Skip to main content
Saturday, November 14, 2026Nov 14

Test Drive: New, improved 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

The redesigned 2018 Tiguan is 11 inches longer than last year's model.
The redesigned 2018 Tiguan is 11 inches longer than last year's model.
photo The redesigned 2018 Tiguan is 11 inches longer than last year’s model.

Yes, Volkswagen’s redesigned 2018 Tiguan is bigger and better than ever. In a comparison test, Cars.com just rated the Tiguan its No. 1 compact SUV.

But we would submit that the most important improvement to the Tiguan is not in its blueprint but in its fine print. Specifically, it’s the Tiguan’s six-year/72,000 mile new car warranty. Most compact SUV buyers are value-conscious, and VW has made the Tiguan much more “valuable” by doubling the industry’s standard, 3-years/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.

With 72-month car loans increasing in popularity, the Tiguan basically offers six years of worry-free driving while you are paying off your loan. Plus, should you decide to trade cars in less than six years, the Tiguan’s warranty is transferable to the next owner, which helps increase resale value.

If you don’t believe warranties can move metal, just look at how Kia and Hyundai have grown and prospered using 100,000-mile power-train warranties as the foundation of their marketing. So, we predict, will VW. (The Chattanooga-made Atlas SUV also comes with the enhanced six-year/72,000-mile new-car warranty, but not VWs other vehicles. At least not yet.)


View other Test Drive stories by Mark Kennedy



Looking for a used or new car?

“It truly shows how VW is making their mark on the U.S. with this incredible factory- backed warranty (on the Tiguan),” said Jeremy Holsomback, general manager of Village Volks- wagen Chattanooga. Holsomback noted that his store already has a supply of 2018 Tiguans in stock.