You probably remember the old Tiguan. It was tiny. Honestly, it was basically a Golf on stilts that struggled to fit a week's worth of groceries, let alone a family. Then 2018 happened. Volkswagen went "all in" on the American market by stretching the wheelbase and giving us the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL. It was a total pivot. They stopped trying to sell us a quirky European hatchback and started selling us a real SUV.
But here’s the thing: making a car bigger doesn't always make it better.
If you’re looking at a used 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL today, you’re looking at a vehicle that sits in a very weird spot in automotive history. It was the first year of the "Long Wheelbase" (LWB) generation in the US. It brought a lot of tech that felt futuristic at the time—like the Digital Cockpit—but it also brought some baggage.
What the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL got right (and wrong) about space
When VW redesigned the Tiguan for 2018, they added nearly 11 inches of length. That is huge. In the car world, 11 inches is the difference between "I'm cramped" and "I can actually breathe." The SEL trim was the sweet spot because it gave you the panoramic sunroof that made that extra space feel even more cavernous.
People buy the SEL because it feels premium without the "R-Line" price tag. You get the power liftgate. You get the 18-inch wheels. But the biggest talking point was always that third row.
Let's be real about the 2018 Tiguan's third row. It's small. If you're trying to put an adult back there, you're going to lose a friend. It is strictly for kids or for those "emergency" situations where you have to haul seven people to a restaurant three blocks away. On the Front Wheel Drive (FWD) models, that third row was standard. On the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) 4Motion models—which most people actually wanted—it was an option. If you’re hunting for a used one, don't assume every SEL has seven seats.
The cargo space, however, is legit. With the seats down, you get about 73 cubic feet. That’s enough to rival the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 of the same era. VW finally understood that Americans carry a lot of stuff.
The 2.0L TSI Engine: Is it enough?
Under the hood of every 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL is the EA888 engine. It’s a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. On paper, 184 horsepower sounds fine. In reality? It’s a bit of a dog.
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The 2018 model was heavy. It gained weight along with that extra length. When you’re merging onto a highway or trying to pass a semi-truck, you really feel the struggle of that engine. It’s tuned for fuel economy and torque, not for speed. It delivers 221 lb-ft of torque quite low in the rev range, which makes it feel punchy around town, but the "highway legs" just aren't there.
Wait. There’s a silver lining.
The 8-speed automatic transmission was a massive upgrade over the old DSG (dual-clutch) for the average driver. Why? Because it’s smooth. It doesn't have that jerky hesitation when you’re crawling in traffic. If you've ever driven an older VW with a DSG, you know that "will it or won't it" feeling when the light turns green. The 2018 Tiguan SEL avoids that entirely. It feels like a normal, comfortable cruiser.
Fuel Economy Realities
Don't trust the EPA stickers blindly. Most owners of the 4Motion SEL report getting around 21-23 mpg in the city. If you’re heavy-footed because the car feels slow, that number is going to drop. It’s thirsty for a four-cylinder.
The SEL Tech: Where the 2018 model still shines
This is where the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL actually wins. The technology.
Back in 2018, having a fully digital instrument cluster was usually reserved for Audi and Mercedes. But the SEL trim got the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. It’s an 12.3-inch display that replaces the old needles and gauges. You can put the navigation map right in front of your eyes. Six years later, it still looks better than what some brands are putting in their 2024 models.
Then there’s the infotainment. The 8-inch glass-covered touchscreen in the SEL is excellent. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto natively. It’s snappy. It doesn't lag like the older systems.
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Safety tech was also a big focus:
- Forward Collision Warning
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist)
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control (The "Stop & Go" version is a lifesaver in traffic)
The SEL was the first trim level in the 2018 lineup that felt "complete." The S and SE trims felt a bit stripped down, but the SEL felt like a luxury car lite.
Reliability: The elephant in the room
We have to talk about it. Buying a first-year model of a new generation is always a gamble. The 2018 Tiguan had some growing pains.
The most common complaint you’ll find in forums and NHTSA reports involves the B-cycle engine's oil consumption. Some owners found themselves adding a quart of oil every few thousand miles. It wasn't every car, but it was enough to be a "thing."
Then there’s the sunroof. That beautiful panoramic roof in the SEL? It has a history of leaking. The drain tubes can get clogged with debris, and suddenly your headliner is damp. If you’re looking at one today, check the carpet in the footwells. If it smells musty, walk away.
But—and this is a big but—Volkswagen offered a 6-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty on the 2018 models. They called it the "People First Warranty." They were so desperate to prove they had moved past Dieselgate that they offered the best warranty in the business.
Because of that warranty, many 2018 Tiguans were dealership-maintained for the first six years of their lives. That’s a huge win for a used car buyer. It means the major kinks were likely worked out on VW’s dime, not the owner’s.
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How it drives compared to the competition
If you drive a 2018 RAV4 and then jump into a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL, you’ll notice the "German-ness" immediately. The steering is heavier. The chassis feels stiffer. It doesn't float over bumps; it absorbs them with a muted "thump."
It’s quiet. Volkswagen put a lot of sound deadening in this generation. Even at 75 mph, you can have a conversation without shouting.
However, it isn't "fun." The old, short-wheelbase Tiguan was actually kind of a blast to toss around corners. This one? It’s a boat. It’s stable and safe, but it’s not going to make you want to take the scenic route home. It’s a tool for getting families from point A to point B in comfort.
Common misconceptions about the 2018 SEL
People often think the SEL has leather seats. It doesn't. It has V-Tex Leatherette.
Honestly? That’s better. V-Tex is incredibly durable. It doesn't crack like real leather, and it’s way easier to clean if a kid spills a juice box. You have to step up to the SEL Premium to get the real Vienna leather, but most people can’t even tell the difference.
Another misconception is that 4Motion is only for snow. VW’s 4Motion system in 2018 used a Haldex center differential that can send up to 50% of power to the rear wheels. It helps with dry-weather handling and prevents that "front-wheel-slip" feeling when you’re accelerating on a wet hill. It’s a sophisticated system that actually improves the driving dynamics, not just a winter gimmick.
Buying Guide: What to check right now
If you’re standing in a parking lot looking at a used 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL, do these three things:
- Check the VIn for Recalls: There were several. One involved the backlight for the panoramic sunroof which could short circuit. Another involved the front coil springs. Ensure these were performed.
- Scan for "Soft" Codes: Even if the Check Engine Light isn't on, VWs can store "soft" codes in the computer. Use a basic OBD-II scanner to see if there are any pending issues with the start/stop system or the turbocharger.
- Inspect the Sunroof Drains: Open the roof and look at the channels. If you see standing water or gunk, it hasn't been maintained.
The 2018 Tiguan SEL is a high-value pick because it looks exactly like the 2023 model to the untrained eye. It has aged incredibly well. The design is sharp, linear, and timeless—classic VW.
Actionable Steps for Potential Owners
- Confirm the Seating: Check the middle of the rear floor. If there are pull-straps, it has the third row. If you need a 7-seater, don't assume every AWD SEL has it.
- Maintenance Records are King: Demand the service history. These engines need high-quality synthetic oil changed every 10,000 miles (though many enthusiasts recommend every 5,000 to be safe).
- Verify the Warranty Status: Depending on the "in-service" date, some 2018s might still have a sliver of that 6-year warranty left, though most are likely expired by now.
- Test the Infotainment: Plug your phone in. Ensure the USB ports are tight. Replacing the MIB2 head unit is expensive.
- Budget for a Battery: VWs of this era are notoriously hard on batteries because of the Auto Start/Stop feature. If it's still on its original battery, it's on borrowed time.
The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL represents the moment Volkswagen decided to stop being a niche European brand and started fighting the heavyweights. It isn't perfect, and it isn't fast, but it offers a level of interior sophistication that its Japanese and American rivals simply didn't match in 2018. If you can find one with a clean service record and no signs of water ingress, it remains one of the most "grown-up" feeling compact SUVs on the used market.