The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan gets a sole turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 184 horsepower and 221-pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a brand-new eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to both the front wheels or the optional all wheels which feels smooth but sometimes hesitates to shift quickly.
The engine meanwhile has enough gusto to move the SUV effortlessly at city speed but it feels underpowered at highway speed. The engine is not as refined as the Honda CR-V but it's definitely quieter. Also, the eight-speed automatic is a lot quicker and smoother than the rest of the transmissions offered by the rivals.
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Models
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Volkswagen Tiguan
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Chevrolet Equinox
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Honda CR-V
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Mazda CX-5
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MSRP
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$24,595
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$24,575
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$24,150
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$24,150
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Engine
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2.0L Turbo Inline-4
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1.5L Turbo Inline-4
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2.4L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
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2.5L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
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Drivetrain
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RWD
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RWD
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RWD
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RWD
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Transmission
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8-Speed Automatic
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6-speed automatic
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CVT Automatic
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6-speed Automatic
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Power
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184 hp @ 4400 rpm
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170 hp @ 5600 rpm
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184 hp @ 6400 rpm
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187 hp @ 6000 rpm
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Torque
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221 lb-ft. @ 1600 rpm
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203 lb-ft. @ 8000 rpm
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180 lb-ft. @ 3900 rpm
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185 lb-ft. @ 4000 rpm
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Obviously, the Mazda CX-5 carries the hat for being the most powerful SUV in this segment. The power output of the Volkswagen Tiguan matches that of the Honda CR-V but the former excels with a peaky torque of 221 pound-feet. The Chevrolet Equinox is the most underpowered SUV in this segment but falls behind the Tiguan in terms of torque.
How quick is the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan from 0-60 MPH?
The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan is a bit slower than its previous generation despite having an eight-speed automatic transmission. At 3777 pounds, the Tiguan is fairly heavy for the compact crossover segment. It is about 300 pounds heavier than the last generation. The Tiguan with the sluggish turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes it to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds while the quarter-mile test is done in 16.2 seconds.
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Models
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Volkswagen Tiguan
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Chevrolet Equinox
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Honda CR-V
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Mazda CX-5
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0-60 MPH
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7.7
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8.5 sec
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7.5 sec
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8.3 sec
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Quarter mile
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16.2 sec @ 80 mph
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16.9 sec @ 91.2 mph
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15.8 sec @ 89 mph
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16.3 sec @ 83.8 mph
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Engine
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2.0L Turbo Inline-4
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1.5L Turbo Inline-4
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2.4L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
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2.5L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
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Top Speed
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155
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115
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129
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130
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The performance numbers of the Volkswagen Tiguan are unimpressive considering the similarly-priced Honda CR-V which is just 0.2 seconds faster than the Tiguan. The CR-V is not just better than the Tiguan but it beats every other competitor in the segment and is one of the highest-ranking compact SUVs in its class.
How does the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan handle?
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan comes standard with a front-wheel-drive and optional all-wheel-drive which fares better in wet road conditions and on uneven pavements. Volkswagen has completely redesigned the Tiguan for 2018 while prioritizing comfort over sportiness. As a result, it delivers a smooth and cushioned ride but there is plenty of body roll around corners and the steering feels aloof at times.
The all-wheel drive on the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan makes for 7.9 inches of ground clearance which is ample height to handle some off-roading trails. The AWD variants also get hill descent control and customizable off-road mode.
How are the brakes on the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The Volkswagen Tiguan comes with 13.4-inch rotors up front and 11.8-inch at the back. The pedal is strong and feels responsive enough to withstand the momentum of this heavy SUV. But the brakes on the Tiguan are not the strongest in the segment as the Tiguan stops from 60 mph to 0 in 134 feet which is on the long side for a compact crossover segment. If you were to get the Tiguan in the top-end SEL trim, then the braking distance may be one of the shortest in the segment because it has very wide tires.
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Model
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Volkswagen Tiguan
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Chevrolet Equinox
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Honda CR-V
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Mazda CX-5
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Brake(in)
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13.4
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11.8
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11.1
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11.7
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Brake (in)
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11.8
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11.3
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10.2
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11.9
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Curb weight(lbs)
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3777
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3274
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3307
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3563
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60-0 MPH (ft.)
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134
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119
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129
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135
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The Chevrolet Equinox boasts the strongest brakes in the segment with a braking distance of 119 feet. Closest to it is the Honda CR-V with 129 feet. The Volkswagen Tiguan and the Mazda CX-5 stand in the same league but note that the SEL trim can give a tough challenge to the Equinox.
