The Best Model Years to Consider When Looking for a Used Volkswagen Tiguan

Are you shopping around for a used Volkswagen Tiguan for sale? This stylish SUV is popular amongst many driver types. Families, college friend groups, adventurous singles, and energetic couples alike love what the Tiguan has to offer. Like with most Volkswagen vehicles, the Tiguan holds its value impressively well. So if you’re shopping for a pre-owned model, you’re putting your money to great use. We know that a pre-owned Tiguan will last many more miles, especially since every model we offer comes with a clean CARFAX report.

Like with any used vehicle search, the question comes down to which model years to explore. You likely want something that blends value with modern features. If you reach too far back in the years, you might lose out on features to which you’ve grown accustomed to having in a vehicle.

We believe that the 2018 through 2021 Tiguan models combine features that should satisfy most modern-day drivers while offering the prices that used vehicle shoppers are hoping to find. Below, we’ll explain what makes the 2018 models better than 2017 or older, and why you might not want to go any newer than 2021. From there, we invite you to explore our massive online inventory that covers the entire country, ensuring you find a pre-owned model that meets your needs and budget. There’s a better, more convenient way to shop, and you’ll find it when you partner with us for your next Tiguan.

A Longer Frame and a New Third Row

One of the most notable characteristics of the 2018 Tiguan is the available third row. The 2017 and older models only offer two rows of seating. However, if five seats are simply not enough for your usual passenger load, you’ll need to consider the 2018 and newer models. The 2018 model really opened the Tiguan up to families.

Even if you stay in the two-row arena, you will find that the 2018 and newer models offer much more passenger and cargo space than the 2017 two-row models. That’s because Volkswagen designed the 2018 model to be much longer overall than the 2017 model. In fact, it is 10.6 inches longer in total. So, you will find that the 2018 and newer models are much roomier than previous years.

A Lower Liftgate and More Trunk Space

Another notable change to the 2018 model is in the trunk area. In addition to increasing the 2018 Tiguan’s trunk space by 58 percent compared to previous years, Volkswagen redesigned the tailgate to feature a lower lift height. This makes it much easier to get large, heavy, or bulky items into the trunk.

Between more passenger space, more cargo space, and an easier-to-load trunk, the 2018 model clearly came back ready to accommodate families and large groups better. If you were to test drive a 2017 or older model, you’d likely feel a bit cramped compared to how you’d feel in a 2018 or newer. The Tiguan really grew into its identity in the second generation.

A Larger Touchscreen and Standard Smartphone Connection

On the technology Front, the 2018 Tiguan receives a larger touchscreen than previous models. The 2017’s largest available touchscreen is a 6.3-inch variant, while the 2018 model comes with an available eight-inch touchscreen. While an eight-inch touchscreen doesn’t rival some of the largest options in current year models, it should be large enough for most applications. If you’ve started to rely on your on-screen navigation to get around town, you may find that the graphics from 2017 and older are too small, and nobody likes to squint or look twice to check the directions.

A More Efficient Engine

Volkswagen redesigned the Tiguan’s four-cylinder engine to be more efficient for 2018 as well. Through a series of mechanical adjustments, Volkswagen managed to increase the efficiency on more recent models. The 2017 Tiguan gets 20 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. Meanwhile, the 2018 gets 22 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. If you do a lot of driving, what seems like a small difference will add up at the pump.

Why the 2018–2021 Tiguan Hits the Perfect Value Sweet Spot

If you’re comparing Tiguan model years, the 2018–2021 generation stands out as one of the best values in the entire lineup. These models deliver the modern tech, comfort, and safety features shoppers want—without the higher price tag found on 2022-plus versions.

The 2022 redesign added updated exterior styling, expanded tech packages, and more standard driver-assist features. Those upgrades are appealing, but they also come with a noticeable jump in price. For drivers who prioritize value, the 2018–2021 Tiguan allows you to keep the features you care about and skip the premium-level costs.

These model years still offer plenty of modern conveniences, including available wireless smartphone connectivity and wireless charging (which became available starting in 2020), along with an intuitive infotainment system that covers the essentials. You’ll also find advanced driver-assist options like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control—features that were offered on most trims even before they became standard in newer Tiguans.

In short, if you can find a 2018–2021 Tiguan equipped with the features you want, you get an excellent balance of technology, comfort, and safety at a much more budget-friendly price point. You’re not missing out—you’re simply choosing the model years that deliver the strongest overall value.

Find a Great Pre-Owned Tiguan From the Comfort of Home

Ready to check out offers on used Tiguans near you? Visit Online.cars and browse our wide online selection of Tiguan models! If you have questions about any models you see, just reach out to our network of concierges. They’re available by phone, 24/7, so there’s always someone available to answer your call. While we’re proud to offer you a shopping experience on your terms and schedule, we are always available to you, should you need some extra guidance.

The 2018 through 2021 Tiguans deliver exceptional value within their respective price ranges. With a decent-sized touchscreen and a robust suite of available safety features, these model years hold their own against the current lineup.

The newly available third row, introduced with the 2018 models, makes this generation especially appealing to families or groups that require seating for up to seven. However, whether you opt for the two-row or three-row Tiguan, you’ll enjoy more overall space in the 2018 and newer models compared to the 2017 and older models.

The more efficient powertrain also makes 2018 through 2021 models appealing to those who put a lot of miles on their vehicles. And all of that added trunk space is a nice perk for road trippers.  Additionally, a lower load height in the liftgate makes it easier to load heavy items into the trunk. Browse our online selection now, and you can pick out and finance your Tiguan from the comfort of your home! We can even deliver it to you, and you’ll get our popular free Lifetime Mechanical Warranty with your SUV. What are you waiting for? Find a used Tiguan now at Online.cars!