So time is getting near to replace the Camry, not that there is anything wrong with it, but it isn't working for us anymore. Out of all the similar priced SUV's we keep coming back to the Tiguan 4-Motion, just seems like there is more bang for your buck there. Main question being is how is the AWD system? I know the 2.0T is a solid performer, but we've never had anything that was AWD. Our main reason for going to an SUV is for the AWD capabilities in the snow we have around here. Obviously nothing is ideal in deep-deep snow, but I know a few of you have one of these and I wanted to know its performance in that area. We will be purchasing a 2019 model sometime beginning of the year.
VW Tiguan 4-Motion?
- Thread starter Delta
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First hand experience recently as I was curious with my wife's 2018 Tiguan SE 4 motion.
I was very pleased at the performance of the AWD system and even took it down a hill on snow/ice covered gravel road about 4-5" deep to a bay behind me. No issues or burning of brakes by an overactive traction control to make it work.
Our previous vehicle was a 2005 Legacy wagon so the bar was high. I saw some video's of the 2018 Tiguan offload and surprised it was quite capable for a CUV.
I was very pleased at the performance of the AWD system and even took it down a hill on snow/ice covered gravel road about 4-5" deep to a bay behind me. No issues or burning of brakes by an overactive traction control to make it work.
Our previous vehicle was a 2005 Legacy wagon so the bar was high. I saw some video's of the 2018 Tiguan offload and surprised it was quite capable for a CUV.
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Just another Orange Can of Delight. Ed
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Originally Posted by Delta
So time is getting near to replace the Camry, not that there is anything wrong with it, but it isn't working for us anymore. Out of all the similar priced SUV's we keep coming back to the Tiguan 4-Motion, just seems like there is more bang for your buck there. Main question being is how is the AWD system? I know the 2.0T is a solid performer, but we've never had anything that was AWD. Our main reason for going to an SUV is for the AWD capabilities in the snow we have around here. Obviously nothing is ideal in deep-deep snow, but I know a few of you have one of these and I wanted to know its performance in that area. We will be purchasing a 2019 model sometime beginning of the year.
I have first gen Tiguan. I put 215/65 R16 snow tires in winter, and there is nothing that can keep up with it in adverse conditions over passes in Rocky Mountains and on back roads in the same conditions.
Now, AWD system it is not on par with Subaru (overall car is far ahead of Subaru IMO) but AWD is simple. It is 90/10, with 100% on hwy in normal conditions. Compared to similar system on my Toyota, VW AWD is FAR, FAR better. However, if you get stuck it will not do Subaru's tricks, r BMW or Audi etc.
I purposely stuck it in some2ft of snow on a parking lot at Arapahoe Basin ski area. Once it gets stuck it has hard time figuring out how to get out. It has open differentials and split is max. 50:50. I did same with my previous car, BMW X5 35d. Now, X5 because of wide tires is not that authoritative going through deep snow on the road as Tiguan (those 16"s do wonders) but once stuck, BMW xDrive unlike 4Motion is very quick to figure out how to get out.
Now, new Tiguan should only have bit improved system. Unfortunately if you ask me, driving dynamics of new Tiguan is far behind previous generation.
So time is getting near to replace the Camry, not that there is anything wrong with it, but it isn't working for us anymore. Out of all the similar priced SUV's we keep coming back to the Tiguan 4-Motion, just seems like there is more bang for your buck there. Main question being is how is the AWD system? I know the 2.0T is a solid performer, but we've never had anything that was AWD. Our main reason for going to an SUV is for the AWD capabilities in the snow we have around here. Obviously nothing is ideal in deep-deep snow, but I know a few of you have one of these and I wanted to know its performance in that area. We will be purchasing a 2019 model sometime beginning of the year.
I have first gen Tiguan. I put 215/65 R16 snow tires in winter, and there is nothing that can keep up with it in adverse conditions over passes in Rocky Mountains and on back roads in the same conditions.
Now, AWD system it is not on par with Subaru (overall car is far ahead of Subaru IMO) but AWD is simple. It is 90/10, with 100% on hwy in normal conditions. Compared to similar system on my Toyota, VW AWD is FAR, FAR better. However, if you get stuck it will not do Subaru's tricks, r BMW or Audi etc.
I purposely stuck it in some2ft of snow on a parking lot at Arapahoe Basin ski area. Once it gets stuck it has hard time figuring out how to get out. It has open differentials and split is max. 50:50. I did same with my previous car, BMW X5 35d. Now, X5 because of wide tires is not that authoritative going through deep snow on the road as Tiguan (those 16"s do wonders) but once stuck, BMW xDrive unlike 4Motion is very quick to figure out how to get out.
Now, new Tiguan should only have bit improved system. Unfortunately if you ask me, driving dynamics of new Tiguan is far behind previous generation.
I have an All Track which I believe has the same AWD system. Great in the snow and on muddy roads. Very happy with it here in central PA.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Originally Posted by Boomer
I have an All Track which I believe has the same AWD system. Great in the snow and on muddy roads. Very happy with it here in central PA.
I would rather take All Track. That 1.8T is better option I think than this 2.0T in current Tiguan.
But yes, it is same AWD system.
I have an All Track which I believe has the same AWD system. Great in the snow and on muddy roads. Very happy with it here in central PA.
I would rather take All Track. That 1.8T is better option I think than this 2.0T in current Tiguan.
But yes, it is same AWD system.
Good information so far! I was planning on buying some old wheels and sticking snow tires on them if the stock tires are too sketchy (which more than likely they will be). Also not worried about fuel mileage, and it seems VW does get better than the VW estimate...
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Originally Posted by Delta
Good information so far! I was planning on buying some old wheels and sticking snow tires on them if the stock tires are too sketchy (which more than likely they will be). Also not worried about fuel mileage, and it seems VW does get better than the VW estimate...
Yes, I would definiately go with narrowest possible tires in winter.
As far as mpg, new Tiguan is far better than old one. Actually my Tiguan does not get any better mpg than my Sienna which is heavier plus has 3.5 V6. But, it goes. It is pretty lively CUV. New one is opposite. MOG is there, but power is definiately not.
Good information so far! I was planning on buying some old wheels and sticking snow tires on them if the stock tires are too sketchy (which more than likely they will be). Also not worried about fuel mileage, and it seems VW does get better than the VW estimate...
Yes, I would definiately go with narrowest possible tires in winter.
As far as mpg, new Tiguan is far better than old one. Actually my Tiguan does not get any better mpg than my Sienna which is heavier plus has 3.5 V6. But, it goes. It is pretty lively CUV. New one is opposite. MOG is there, but power is definiately not.
Originally Posted by sloinker
I don't know about the current model year but I was surprised by how fuel thirsty they were. 24 mpg highway rings a bell.
EPA rates at a relatively poor 21/27 for current generation. If it's windy or rainy out and going 75 MPH it gets 27 MPG.
The average for first 17000 miles since April 2018 for us has been 28.7 MPG with a bias on highway. It does achieve 30-33 MPG going 55-65 MPG with family of 5.
We have 7 passengers in a pinch version of it.
I don't know about the current model year but I was surprised by how fuel thirsty they were. 24 mpg highway rings a bell.
EPA rates at a relatively poor 21/27 for current generation. If it's windy or rainy out and going 75 MPH it gets 27 MPG.
The average for first 17000 miles since April 2018 for us has been 28.7 MPG with a bias on highway. It does achieve 30-33 MPG going 55-65 MPG with family of 5.
We have 7 passengers in a pinch version of it.
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Originally Posted by Oildudeny
It's just a Mexican made cuv
A lot of manufacturers produce vehicles in Mexico. What's your point?
Your beloved Toyota makes some vehicles in Mexico as well.
It's just a Mexican made cuv
A lot of manufacturers produce vehicles in Mexico. What's your point?
Your beloved Toyota makes some vehicles in Mexico as well.
I can't comment on the all wheel drive system, but these Tig's don't get very good MPG's, the transmissions are programmed wonky, and the 2.0T in these is a de-tuned version. So if you have prior experience with the 2.0T don't expect the same performance out of the one in the Tiguan, you will be disappointed.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Originally Posted by Brigadier
When I was car shopping my mechanic said VWs need a lot expensive maintenance.
What is that expensive maintenance, so I know?
When I was car shopping my mechanic said VWs need a lot expensive maintenance.
What is that expensive maintenance, so I know?
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Originally Posted by 14Accent
The 2.0t has rear crank seal issues. Not a cheap fix, and relatively common. That's something to keep in mind.
Certain years had that. Problem is not seal but PCV. If PCV is not replaced in time it could create seal issues.
But he is asking about new models, and third generation has much improved PCV. Also, up to mid 2012 there was issue with chain tensioner. Mid 2012 that is resolved.
The 2.0t has rear crank seal issues. Not a cheap fix, and relatively common. That's something to keep in mind.
Certain years had that. Problem is not seal but PCV. If PCV is not replaced in time it could create seal issues.
But he is asking about new models, and third generation has much improved PCV. Also, up to mid 2012 there was issue with chain tensioner. Mid 2012 that is resolved.
Originally Posted by gregk24
I can't comment on the all wheel drive system, but these Tig's don't get very good MPG's, the transmissions are programmed wonky, and the 2.0T in these is a de-tuned version. So if you have prior experience with the 2.0T don't expect the same performance out of the one in the Tiguan, you will be disappointed.
Oh I know it won't be like the 2.0T in my GTI, I think the Tiguan is rated at 184hp and 200tq, which isn't too bad.
While the Alltrack has similar room inside, it doesn't have the ground clearance I would like.
As to the built in Mexico comment, my past 2 VW's were built there and both are of excellent quality.
Far as expensive maintenance, honestly I don't think they're that much more than anything else. A couple early services compared to other brands, but not that bad. Oil filters can be had at the dealer for $8 each and oil at Walmart is cheap. Every "new" vehicle is expensive to fix out of warranty now-adays.
I can't comment on the all wheel drive system, but these Tig's don't get very good MPG's, the transmissions are programmed wonky, and the 2.0T in these is a de-tuned version. So if you have prior experience with the 2.0T don't expect the same performance out of the one in the Tiguan, you will be disappointed.
Oh I know it won't be like the 2.0T in my GTI, I think the Tiguan is rated at 184hp and 200tq, which isn't too bad.
While the Alltrack has similar room inside, it doesn't have the ground clearance I would like.
As to the built in Mexico comment, my past 2 VW's were built there and both are of excellent quality.
Far as expensive maintenance, honestly I don't think they're that much more than anything else. A couple early services compared to other brands, but not that bad. Oil filters can be had at the dealer for $8 each and oil at Walmart is cheap. Every "new" vehicle is expensive to fix out of warranty now-adays.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Originally Posted by Delta
Originally Posted by gregk24
I can't comment on the all wheel drive system, but these Tig's don't get very good MPG's, the transmissions are programmed wonky, and the 2.0T in these is a de-tuned version. So if you have prior experience with the 2.0T don't expect the same performance out of the one in the Tiguan, you will be disappointed.
Oh I know it won't be like the 2.0T in my GTI, I think the Tiguan is rated at 184hp and 200tq, which isn't too bad.
While the Alltrack has similar room inside, it doesn't have the ground clearance I would like.
As to the built in Mexico comment, my past 2 VW's were built there and both are of excellent quality.
Far as expensive maintenance, honestly I don't think they're that much more than anything else. A couple early services compared to other brands, but not that bad. Oil filters can be had at the dealer for $8 each and oil at Walmart is cheap. Every "new" vehicle is expensive to fix out of warranty now-adays.
I would not say that Alltrack is that bad clearance wise. I would check that. Plus, Alltrack is available with stick!!!
As for maintenance, it comes from people who never owned Euro cars. Maintenance on my Tiguan so far looks much better than Toyota. Not to mention some engineering solutions.
Originally Posted by gregk24
I can't comment on the all wheel drive system, but these Tig's don't get very good MPG's, the transmissions are programmed wonky, and the 2.0T in these is a de-tuned version. So if you have prior experience with the 2.0T don't expect the same performance out of the one in the Tiguan, you will be disappointed.
Oh I know it won't be like the 2.0T in my GTI, I think the Tiguan is rated at 184hp and 200tq, which isn't too bad.
While the Alltrack has similar room inside, it doesn't have the ground clearance I would like.
As to the built in Mexico comment, my past 2 VW's were built there and both are of excellent quality.
Far as expensive maintenance, honestly I don't think they're that much more than anything else. A couple early services compared to other brands, but not that bad. Oil filters can be had at the dealer for $8 each and oil at Walmart is cheap. Every "new" vehicle is expensive to fix out of warranty now-adays.
I would not say that Alltrack is that bad clearance wise. I would check that. Plus, Alltrack is available with stick!!!
As for maintenance, it comes from people who never owned Euro cars. Maintenance on my Tiguan so far looks much better than Toyota. Not to mention some engineering solutions.
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