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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2018 is the arrival of an all-new, much longer second-generation Tiguan with more cabin space and up to seven seats. Volkswagen also kept the smaller previous-generation model on sale as the five-seat Tiguan Limited.
About the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
Split year: the all-new 2nd-generation U.S. Tiguan begins for 2018, while the previous 1st-generation short-wheelbase model stays on sale one more year as Tiguan Limited.
Volkswagen positioned the 2018 Tiguan as a city-friendly family SUV with a more upscale feel than many mainstream rivals, but with the space and flexibility American buyers wanted. The key draw was room: a longer body, a sliding second row, useful cargo space, and the rare option of a third row in this class. The brand paired that practicality with clean styling, quiet road manners, and simple, easy-to-use tech rather than a flashy personality.
The redesigned Tiguan is the more family-focused version, with the base S bringing a third row on front-wheel-drive models and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SE emphasizes everyday comfort and driver assistance, while the SEL Premium adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, premium audio, and a 360-degree camera. The Tiguan Limited remains the simpler, smaller alternative with five seats, a 200-hp turbo engine, and a six-speed automatic.
What changed, by category
Structural
The redesigned Tiguan moves to a much longer body with substantially more passenger and cargo room. Front-wheel-drive versions have a standard third row, while all-wheel-drive versions offered it as an option; the older, smaller five-seat model continues separately as the Tiguan Limited.
Styling
The main Tiguan lineup receives an all-new second-generation body, while the Tiguan Limited retains the previous generation’s smaller shape.
Powertrain
The redesigned Tiguan uses a new 184-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic. The Tiguan Limited keeps the older 200-hp turbo engine and six-speed automatic.
Tech
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard on the redesigned Tiguan. Upper trims add equipment such as an 8-inch navigation touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, premium audio, and a 360-degree camera.
Safety
The redesigned SE brings forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert. Higher trims add features such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt | Auto, 8-Spd Tiptronic Spt |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 19 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 25 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 200 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2200 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 2200 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 23.8 cu-ft | 23.8 cu-ft | ||||||||
| Rear Legroom | 35.8 in | 27.9 in | 27.9 in | 27.9 in | 35.8 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 27.9 in | 38.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||||
| Stability Control | ||||||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||||||
| Traction Control | ||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||||
| Power Locks | ||||||||||
| Power Windows | ||||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan redesigned?
Yes. The main 2018 Tiguan is an all-new second-generation model with a much longer body, more passenger and cargo space, a new engine and transmission, and up to seven seats. The previous-generation SUV also remained on sale as the Tiguan Limited.
What is the difference between the 2018 Tiguan and Tiguan Limited?
The regular 2018 Tiguan is the larger, newly redesigned model with up to seven seats, a 184-hp turbo engine, an eight-speed automatic, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tiguan Limited is the smaller five-seat model from the previous generation, with a 200-hp turbo engine and six-speed automatic.
Does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan have a third row?
The redesigned 2018 Tiguan has a standard third row with front-wheel drive and an optional third row with all-wheel drive. The smaller Tiguan Limited has two rows and seats five.
Does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the redesigned 2018 Tiguan lineup, beginning with the S trim. The older Tiguan Limited uses a simpler touchscreen audio system with Bluetooth.
Is the redesigned 2018 Tiguan a major upgrade over the 2017 model?
Yes, if space, seating flexibility, and newer cabin technology matter most. The redesigned 2018 Tiguan is much longer, offers up to seven seats, and adds standard smartphone integration, while the 2018 Tiguan Limited preserves the smaller previous-generation design.
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan.
4.1
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
(440 reviews)
“Not to purchase. The car has had issues/problems within a couple of months of owing it.”
“The Tiguan is the perfect size small SUV. The inside feels luxurious and the tech functions are great (back up assist, lane change warning, front/back car too close). It feels like a luxury vehicle for a better price.”