2018 VW Tiguan Named ‘Best Compact SUV’ of 2017 by Cars.com

Facing six strong challengers, Volkswagen's all-new 2018 Tiguan – the so-called “long” Tiguan – bested the competition in the race to become Cars.com “Best Compact SUV” of 2017.

Volkswagen completely redesigned Tiguan last year, adding nearly 11 inches to its wheelbase and more than 20 inches in length. The result has been a compact crossover that adds seating – it is now a three-row – and cargo space. Further, it also adds head and legroom making an already comfortable vehicle more. The new Tiguan, which should sell well in the U.S. market where it is sized right, also includes a full suite of safety and infotainment technology.

Tiguan Wins the “Compact SUV Challenge”

Indeed, Tiguan’s high level of standard driver-assist features helped win over the judges in Cars “Compact SUV Challenge.”

Derrick Hatami, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Volkswagen of America (VWoA), said the automaker is “delighted that Cars.com has recognized the 2017 Tiguan as one of the best compact SUVs on the market. Every aspect of the Tiguan is designed to cater to the needs of American drivers and their families – from standard driver-assist technologies to an optional third row – and this award validates the all-new Tiguan is a serious competitor in the segment.”

Tiguan faced stiff competition from:

1. 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan (model tested: Tiguan SE 4Motion with Panoramic Sunroof)
2. 2017 Honda CR-V
3. 2017 Mazda CX-5
4. 2017 Ford Escape
5. 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
6. 2017.5 Nissan Rogue
7. 2017 Jeep Compass

“The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan impressed the judges with its roominess and value,” Jennifer Newman, editor-in-chief of Cars.com, said. “The cargo capability is top of the class, making this small SUV a huge advantage for shoppers concerned about getting the most room for the money. The Tiguan is also a great option for families earning the highest possible marks in Cars.com’s Car Seat Check.”

Judges put the Tiguan and its competition through a tough series of tests in the Chicago suburbs. Judges drove each vehicle on the same loop for back-to-back comparisons. In addition to value and spaciousness, the crossovers scored points in other areas, including as-equipped driver assistance technologies, such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, lane departure steering and lane-centering steering. Ease of child-seat installation was also evaluated and scored in each SUV. The SUV Challenge tested vehicles with a maximum suggested price of $35,000, including options and destination charges.

Tiguan offers the longest warranty in class

One aspect of the final ratings was a vehicle’s new-car warranty. Tiguan, available in trim levels, starting with the $25,195 Tiguan S, Tiguan SE, Tiguan SEL and SEL Premium, carries a six-year/72,000-mile limited warranty which includes coverage of powertrain components – engine, transmission and optional 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system.

Tiguan’s major competition, the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV – offer three-year/36,000-mile basic warranties with five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties. Tiguan’s limited new-car warranty provides longer coverage with an interesting twist: like BMW, Volkswagen owners can transfer the warranty to new owners to the extent of the warranty. The other vehicles do not allow this.

For more information, you can contact Cars.com.

Source: Volkswagen