2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

<p>The 2018 Tiguan is a compact crossover SUV that was fully redesigned. It comes in four trim levels, which are S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium. The exterior of the S model includes heated side mirrors, adaptive fog lights, automatic headlights, 17-inch wheels, and roof rails. Stepping up to the SE includes keyless entry and ignition and heated washer nozzles, while the SEL comes with a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch wheels, and a power-operated liftgate.</p> <p>The top SEL Premium trim boasts automatic wipers, a hands-free liftgate, and 18-inch wheels. Options available on the top two trim levels include 19-inch or 20-inch wheels and sporty exterior styling elements.</p>

The engine is something that sets the Tiguan apart from other crossover SUVs in its class. This powerful vehicle comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit that pumps out 221 pound-feet of torque and 184 horsepower. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine delivers more power and speedier acceleration, making the Tiguan more appealing to performance-minded drivers.

All Tiguan models come standard with front-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive is available as an upgrade. With front-wheel drive, the EPA fuel economy estimates come in at 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, producing a combined estimate of 24 mpg. This marks an increase over the outgoing model, making the 2018 option more economical. All-wheel drive, or Volkswagen's 4motion, drops the estimates slight to 21 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined. With the proper equipment, this vehicle can tow up to 1,500 pounds.

<p>The cabin of the 2018 model is larger, thanks to a 10.6-inch increase in overall length. Interior features on the base model include Bluetooth connectivity, a six-speaker audio system with a USB port, a 6.5-inch touch screen, and Volkswagen's Car-Net App Connect, which allows for seamless smartphone app integration from the touch screen. The SE trim tacks on dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a larger 8-inch touch screen, simulated leather upholstery, a power driver's seat, HD and satellite radio, two additional USB ports, and voice commands.</p> <p>With the SEL, you'll get navigation, remote start, and an upgraded version of Car-Net with real-time weather, traffic, and fuel price information. The top SEL Premium offers a nine-speaker Fender audio system and a digital gauge cluster.</p>

Every model of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan comes with anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, a rearview camera, and plenty of air bags. The base trim is available with a Driver Assistance package, which adds automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning. These features come standard on the upper three trim levels. The SEL Premium also adds lane departure warning with intervention, automatic high-beam control, a top-down parking camera system, and front and rear parking sensors.