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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 22 / 27 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,800 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 368 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $27,027–$36,180 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.8/10, while Technology at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.1/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.8/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.8/10. The Volkswagen Tiguan delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Technology scores 6.7/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $27,027–$36,180, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Volkswagen Tiguan sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.5/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $27,027 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 25%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.5 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.8/10 | $33,948 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $33,948 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $32,960 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $31,971 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $30,982 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $29,993 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $29,004 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.5/10 | $28,016 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $27,027 | |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $26,038 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.2/10 | $25,049 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $24,060 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Seat belts / Front / Webbing 20/11/2020 · 20V724000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan LWB vehicles. In the event of a crash, one or both of the front seat belt's webbing may tear. |
|---|---|
| Structure / Body / Roof and pillars 23/09/2021 · 21V732000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Tiguan vehicles. During the repair of roof damage, an incorrect roof reinforcement assembly may have been installed. |
| Suspension / Front / Control arm / Lower ball joint 16/05/2018 · 18V324000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan and Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. The nut that holds the lower ball joint of the front wheel on each side of the vehicle may be loose or improperly tightened. |
| Unknown or other 25/09/2019 · 19V679000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan LWB, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010… |
| Suspension / Rear / Shock absorber 25/04/2018 · 18V262000 | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan long wheelbase (LWB) vehicles. A lower loop of a rear shock absorber may separate from its base due to an incorrect welding process |
Showing 5 of 13 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Explore the full lineup of Volkswagen models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.