WASHINGTON — Volkswagen goes big with SUV — the redesigned Tiguan grows and the all-new Atlas has space to spare.
Volkswagen now offers two competitive SUVs — the not-so-compact Tiguan starts around $25,000 and offers space and technology at a competitive price. The larger Atlas is a bold, midsize SUV with space for the family and rugged style, and a starting price of around $30,000.
TIGUAN
The spunky little Tiguan has grown up for 2018 with enough space to add an optional third row. The interior on my top-of-the-line SEL Premium Tiguan makes it a high quality place to be and for nearly $39,000 it should be. The leather seats are comfortable and the heated seats worked well. There is good space for both front and back seat passengers with added leg room. The materials are a nice quality and the larger touch screen was easy to use and there are knobs, too. A new digital virtual cockpit is space age and versatile.
The new Tiguan looks bigger compared to the old Tiguan because it’s about 10 inches longer than before. The style is more SUV than tall wagon, with a wider stance and a more chiseled look than its predecessor. The SEL trim levels add cool adaptive LED lighting so the headlights turn when you turn the wheel. That new longer body and large 19-inch wheels add a premium look and LED taillights add flair to the back end. Not sure I can remember talking about such a stylish VW as this in some time.
Driving the new Tiguan is more sedate than before but very comfortable. So for 2018, the spunky Ute has grown up. The 184-horsepower turbo 4 does an OK job in most situations. I did wish for a bit more power when merging. The ride is smooth with the longer wheelbase helping to soak up some of the rough ride from the last Tiguan. I managed just 23 mpg in a week.
ATLAS
This all-new model jumps to the head of the class when it comes to space in the midsize crossover class. With seating for seven and a third row that adults can use, the Atlas is family-ready.
The loaded $49,415 V6 SEL Premium with AWD is somewhat of a bargain in the class and without sacrifices. Leather interior with heated seats in the first two rows look and feel like a step up for the price. The third and second row of seats fold flat into the floor, making a large space for cargo.
Power comes from V6 but you can also choose a turbo 4-cylinder engine on some FWD models. The V6 was good for most situations but not as quick as the similar-sized Traverse I drove recently. You can tow up to 5,000 pounds with some Atlas models. The ride is very smooth even with large 20-inch wheels; only rough surfaces tend to really faze this big lug. There’s nice vision for the driver all around the vehicle though the larger size takes some getting used to. I did 20.5 mpg for a week a bit better than sticker.
The new Atlas is bold for VW and it’s a large ride also standing tall in its class. Broad and more square, the Atlas looks like it’s ready for anything with good ground clearance. There is much more tech in both of these new SUVs for 2018. There is Park Assist and Park Pilot that will park your Tiguan or Atlas at the touch of a button. Adaptive Cruise, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert and Front Assist alerts you of possible collisions and can apply the brakes if you don’t. These safety features are a leap forward for VW cars.
Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI, FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.
