Volkswagen officially introduced the Tiguan’s second generation to the U.S. at the 2017 North American International Auto Show while also introducing the world to the Tiguan’s long-wheelbase version. Volkswagen calls it the Tiguan Allspace, but that name will only be used in the European market where VW already sells the second-generation Tiguan in its short wheelbase form. Here in the U.S. and in China, the long wheelbase crossover will simply be known as the Tiguan. The extra space will bring a third row with two seats, making this A-segment crossover a seven-seater.

The second-generation Tiguan’s entrance into the U.S. is certainly welcomed. The previous Tiguan soldered on since its introduction in 2007 with only a minor facelift and update in 2011. Volkswagen is making up for the stagnant crossover with a major leap in advancement for the 2018 model year. The new Tiguan rides on VW’s new MQB platform shared with the Audi Q3, Audi A3, and VW Golf, among others.

The new Tiguan also boasts a digital gauge cluster, a slew of optional engines (no diesels in the U.S., obviously), and of course, the added room and passenger capacity thanks to the longer wheelbase. Volkswagen says it Allspace version adds 4.4 inches (11 cm) of length to the wheelbase, while the overall length grows by 10.7 inches.

It would be a gross understatement to say the 2018 Tiguan is an important vehicle for Volkswagen in the U.S. Crossovers are extremely popular these days and Volkswagen is scrambling to bring offerings to market. The new three-row Tiguan will join the all-new 2018 VW Atlas, a larger three-row crossover competing against stalwarts like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer. Volkswagen is undoubtedly hoping these new crossovers help erase Dieselgate woes from consumers’ minds, as well. Rumored plug-in hybrid models of these crossovers will surely help with that, too, though VW has yet to confirm such a powertrain.

There is plenty more to discuss about Volkswagen’s new Tiguan, so keep reading for all the info.

Continue reading for more information.

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Volkswagen readily admits the second-generation Tiguan was designed to appeal to American customers and their preferences. Hinrich Woebcken, VW’s North American CEO, says, “Every detail of the Tiguan has been thoughtfully engineered for our U.S. customers to maximize space and convenience, while retaining its performance, agility, and value.” That’s easily seen in the Tiguan’s sharp design stylings and details, including its relatively tall approach angle of 26 degrees, strong character lines, SUV-like body cladding down low, and an upright cabin that should provide excellent views of the road ahead.

The second-generation Tiguan wears Volkswagen’s current design language. The Tiguan does look a bit like its big brother, the Atlas, but is noticeably less tall with a more rounded front end. Still, details abound that denote the two’s sibling relationship. It has a skinny upper grille with a larger lower air intake. Swanky headlights with LED trimmings and bright chrome are tastefully placed, helping dress the compact crossover well enough for a valet to park in front of the restaurant.

Small details of ruggedness help keep the SUV vibe alive, including those black plastic fender flares, tall(ish) ground clearance, and body cladding along the lower sections of the doors and rear bumper. This plastic cladding is painted to match the body color on upper trim levels.

All around, the Tiguan is a sharp-looking vehicle. A strong character line run almost the full length of its sides, helping separate its upper and lower portions. Its door handles are incorporated into this character line, as are the tops of the taillights. It’s a classy design that’s far more attractive than the first-generation Tiguan.

The Competition

Two of the biggest competitors for the new three-row Tiguan will be the segment stalwart Honda Pilot and the Korean underdog Hyundai Santa Fe. Both come with three rows of seating and offer a high-riding view of the road. Let’s check out these two in detail. First, the exterior.

The Honda Pilot is one of those SUVs turned crossover that’s grown in size over the years. The modern take on this favorite now has room for seven people. The crossover wears some strong character lines, but nothing too harsh or offensive. Small dashes of chrome help give it an upscale appearance, while black plastic trim around the lower portion of the body help keep its SUV-like feel present (much like the Tiguan). Some say Honda’s work to keep this flair isn’t working well enough, making the Pilot more of a glorified minivan. While we disagree, the argument is still valid.

Perhaps if the Honda is too conservative, the updated-for-2017 Hyundai Santa Fe might float your boat. It has a fresh face for 2017 and looks more aggressive than ever. Its six-sided grille is flanked by projector-beam headlights with LED daytime running lights and deeply scalloped fog lights down low with chrome trim. More chrome is found along the lower fascia. Like the competition, the Santa Fe has plastic trim lining its wheel arches and rocker panels for that rugged look. Around back, integrated chrome exhaust tits and LED taillights make this Hyundai look rather upscale.

Exterior Dimensions

Honda Pilot

Hyundai Santa Fe

Volkswagen Tiguan

Wheelbase (Inches)

111.0

110.2

109.9

Length (Inches)

194.5

193.1

185.2

Height (Inches)

69.8

66.5

TBA

Width (Inches)

78.6

74.2

TBA

Track (front/rear) (Inches)

66.3/66.3

64.1/64.5

TBA

Approach/Departure Angles

18°/19.7°

17.2°/23.9°

TBA


Interior

Like the outside, Volkswagen has retained the second-generation Tiguan’s interior design as it makes its way into the U.S. for 2018. This includes the angular instrument panel design with the next-generation infotainment system, digital gauge cluster like those seen on Audi products, and a flat-bottom steering wheel Lower trim levels are expected to come with analog gauges. A head-up display will be available, as well, which marks a first for a Volkswagen SUV or crossover.

Of course, the big news is the extra length and third-row bench. As mentioned previously, the 2018 Tiguan grows 10.7 inches over the outgoing model. Its wheelbase is now 4.4 inches longer. These two measurements give the Tiguan enough interior volume to fit that third-row seat, while adding 57 percent more cargo space. Official numbers and measurements aren’t yet available, but we’re betting the U.S.-spec Tiguan will have class-leading second-row legroom.

Passenger space in the third row can be increased by sliding the second row forward manually along its tracks. The second row bench features a 40/20/40 split, while the third row features a 50/50 split. All told, the Tiguan will be able to seat seven occupants, though the two smallest family members are suggested for third row accommodations on long-haul trips. Tweens and smaller adults should be fine for shorter, in-town trips.

Techy features are wrapped into VW’s Car-Net system, which includes things like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink; all the modern radio sources; USB and 12-volt power ports; GPS navigation, automatic and dual-zone climate controls; a rear climate HVAC system; and a full suite of active safety systems. (Check the “Safety” section for more details on those new active systems.)

Behind the wheel, the driver will find all the familiar VW switches and controls. The three-spoke steering wheel is found throughout the brand, as are its radio and adaptive cruise control settings. The new Digital Cockpit is an available option that’s paired with higher trim levels, and provides a more graphically pleasing interface that is customizable to the driver’s preferences. Volkswagen’s latest Car-Net infotainment system has both hard- and soft-key buttons. The physical, hard-key butts include major things like radio volume and tuning, along with menu features like phone, voice, radio, navigation, apps, and car settings.

Down low are the HVAC controls. The 2018 Tiguan has dual-zone temperature settings, heated front seats, a dedicated fan speed knob, and a row of buttons for defrost and airflow control. The system is similar to those we’ve sampled in other VW products, so we can say it works well and without fuss. Below that is a storage compartment, complete with a USB and AUX input jack.

The center console holds the usual VW buttons, including the start/stop button, electronic parking brake, traction control, automatic start/stop bypass, and parking sensor bypass. Tiguans coming with the optional 4Motion AWD system get a drive mode selector switch at the base of the shift knob with four selectable drive modes.

The Competition

Honda is one of the best in the business at making a well-organized interior that’s packed with functionality. The Pilot does not deviate from this, but in fact, offers ton of cubby spaces and user-friendly controls. The front seats uses independent folding armrests that relieves the center console of armrest duty. This allows it to have a deep storage well for stuff, while providing a flat space on top for whatever.

A second-row bench seat comes standard, but captain’s chairs can be had at additional cost. That extra coin is worth the ease-of-entry into the third row, which houses seating for three. The second row seats do fold forward and slide for those not keen on the center pass-through. Of course, both rows fold flat, allowing for a cavernous amount of cargo space – 83.9 cubic feet, to be exact.

The dash features Honda’s latest infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some will complain about the lack of a true volume knob, but steering wheel controls solve the problem, at least for the driver. We found the slider controls fairly easy to learn in our time with the 2017 Honda Ridgeline.

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a well-appointed interior, though some might say one that’s less upscale than the Honda or Volkswagen. Nevertheless, the updated-for-2017 dash has a standard infotainment system with Hyundai’s 7.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Small buttons scattered about, faux wood trim, and a tiny driver information screen gives the Hyundai a rather dated look.

The Santa Fe offers room for seven with a second-row bench seat. Captain’s chairs are available. Fold down the two rear rows, and you’ll have 80.0 cubic-feet of cargo volume.

The Competition

Honda Pilot

Hyundai Santa Fe

Volkswagen Tiguan

Honda Pilot

Hyundai Santa Fe

Volkswagen Tiguan

40.1/40.2/38.9

39.9/39.4/35.7

TBA

Headroom (front/middle/rear) (Inches)

40.9/38.4/31.9

41.3/40.4/30.9

TBA

Legroom (front/middle/rear) (Inches)

62.0/62.0/57.6

59.4/58.3/53.9

TBA

Shoulder Room (front/middle/rear) (Inches)

59.1/57.3/44.6

56.7/55.4/44.1

TBA

Hiproom (front/middle/rear) (Inches)

16.5

13.5

TBA

Cargo Volume (behind 3rd-row) (cu ft)

46.8

40.9

TBA

Cargo Volume (behind 1st-row) (cu ft)

83.9

80.0

TBA

Passenger Volume (cu ft)

152.9

146.6

TBA


Drivetrain

Note: Drivetrain of the standard Volkswagen Tiguan pictured here.

The 2018 Tiguan Allspace receives the same powertrain options as the standard-wheelbase Tiguan. For European customers, that means a total of eight engines to choose from – four TSI gasoline and four TDI turbodiesel options. As for U.S. customers, we only receive one – an updated version of the familiar 2.0-liter TSI gasoline four-cylinder found the current Tiguan. The engine isn’t exactly old, however; it’s the new version of VW’s EA888 turbocharged four. The engine produces 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque.

The turbo-four consists on a cast-iron engine block with aluminum cylinder heads with integrated exhaust manifolds, chain-driven overhead camshafts, and direct fuel injection.

The transmission on duty is an Aisin eight-speed automatic with manual mode. Optional will be Volkswagen’s 4Motion AWD system. It turns this FWD crossover into an all-weather machine. A fifth-generation Haldex center differential smartly divides power between the front and rear axles, favoring the front when traction isn’t an issue. What’s more, that push-button and rotary dial on the dash controls four drive modes plus an Auto mode. These are normal, snow, automatic off-road, and individual off-road conditions. When switching between modes, information appears about each selection on the infotainment display.

The Competition

The Honda Pilot comes with one engine – the 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6. This engine makes 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque that’s sent to a six-speed automatic transmission and onto the front wheels. Upper trim levels get Honda’s new nine-speed automatic. AWD is optional with either transmission. That AWD system smartly controls power, sending most to the front wheels till a loss of traction is detected. It then sends power to the rear axles automatically without the driver having to intervene. As much as 100 percent of torque can then be sent to one wheel, depending on traction needs. This torque vectoring system also works to mitigate torque steer and mid-corner understeer.

Likewise, the Hyundai Santa Fe only has one engine – a 3.3-liter V-6 with direct fuel injection. This engine is a carry-over from the 2016 model, but offers a healthy 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission does the shifting duties, and like the Honda Pilot, FWD comes standard with the option of upgrading to AWD. Again, Hyundai took a play right from Honda’s book. The Santa Fe’s AWD system is a torque vectoring system that delivers power to the rear when it's needed, while also helping to improve on-road driving dynamics, even in the dry.

Honda Pilot

Hyundai Santa Fe

Volkswagen Tiguan

Honda Pilot

Hyundai Santa Fe

Volkswagen Tiguan

3.5-liter V-6

3.3-liter GDI DOHC 24-valve V6

2.0-liter TSI gasoline four-cylinder

Engine

280 HP @ 6,000 RPM

290 HP @ 6,400 RPM

184 HP

Horsepower

262 LB-FT @ 4,700 RPM

252 LB-FT @ 5,200 RPM

221 LB-FT

Torque

6-Speed Automatic

6-Speed Automatic

eight-speed automatic

Transmission

19/27/22

18/25/21

TBA

Fuel economy City/Highway/Combined

4,054 Lbs (2WD)/4,220 Lbs (AWD)

4,026 Lbs (2WD)/4,178 Lbs (AWD)

TBA

Curb Weight

3,500 Lbs (2WD)/5,000 Lbs (AWD)

5,000 Lbs

TBA


Safety

The new Tiguan comes packed with active and passive safety features. We wouldn’t be surprised if it earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award when it’s evaluated after it goes on sale. Seven airbags come standard, including a driver’s knee airbag, side curtain and seat-mounted side airbags, and the two main front airbags. Of course, the Tiguan features a safety cage for its passengers and front crumple zones that help absorb impact forces before they reach the occupants.

On the active side, the Tiguan comes with City Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Monitoring, Lane Assist, Lane Departure Warning systems, and Post-Collision Braking. If the worst occurs, the Tiguan will automatically apply its brakes to prevent the vehicle from rolling and potentially causing another accident. Other familiar systems like blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert and sonar proximity sensors are present.

The Competition

Active safety systems are becoming evermore prevalent in modern vehicles, even budget-friendly family haulers. The Honda Pilot is available with Honda Sensing – a package that includes all the normal active safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. The IIHS awarded the 2017 Honda Pilot its Top Safety Pick+ award for its high crash-test scores.

Likewise, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe offers Smart Cruise Control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, and Lane Change Assist. The Santa Fe also has a 360-degree camera system like the Pilot, that gives an overhead view of the vehicle. Dynamic rear guidance lines help keep the driver aware of where the vehicle is backing. The IIHS also awarded the 2017 Santa Fe with its Top Safety Pick+ award.

Pricing

Volkswagen did not announce pricing on the new Tiguan at its Detroit Auto Show launch. However, we suspect the 2018 Tiguan will see a modest bump from the 2017 model’s starting price of $24,995. Volkswagen won’t go too high to avoid overlapping the 2018 Atlas, which is estimated to start at $30,000. Our guess puts the 2018 Tiguan starting at $25,995. That’s a full $1,000 more than the smaller, much older current Tiguan, but is justified by the extra length, added third row, vastly improved interior, and the standard inflation growth. Once VW makes the Tiguan’s pricing official, we’ll update you here.

The Competition

Should the 2018 Tiguan start at $25,995, it would drastically undercut the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Santa Fe. Granted both are technically larger than the Tiguan, but all three offer the same number of seats and similar equipment. The 2017 Honda Pilot carries a starting price of $30,595 while the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe undercuts the Honda by $205, starting at $30,800. Of course, very few crossovers are likely sold with zero options, so prices will likely be higher when walking a dealership lot. Dealership and automaker incentives will help offset the price of those options, of course.

Honda Pilot LX (2WD)

$30,595

Honda Pilot LX (AWD)

$32,395

Honda Pilot EX (2WD)

$33,030

Honda Pilot EX (AWD)

$34,830

Honda Pilot EX (2WD) w/ Honda Sensing

$34,030

Honda Pilot EX (AWD) w/ Honda Sensing

$35,830

Honda Pilot EX-L (2WD)

$36,455

Honda Pilot EX-L (AWD)

$38,255

Honda Pilot EX-L (2WD) w/ Honda Sensing

$37,455

Honda Pilot EX-L (AWD) w/ Honda Sensing

$39,255

Honda Pilot EX-L w/ Rear Entertainment System (2WD)

$37,455

Honda Pilot EX-L w/ Rear Entertainment System (AWD)

$39,255

Honda Pilot EX-L w/ Navi (2WD)

$38,055

Honda Pilot EX-L w/ Navi (AWD)

$39,855

Honda Pilot Touring w/ Navi and Rear Entertainment System (2WD)

$41,670

Honda Pilot Touring w/ Navi and Rear Entertainment System (AWD)

$43,470

Honda Pilot Elite w/ Navi and Rear Entertainment System (AWD)

$47,070

Hyundai Santa Fe SE FWD

$30,800

Hyundai Santa Fe SE AWD

$32,550

Hyundai Santa Fe SE FWD Ultimate

$38,700

Hyundai Santa Fe SE AWD Ultimate

$40,450

Hyundai Santa Fe Limited FWD

$34,950

Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD

$36,700

Hyundai Santa Fe Limited FWD Ultimate

$39,400

Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD Ultimate

$41,150


Other Competition

Toyota Highlander

The Highlander has been around in its current form since 2013, but Toyota has brought a moderate refresh for the Highlander for 2017. A new face helps keep this three-row crossover fresh. Inside is room for seven and features like a panoramic moonroof, a rear entertainment system (though not at the same time), leather seats, tri-zone climate control, and Toyota’s Entune infotainment system.

Power comes from three powertrain options. Base models come with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 185 horsepower and a six-speed automatic, the vast majority of models get Toyota’s venerable 3.5-liter V-6 with 295 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic, and the Hybrid version comes with the same V-6 mated to a battery pack with an impressive 306 combined horsepower. FWD is standard, but the Highlander can be had with AWD.

Pricing for the 2017 Highlander starts at $30,630 for the base LE trim package. Opting for the fully loaded Hybrid Limited Platinum trim results in an eye-watering price tag of $47,880.

Read more about the Toyota Highlander here.

Find out more about the 2017 GMC Acadia here.0

The Acadia has undergone a complete transformation for the 2017 model year. It rides on a new platform shared with the also-new Cadillac XT5 and is smaller than the previous model. The Acadia still offers room for seven in a 2+3+2 configuration or 79 cubic feet of cargo with the second and third rows folded flat. GMC’s familiar interior trimmings are found inside, including the widely praised IntelliLink infotainment system.

Power comes from two sources: the standard, 195-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder or the optional (and more widely purchased) 3.6-liter V-6, which makes a more respectable 310 horses. Both come mated to a six-speed automatic that powers the front wheels. AWD is optional.

Prices start at $29,995 for the base SL trim. The SLT-2 trim offers the most luxury without stepping into the Denali grade. It starts at $42,675. For the range-topping Denali trim, prices start at $45,845.

Find out more about the 2017 GMC Acadia here.

Conclusion

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan can’t arrive on U.S. shores soon enough. Volkswagen is starving for customers after the Dieselgate fiasco and crossovers are the hottest things selling these days. And not only is VW bringing the three-row Tiguan to the States, the U.S.-build, three-row 2018 Atlas should greatly increase VW’s appeal. Though they share similarities, the Tiguan won’t be as large as the Atlas, nor will it have the SUV-like towing, hauling, or off-roading abilities as the larger Atlas. That’s fine with most crossover buyers though, as it’s not rough-n-tumble utility that’s the attraction, but the tall right ride, commanding view of the road, and space to haul an IKEA load home.

It will be interesting to see how Volkswagen’s new pair of crossovers does in the 2017-2018 American crossover market. Only time will truly tell, but we’re betting sales will far outpace those of VW’s sedan and hatchback models.

The U.S.-spec 2018 Tiguan will be built in Puebla, Mexico and should arrive in showrooms sometime in mid-2017.