2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SE

The 2018 Tiguan is a compact SUV that slots below the three-row Atlas in Volkswagen's lineup, offering a more maneuverable size for city driving. It competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5, though the Tiguan brings a more European feel to the segment. The turbo engine gives the Tiguan a peppy, responsive feel around town, and the steering is nicely weighted for easy maneuvering. The ride is smooth and composed on most roads, though the suspension can feel firm over sharper bumps. The cabin is roomy for passengers, and the rear seats fold flat to open up generous cargo space for luggage or gear. The SE gives you leatherette seats, heated front seats, and a power driver's seat over the S, plus standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Its 2.0L I4 makes 184 horsepower and pairs with an eight-speed automatic, giving it a peppy feel around town while returning 24 mpg combined on regular fuel.