The Volkswagen Tiguan is offered in several different trims ranging from a base S up through SE, SEL, SEL R-Line and top-of-the-line SEL Premium. All trims other than the SEL Premium come standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option, while the SEL Premium comes only in all-wheel drive form.
No matter which model buyers choose, the Tiguan is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, making 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. On all Tiguan models, an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting mode is standard. Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive features a mechanical center differential and electronic differential locks, allowing it to transfer power to each wheel independently. The system also includes a variety of driver-selectable modes, including On-Road, Snow, Off-Road and Custom Off-Road. Within On-Road mode are four additional settings: Normal, Sport, Eco and Custom.
The Tiguan is a crossover wagon, and it allows plenty of passenger space plus a mechanical layout that allows it to ride and handle like a compact sedan. A strut-type front suspension and 4-link rear setup keep the wheels in contact with the road, while an electromechanical power steering system provides precise control. The Tiguan includes 4-wheel vented disc brakes, with vented discs in front as well as brake assist and an electronic parking brake.
The base Tiguan S includes a third-row seat, a 6.5-inch touch screen infotainment system, Bluetooth and USB smartphone connectivity, a rearview camera, LED Daytime-running-lights and a 40/20/40 split, sliding, reclining, fold-flat 2nd-row seat. The SE model adds standard 8-inch touchscreen, V-TEX leatherette seats, blind-spot monitoring. SEL Premium models include VW Digital Cockpit, leather seating plus heated front seats, a power driver and passenger seat recline, heated washer nozzles, and adaptive front LED headlights.
Optional equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, a bird's-eye parking camera, keyless entry/start, a hands-free lift gate with walk-away close, and a 12.3-inch customizable digital instrument panel. As for VW's Car-Net infotainment system, stepping up to the subscription-based Security & Service group adds capabilities like remote vehicle lock/unlock, automatic crash notification, and the parent-friendly Family Guardian with features including remote speed and boundary alerts. With heavy praise of its optional autonomous emergency braking system the 2019 Tiguan received an IIHS Top-Safety Award as a top performer in the segment.
Sophisticated All-wheel Drive
Spacious Seating
Cargo Capacity
Advanced Safety Features
Apple/Android Connectivity And Sound Systems
Segment-leading Warranty
The Tiguan returns for 2019 essentially unchanged. SE trims now come with an alarm system as standard, while SEL trims now get VW's Digital Cockpit and Park Distance Control. The vehicle is otherwise unchanged for this year.
The Volkswagen Tiguan goes up against a long list of strong rivals like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, and it stands out even in that crowd for its very refined, efficient engine, crisp handling and cleanly styled, technology driven interior. Feature-wise, with the Car-Net system, Fender audio and Bird's Eye view parking, the Tiguan also leads the front of the pack in terms of included entertainment and technology.
