Hey guys! Are you thinking about snagging a 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium? You've come to the right place. We're diving deep into this SUV to see if it lives up to the hype. Let's get started!

Overview of the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium

The 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium is the top-tier trim level of the second-generation Tiguan, which was redesigned for the 2018 model year. This compact SUV offers a blend of versatility, comfort, and technology, making it a popular choice for families and individuals alike. The SEL Premium trim adds a host of premium features that enhance the overall driving experience. This model boasts a spacious interior, a smooth ride, and a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. It’s designed to compete with other SUVs in its class, such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5. One of the standout features of the 2018 Tiguan is its available third-row seating, a rarity in the compact SUV segment, making it a practical option for larger families. The exterior design is clean and modern, with a focus on functionality and aerodynamics. The interior is well-appointed with high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout, ensuring both the driver and passengers enjoy a comfortable and connected ride. The Tiguan SEL Premium aims to provide a refined driving experience with its powerful engine and responsive handling. It also offers a range of driver-assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, enhancing safety and convenience. The infotainment system is intuitive and includes features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to stay connected on the go. Overall, the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium is a well-rounded SUV that offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and value.

Exterior Design

The exterior design of the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium is both stylish and functional. The vehicle features a modern and sophisticated look with clean lines and a bold front fascia. The LED headlights and taillights not only enhance visibility but also add a touch of elegance to the overall design. The chrome accents around the grille and windows give it a premium feel, while the panoramic sunroof adds to its appeal. The SEL Premium trim comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, which complement the vehicle's size and stance. These wheels provide a good balance between aesthetics and ride comfort. The Tiguan's design also prioritizes practicality, with a large rear liftgate that provides easy access to the cargo area. The roof rails add to its versatility, allowing for the easy installation of cargo carriers and other accessories. Aerodynamic efficiency is also a key consideration in the design, with a streamlined shape that helps to reduce drag and improve fuel economy. The overall impression is one of a well-engineered and thoughtfully designed SUV that looks good from every angle. The Tiguan's exterior design is a blend of form and function, making it a practical and stylish choice for those looking for a compact SUV. The vehicle's design also incorporates several safety features, such as reinforced bumpers and a robust body structure, to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The attention to detail in the exterior design is evident, with every element carefully considered to enhance the overall look and feel of the vehicle. The Tiguan's design is also timeless, ensuring that it will continue to look good for years to come. The bold lines and premium accents make it stand out in a crowded market, while its practical features make it a versatile choice for a variety of lifestyles.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium, you'll immediately notice the focus on comfort and technology. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed with leather upholstery, providing a premium feel. The front seats are heated and power-adjustable, offering excellent support for long drives. The second-row seats can slide and recline, allowing passengers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort. One of the standout features is the available third-row seating, which is rare in the compact SUV segment. While it's best suited for children or smaller adults, it adds extra versatility for families. The infotainment system is user-friendly and features an 8-inch touchscreen display. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone. The system also offers navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a premium Fender audio system. The digital cockpit display replaces the traditional instrument cluster with a customizable screen that shows important vehicle information. This display can be configured to show speed, fuel economy, navigation directions, and more. Other tech features include a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features enhance both convenience and safety. The interior design is clean and modern, with a focus on functionality. The controls are easy to reach and use, and the materials are of high quality. Overall, the interior of the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium is a comfortable and well-equipped space that enhances the driving experience. The attention to detail and the thoughtful integration of technology make it a standout in its class. The ergonomic design ensures that everything is within easy reach, while the premium materials add a touch of luxury. The advanced safety features provide peace of mind, making the Tiguan a great choice for families and individuals alike.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for most driving situations. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which delivers smooth and efficient shifts. The Tiguan offers responsive acceleration and confident handling. The steering is precise and well-weighted, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic and on winding roads. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road. The SEL Premium trim comes standard with 4Motion all-wheel drive, which enhances traction and stability in all weather conditions. This system can automatically distribute power between the front and rear wheels to optimize grip. The Tiguan also offers different driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom. These modes allow you to tailor the vehicle's performance to your driving preferences. In terms of fuel economy, the Tiguan achieves respectable numbers for its class. It's rated at 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Overall, the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium offers a balanced and refined driving experience. The engine provides ample power, the handling is confident, and the ride is comfortable. The available all-wheel drive adds to its versatility, making it a great choice for drivers in all types of climates. The turbocharged engine delivers strong performance, while the eight-speed transmission ensures smooth and efficient gear changes. The all-wheel-drive system provides added confidence in challenging driving conditions.

Pros and Cons

To give you a clear picture, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium:

Pros:

• Spacious Interior: The Tiguan offers ample space for both passengers and cargo.
• Available Third-Row Seating: A rare feature in the compact SUV segment, providing extra versatility.
• Premium Features: The SEL Premium trim includes a host of luxury features, such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium audio system.
• Advanced Technology: The infotainment system is user-friendly and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
• Comprehensive Safety Features: The Tiguan comes standard with a range of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
• Smooth Ride: The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable and refined driving experience.

Cons:

• Engine Performance: While adequate, the engine may feel underpowered for some drivers.
• Third-Row Seating: Best suited for children or smaller adults.
• Fuel Economy: While respectable, it's not class-leading.
• Infotainment System: Can be slow to respond at times.

Final Verdict

So, is the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium worth it? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you value space, comfort, and technology. While it may not be the sportiest SUV on the market, it offers a well-rounded package that is hard to beat. The spacious interior, available third-row seating, and premium features make it a great choice for families. The advanced technology and comprehensive safety features add to its appeal. However, if you're looking for a more powerful engine or class-leading fuel economy, you may want to consider other options. Overall, the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium is a compelling choice in the compact SUV segment. It offers a blend of practicality, comfort, and technology that makes it a standout in its class. If you're in the market for a versatile and well-equipped SUV, the Tiguan SEL Premium is definitely worth a look. The premium features and advanced safety technologies make it a great value for the price. Just make sure to test drive it and see if it meets your specific needs and preferences.