color and amenities. It's everything I need.
accountCircle Sara C on March 18, 2021
Very reliable sporty SUV that drives like butter and handles well in traffic.
It is a cute SUV with lots of space. Nice Audio system with Bluetooth. Very sturdy drive. Seats go down to fit my bicycle. The brakes are anti lock and stop without sliding. The seating is very roomy and comfortable. It has very good gas mileage. I recommend this vehicle as a safe ride.
accountCircle Kara K on March 17, 2021
Love and hate of the safety features.
Love all the safety feature this vehicle has. The only problem I had with it was the auto brake feature when you are too close to a vehicle. Two times it has stopped with no one around. I was able to turn the feature off. No problems since. Favorite part is the full car sunroof.
accountCircle Molly M on March 16, 2021
Great all terrain vehicle with good cargo room.
The tiguan is very comfortable to drive and does very well in many different types of terrain, including snow. The trunk is very spacious and the back seats are easy to fold up and down. The back-up camera works great and makes parallel parking very easy. There have been quite a few recalls related to the panoramic sunroof so far. Added bonus: apple carplay and android auto make using google maps, Spotify, and hands-free driving super easy.
accountCircle Tatiana L on March 13, 2021
The gas mileage is great with the vehicle.
I love my vehicle, but as of recently the dealership has been holding it for over 2 1/2 months to a huge recall that they still have yet to discuss with me on what is really wrong with my vehicle I am very upset with it, as for all the features with my car they are amazing, I feel like I have an an Alexa inside of my vehicle I can ask to call someone and even play a certain song when she is added onto Bluetooth with my cell phone and the gas mileage for the SUV is amazing, I really truly love my vehicle if only I had more time with my vehicle before it was taken I would surely love more of the features with it.
accountCircle Mia W on March 9, 2021
Great space and options for a CUV.
I really love the tiguan. It has the compact size, but the functionality space of a larger vehicle because of the 3rd row option and adjustable mid row. It drives great with awesome handling, curves and speed are not a challenge. It has driven great with no mechanical issues for 2 years until recently when it starts throwing a max speed error code and not allowing the vehicle to accelerate beyond 60 mph. It is a comfortable vehicle to both drive and ride for a CUV.
accountCircle Via P on March 8, 2021
Spacious and affordable - great for 1st time SUV buyers.
The VW tiguan is amazing! I wanted an SUV for so long and I was happy I picked this one. It is very spacious and amazing features. My favorite has to be the apple CarPlay. It is so user friendly and also has gas saving features. My lease is up in less than a year and I think I am going to actually buy one!
accountCircle Amy S on March 7, 2021
Great car and a lot of features!
Drives well! Has ecosystem. Front seat is automatic. Blind spot detection. Back camera mirror. Good size and comfortable to sit in. Leather seat option. Aesthetically pleasing look. Easy to clean and sleek look. Good speed and can go fast. Safe car in my view.
accountCircle Judy S on March 7, 2021
For the price, it is a very attractive/fun car to drive with great trunk space.
Love it. No complaints. Very useful vehicle. I really have nothing else to say. I love my car. The ride is comfortable.
accountCircle Michelle G on March 5, 2021
Best SUV for affordability.
It is a reliable and very comfortable family SUV. It is our best auto purchase yet. Great on gasoline. Having a third row option is very helpful for my expanding family. Only issue that I have which is a minor issue is the lack of cargo space when using the third row. Then again, it is better than having no third row or cargo space at all.
accountCircle Andrea B on March 2, 2021
Love my 2018 tiguan, but the fuel.
I completely love my 2018 tiguan, the only problem I have had with it is that the advertised miles per gallon is a lot higher than the actual miles per gallon. I believe Volkswagen tried to solve this problem by telling tiguan owners to use premium fuel, which is pricey for someone like me that drives 60 miles each day to get to and from work. Other than that, I have not experienced any recalls on the car and have loved the overall performance of the vehicle.
accountCircle Judy V on March 1, 2021
Engine loosing power in traffic
This vehicle is laden with problems. I have had it to the dealer to fix over 15 times.Most of the time I have to come back multiple times to get the problem fixed. Poor engine performance. Leaks in the roof, Poor pick up when going up to speed. The radio has had multiple issues working properly. Now I find out that the problems I've had are well known to VW. Yet I can't get them fixed. Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Never buy again.
accountCircle Tess N on February 28, 2021
Perfect for families and animal lovers.
I love the three rows of seating. It gives me a bigger trunk for a full sized stroller and groceries. It drives very smoothly and handles turns with ease. My favorite car that I have had by far. I can fit two car seats and still sit comfortably in the front seats.
accountCircle Rebecca A on February 26, 2021
Vehicle has heated seats and three rows of seating.
Performs well and is comfortable. Too many recalls. Full sunroof front to back. It has 3 rows of seats. Signals to know if car is in blind and front sensor if too close. Heated driver seat and electric driver seat. Keyless entry is great with alarm system.
accountCircle Kate D on February 22, 2021
Volkswagen gives great performance.
This is the second time I have leased a Volkswagen Tiguan and I literally have almost no complaints. I love this car so much and I cannot picture myself driving anything else. The only complaint I have is that the middle console is not that big. But I barely even use it.
accountCircle Melanie K on February 19, 2021
Nice features in se model, but lackluster engine.
The engine stalls and jerks. Computer that controls front assist randomly activates and slams on the breaks when there are no vehicles around. Lots of rattling noises in the sidebar of the doors. It is a pretty car and has some nice features, but performance is seriously lacking.
accountCircle bill S on February 19, 2021
Nice comfortable ride and well appointed.
Well built, hugs the road nicely and has good pick-up. Comfortable ride quite and good amount of room for people sitting in back seat and plenty of room for luggage in back. Good back up camera and electronics. Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was white as snow.
accountCircle Jennifer V on February 17, 2021
A lot of space for your kids, luggage, groceries or sports equipment!
I love the third row seating, it is very spacious and drives great. Seating is lower to the ground than the older model, which I do not prefer.
accountCircle Adan R on February 15, 2021
3 month review of our 2018 VW tiguan.
We just bought the car and have had it for a few months now. The biggest issue we have is with the time it takes to allow the a/c to get cold. We live in NYC, and in the summer it is super hot, the air conditioning takes about 30 mins to cool down. Also, slight bug bear, the pick up is not what you would expect from a 2 liter car. You really have to slam your foot to the floor and it takes a few seconds to kick in. It is not bad, but it is not great.
accountCircle Suzanne G on February 14, 2021
My tiguan will fit nicely for comfort, roominess, economy, technology and style.
This was my 2nd SUV and I fell in love with it on first sight. I chose the base s model trim level. My only complaints: slow acceleration from a stop, but adequate power to pass. Superior detail given to the leather interior. Since this model comes with the 3rd row seats I can say it should only be used for kids or the family (small) dog; just not enough head or leg room back there. Biggest complaint: really a chore to move the manual seats, front or middle ones. Seems like the seats rails are oiled with tar. The middle rear seats are easy to fold down and a separate mechanism to pull seats back into original position make it easy to put back into place.
accountCircle Jeff M on February 13, 2021
Hands down the best vehicle I have owned.
No issues, mechanical or otherwise, with my vehicle. Very reliable, spacious, and comfortable. Manufacturers provides a 72 month warranty instead of the industry standard 60. Vehicular is loaded with features, even at the base model. Vehicle build feels very solid and very safe.
accountCircle David C on February 13, 2021
2018 VW tiguan sel 4motion.
The turbo comes in from a complete stop in a sudden jerky sort of way. Acceleration is not smooth or gentle. The third row seat is almost unusable and does not fold flat to the floor. It does get pretty good fuel economy. Almost 30 mpg on longer road trip, more like 23 around town.
accountCircle Elise W on February 6, 2021
My car is amazing and comfortable. It's luxury at a good price.
My Tiguan is great! Has all the features I want and love. My dogs got comfortable in the back, and I like the convenience of third row seating. I like the leather heated seats. The radio/console is very high-tech and I can use my phone for Apple CarPlay.
accountCircle marie H on February 3, 2021
Don't let the outside fool you. It is big and fairly spacious.
I love the size. So deceptive. If you are looking from the outside you would have no clue it has a third row.
accountCircle Amanda L on February 2, 2021
If you are thinking about purchasing a tiguan.
I have always had good experiences with VW cars. I had a Jetta for 10 years before this car. I love my tiguan, drives smooth and the apple CarPlay is so worth it. The car has a lot of great features even for the se model which is not the fanciest. Would recommend this car for sure.
accountCircle Annette B on January 31, 2021
2018 tiguan or 2013? We're going backward in features.
Seats feel hard so I use a cushion. Wish the blind spot detection had an audible alarm. Miss my built in garage door opener. Missing my mute button for radio on steering wheel. This causes more distraction for me to turn down volume while driving. Center console is small but livable. Has android and iPod play for hands free text, nav etc. Nice extra space for third row or trunk space.
accountCircle Maite M on January 28, 2021
Satisfied customer and happy with purchase.
This car is perfect for my young family. It is spacious, comfortable, yet feels compact as far as SUVs go. It offers features that are comparable with high end vehicles for a fraction of the price. I have never had a problem with the car as it relates to its performance after two years.
accountCircle Bryanna N on January 27, 2021
Very smooth ride - would 10/10 recommend to someone looking for a new car.
Comfortable, smoothie ride and super roomy 10/10 recommend. Volkswagen is my go to car brand. Easy to. Navigate love the apple carplay feature and 4 wheel. Drive. Hands free Bluetooth good sound system would definitely recommend any model of Volkswagen when going with a newer car.
accountCircle Victoria G on January 26, 2021
I have the custom white color and it really stands out.
The biggest issue that I have is that the washer fluid container must be really small because I constantly have to refill it even though I have just added fluid. Other than that, I really have no complaints or issues with this car! It drives well and has lasted 3 years so far.
avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.