Overview
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited serves as a bridge between the outgoing first-generation Tiguan and the larger, redesigned MQB-platform model introduced the same year. Volkswagen marketed the “Limited” trim to provide a value-oriented option for buyers who preferred the compact footprint and established mechanical profile of the original Tiguan design. By retaining the classic styling and dimensions of the previous generation while the new Tiguan grew in size, Volkswagen maintained a presence in the entry-level crossover segment.
Under the hood, the Tiguan Limited utilizes the proven 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission. This configuration prioritizes mechanical simplicity and familiar driving dynamics over the more complex dual-clutch setups found in other Volkswagen products of the era. Manufactured to offer a straightforward, utilitarian experience, the vehicle focuses on interior ergonomics and a composed ride quality that defined the brand’s compact SUV offerings throughout the mid-2010s.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tiguan Limited |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Generation | 1st (Extended) |
| Trim | Limited |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Vehicle Segment | Compact Crossover |
| Vehicle Class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | PQ46 |
| Assembly Plant | Wolfsburg, Germany |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Production Start | 2017 |
| Production End | 2018 |
| VIN Identifier | WVW |
| Base MSRP | $22,495 |
| Destination Charge | $925 |
| Total MSRP | $23,420 |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Engine Family | EA888 Gen 2 |
| Engine Name | 2.0 TSI |
| Engine Code | CCTA/CBFA |
| Engine Configuration | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 2.0 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | 82.5 mm x 92.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Delivery | Direct Injection |
| Valve Train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Engine Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 4.9 qt |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | VW 502 00 / 5W-40 |
| Horsepower | 200 hp @ 5,100 rpm |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Final Drive Ratio | 3.65:1 |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 91 |
| EPA City MPG | 20 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 26 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 22 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 10.7 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 16.8 |
| Estimated Driving Range | 370 miles |
| Annual Fuel Cost | $2,350 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 406 g/mile |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | 4 |
| Smog Rating | 5 |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | 2.8 s |
| 0-60 mph | 7.8 s |
| 0-100 mph | 21.5 s |
| Quarter Mile | 16.1 s |
| Top Speed | 125 mph |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 128 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.81g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 17.2 lbs/hp |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 174.3 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 71.2 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | 81.4 |
| Height (in) | 65.6 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 102.5 |
| Front Track (in) | 61.8 |
| Rear Track (in) | 61.9 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 6.9 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3,446 |
| GVWR (lbs) | 4,740 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | 2,200 |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | 1,294 |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | 96.1 |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) | 23.8 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft) | 56.1 |
| Turning Circle | 39.0 ft |
| Approach Angle | 28.0° |
| Departure Angle | 25.0° |
| Breakover Angle | 18.0° |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | – |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | – |
| NHTSA Side Crash | – |
| NHTSA Rollover | – |
| IIHS Award | Top Safety Pick |
| Small Overlap Front | Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| Side Impact | Good |
| Headlights Rating | Marginal |
| Front Crash Prevention | Basic |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | 5.0-inch Touchscreen |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog |
| Apple CarPlay | No |
| Android Auto | No |
| Navigation System | Optional |
| Audio System | 6-Speaker |
| Speaker Count | 6 |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | No |
| OTA Updates | No |
| Digital Key | No |
| Warranty & Ownership | |
| Basic Warranty | 6 years / 72,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 6 years / 72,000 miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 7 years / 100,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | – |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Salzgitter, Germany |
| Transmission Supplier | Aisin |
| Gear Ratios | 1st: 4.148, 2nd: 2.370, 3rd: 1.556, 4th: 1.155, 5th: 0.859, 6th: 0.685 |
| Differential Type | Open |
| Cooling System Capacity | 8.5 qt |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | 165 |
| Safety Recall Count | 3 |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | – |
## Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited is widely regarded as a “known quantity” in the used vehicle market, offering a mature, well-sorted platform that avoided the early-production teething issues often associated with brand-new model generations. While it lacks the modern infotainment features and driver-assistance suites found in contemporary competitors, its mechanical reliability—particularly regarding the EA888 engine and Aisin automatic transmission—is generally considered solid if routine maintenance is performed. Prospective buyers should prioritize vehicles with documented service histories, specifically checking for timing chain tensioner updates and carbon buildup on intake valves, which are common points of attention for this engine family. Its appeal lies in its premium interior materials and refined driving dynamics, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a European-engineered crossover that feels more substantial than many of its Japanese or Korean rivals from the same period.
