Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium. If you're in the market for a compact SUV that blends practicality with a touch of luxury, this might just be the ride for you. We’ll explore everything from its performance and interior features to its technology and overall value. Buckle up, because we're about to take a comprehensive look at what makes this Tiguan tick!

Exterior Styling and Design

The 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium makes a statement with its sleek and modern exterior design. The clean lines and confident stance give it a sophisticated look that stands out in a crowded SUV market. The chrome accents around the windows and grille add a touch of elegance, while the LED headlights and taillights not only enhance visibility but also contribute to its contemporary aesthetic. The panoramic sunroof is a standout feature, offering an expansive view and flooding the cabin with natural light, making every drive feel more open and airy. The 19-inch alloy wheels complement the vehicle's proportions, providing a balanced and stylish appearance that's sure to turn heads. The power-folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals add a touch of convenience and safety, while the hands-free liftgate makes loading and unloading cargo a breeze. Overall, the exterior design of the Tiguan SEL Premium is both functional and visually appealing, making it a great choice for those who appreciate refined styling.

Let's talk about the overall design philosophy. Volkswagen aimed for a mature, almost European aesthetic, and they largely succeeded. It's not overly flashy, but it's definitely not boring. The attention to detail is evident, from the precise shut lines to the quality of the materials used. Compared to some of its rivals that opt for bolder, more aggressive styling, the Tiguan SEL Premium offers a more understated and sophisticated look that appeals to a broader audience. This is a vehicle that looks equally at home in the city or the suburbs, making it a versatile choice for a variety of lifestyles. The roof rails add a practical touch, allowing you to easily mount cargo carriers or bike racks for those weekend adventures. In short, the exterior design of the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium is a well-executed blend of style and functionality, making it a standout choice in the compact SUV segment.

Interior Comfort and Features

Stepping inside the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium, you're greeted with a well-appointed and comfortable cabin. The leather upholstery feels supple and luxurious, while the heated front seats provide warmth and support on chilly days. The driver's seat offers power adjustments, including lumbar support, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The second-row seats are spacious enough to comfortably accommodate adults, and they also slide and recline, providing added flexibility for passengers. The third-row seating, while best suited for children or smaller adults, adds extra versatility for families who occasionally need to carry more passengers. The panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of spaciousness, creating a bright and airy atmosphere inside the cabin. The tri-zone automatic climate control ensures that everyone stays comfortable, no matter where they're sitting. Overall, the interior of the Tiguan SEL Premium is designed with comfort and convenience in mind.

The attention to detail is evident throughout the cabin, with soft-touch materials and quality finishes adding a touch of refinement. The layout of the controls is intuitive and easy to use, making it simple to adjust the climate, audio, and other settings while on the go. The ambient lighting adds a subtle touch of elegance, creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Storage compartments are plentiful, with a large center console, door pockets, and a glovebox providing ample space for stowing your belongings. The cargo area is also generous, offering plenty of room for groceries, luggage, or other gear. With the third-row seats folded down, the cargo space expands even further, making the Tiguan SEL Premium a practical choice for families who need to haul a lot of stuff. In summary, the interior of the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium is a comfortable and well-equipped space that's perfect for both daily commutes and long road trips.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium is packed with technology features that enhance both convenience and entertainment. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is the centerpiece of the dashboard, offering intuitive controls and crisp graphics. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility allow you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone, giving you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The Fender premium audio system delivers exceptional sound quality, making every drive a concert-like experience. The VW Digital Cockpit, a fully digital instrument cluster, provides a wealth of information in a customizable and easy-to-read format. The adaptive cruise control system helps maintain a safe following distance, while the lane departure warning system alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane. The rearview camera makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze, while the blind-spot monitoring system helps you stay aware of your surroundings. Overall, the technology features in the Tiguan SEL Premium are designed to make your life easier and more enjoyable.

Let's delve a bit deeper into some of these features. The infotainment system is responsive and easy to navigate, with clear menus and intuitive controls. The voice recognition system works well, allowing you to control various functions with simple voice commands. The VW Car-Net app provides remote access to your vehicle, allowing you to lock and unlock doors, start the engine, and check vehicle status from your smartphone. The Wi-Fi hotspot allows you to stay connected on the go, while the wireless charging pad eliminates the need for cables. The overhead view camera provides a 360-degree view of your surroundings, making parking in tight spots even easier. In conclusion, the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium offers a comprehensive suite of technology features that are both practical and enjoyable, making it a standout choice in its class.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a good balance of power and efficiency. The engine produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, providing ample acceleration for both city and highway driving. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently, helping to maximize fuel economy. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system provides added traction and stability, making the Tiguan SEL Premium a capable performer in all kinds of weather conditions. The ride quality is comfortable and composed, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The steering is precise and responsive, providing a confident feel behind the wheel. Overall, the Tiguan SEL Premium offers a refined and enjoyable driving experience.

Let's talk a bit more about the driving dynamics. While the Tiguan SEL Premium is not a sports car, it handles surprisingly well for a compact SUV. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a good balance between comfort and handling. The brakes are strong and responsive, providing confident stopping power. The engine is smooth and quiet, delivering ample power when you need it. The transmission shifts seamlessly, making the driving experience effortless. The all-wheel-drive system provides added peace of mind, especially in inclement weather. In summary, the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium offers a well-rounded driving experience that's both comfortable and enjoyable, making it a great choice for daily commutes and long road trips.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium doesn't skimp. It's equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. These include: Automatic Emergency Braking, which can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes automatically; Blind Spot Monitor, which alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots; Rear Traffic Alert, which warns you of approaching traffic when backing up; Lane Departure Warning, which helps you stay in your lane; and Adaptive Cruise Control, which maintains a safe following distance. In addition to these advanced features, the Tiguan SEL Premium also comes standard with a full complement of airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.

The Tiguan SEL Premium has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further attesting to its commitment to safety. The robust construction of the vehicle, combined with its advanced safety technologies, provides a high level of protection in the event of a crash. The driver assistance features help to prevent accidents from happening in the first place, making the Tiguan SEL Premium a safe and reliable choice for families. In conclusion, the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium offers a comprehensive suite of safety features that provide peace of mind and help to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

Overall Value and Conclusion

So, what’s the final verdict on the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium? Overall, it’s a well-rounded compact SUV that offers a compelling blend of style, comfort, technology, and safety. While it may not be the sportiest or most fuel-efficient option in its class, it excels in providing a refined and enjoyable driving experience. The interior is comfortable and well-equipped, with plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The technology features are user-friendly and enhance both convenience and entertainment. The safety features provide peace of mind, and the all-wheel-drive system adds extra confidence in all kinds of weather conditions.

When considering the overall value, the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium offers a lot for the money. It’s a great choice for families who need a versatile and practical vehicle that can handle daily commutes, weekend adventures, and everything in between. While there are other options to consider in the compact SUV segment, the Tiguan SEL Premium stands out for its combination of style, comfort, and features. If you’re looking for a well-rounded and reliable SUV that offers a touch of luxury, the 2018 VW Tiguan SEL Premium is definitely worth a look. Thanks for joining me on this review, and happy driving!