2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Named IIHS Top Safety Pick


CARS.COM — Volkswagen’s SUV lineup is undergoing a renaissance for 2018 with the all-new Atlas three-row SUV and a redesign of the smaller two-row Tiguan. The Tiguan is following in the Atlas’ footsteps in landing a Top Safety Pick nod from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — something the previous version failed to do.
Related: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick Award
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The Tiguan received requisite good ratings in five crash-test categories, including moderate overlap front, driver-side small overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints and seats. It also earned a superior rating for its optional auto emergency braking system. In a test of 12 mph, IIHS said, the Tiguan automatically avoided a collision; in the 25 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 24 mph. The system is optional on S models and standard on SE, SEL and SEL Premium trims.
The Tiguan fell short of IIHS’ Top Safety Pick Plus designation due to its marginal-rated headlights. To qualify for a Top Safety Pick Plus award, a vehicle must have good ratings in all five crash tests, an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention, and an acceptable or good headlight rating.
Compact SUV competitors are a mixed bag when it comes to IIHS safety scores. Jeep’s 2018 Compass is a Top Safety Pick, but the 2017 Honda CR-V and 2018 Toyota RAV4 rank a notch higher, earning the Plus designation. Others, like the 2017 Ford Escape, failed to earn either Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick Plus status. The 2018 Tiguan has not yet been rated in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s five-star crashworthiness program.

News Editor Jennifer Geiger joined the automotive industry in 2003, much to the delight of her Corvette-obsessed dad. Jennifer is an expert reviewer, certified car-seat technician and mom of three. She wears a lot of hats — many of them while driving a minivan.
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