2019 Volkswagen Tiguan: Comprehensive Review of This Competitive Compact SUV
The compact SUV segment remains one of the most fiercely contested in the automotive market, with the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan facing off against established favorites like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, and Nissan Rogue. In this detailed review, we examine whether the Tiguan's combination of German engineering, practical space, and refined driving dynamics can help it stand out in this crowded field.
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How the Tiguan Compares in Today's SUV Market
Modern compact SUVs must excel across multiple dimensions to succeed. Beyond just transportation, buyers expect:
- Comfortable daily driving characteristics for both city commutes and highway trips
- Generous passenger space that doesn't compromise cargo versatility
- Advanced safety technology that protects all occupants
- Fuel-efficient powertrains that don't sacrifice drivability
- Premium interior materials at mainstream price points
Through extensive testing and comparison against its closest rivals, we've identified where the Tiguan shines brightest and where competitors might have an edge.
9 Notable Strengths of the 2019 VW Tiguan
- Exceptional Ride Quality: The Tiguan delivers one of the most composed rides in its class, with excellent noise isolation that makes highway cruising particularly serene. Its suspension tuning strikes an ideal balance between comfort and control.
- Precise Handling: Steering feedback and chassis response feel more akin to Volkswagen's acclaimed hatchbacks than a tall SUV. The Tiguan changes direction eagerly and maintains composure through corners.
- Refined Turbocharged Engine: While not the most powerful in the segment, the 2.0L turbo-four operates with smoothness and flexibility that eludes many naturally aspirated competitors.
- Premium Interior Ambiance: Higher trim levels feature materials and finishes that approach luxury-brand quality, with thoughtful details like soft-touch surfaces and precise panel gaps.
- User-Friendly Infotainment: Volkswagen's MIB II system remains one of the more intuitive interfaces, with quick response times and logical menu structures that minimize distraction.
- Spacious Second Row: The sliding rear seat provides exceptional legroom adjustment, offering limousine-like space when needed or extra cargo room when pushed forward.
- Available Third-Row Flexibility: While best suited for children, the optional third row provides occasional-use seating that many competitors don't offer at all.
- Top Safety Scores: IIHS Top Safety Pick recognition confirms the Tiguan's protective structure, with available driver assists that lead the class in effectiveness.
- Versatile Cargo Solutions: Clever packaging yields 33 cubic feet behind the second row (more than some midsize SUVs), with numerous tie-downs and storage solutions.
5 Significant Limitations to Consider
- Cramped Third Row: The optional rear seats offer minimal legroom and headroom, suitable only for very small children on short trips. Most buyers will prefer keeping them folded.
- Firm Ride on Large Wheels: Models equipped with the available 20-inch wheels can transmit excessive impact harshness over broken pavement, diminishing the otherwise excellent ride quality.
- Average Fuel Efficiency: The turbocharged engine's 26.5 mpg combined rating trails segment leaders by 2-3 mpg, a meaningful difference for high-mileage drivers.
- Limited Small Item Storage: The cabin lacks the clever small-item storage solutions found in Japanese competitors, with a particularly small glovebox and few concealed compartments.
- Inconsistent Interior Materials: Some surfaces feel disappointingly hard for the price point, and base models lack the premium ambiance of higher trims.
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Detailed Performance Analysis
Powertrain and Driving Dynamics
The Tiguan's 184-horsepower 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder delivers adequate acceleration when paired with the smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic. While not as quick as some competitors off the line, the engine's broad torque curve (221 lb-ft available from just 1,600 rpm) makes passing and merging effortless. The transmission's programming emphasizes refinement over sportiness, though manual shifting is available via the gear selector.
Ride and Handling Balance
Volkswagen's European heritage shines through in the Tiguan's chassis tuning. The electromechanical steering provides decent feedback and consistent weighting, while the suspension maintains excellent body control without compromising ride comfort. All-wheel-drive models distribute power seamlessly, with just enough rear bias to enhance cornering stability.
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Interior and Technology Evaluation
Cabin Quality and Comfort
SEL Premium models feature genuine leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof that creates an airy atmosphere. The standard 6.5-inch touchscreen (upgradable to 8 inches) includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Available digital cockpit instrumentation replaces traditional gauges with a customizable 10.25-inch display.
Practicality and Storage
The Tiguan's boxy shape maximizes interior volume, with 37.6 inches of rear legroom that bests many midsize SUVs. Clever touches include rear seatbacks that recline for passenger comfort and fold nearly flat for cargo. The power liftgate (standard on SE and above) opens to reveal a usefully square cargo area with multiple tie-down points.
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Safety and Value Proposition
Crash Protection and Driver Aids
The Tiguan earned top marks in all IIHS crash tests, with standard automatic emergency braking that performed exceptionally in both vehicle and pedestrian detection scenarios. Available lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring work cohesively to reduce driver fatigue.
Cost of Ownership Considerations
While the Tiguan's base price undercuts many competitors, fully loaded models approach luxury-brand pricing. Volkswagen's included maintenance program (2 years/20,000 miles) helps offset ownership costs, though long-term reliability remains slightly below segment leaders.
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Competitive Comparison: Where the Tiguan Stands
Against its closest rivals, the Tiguan distinguishes itself with:
- vs Honda CR-V: More engaging driving dynamics and available third row, though the Honda offers better fuel economy
- vs Toyota RAV4: Superior interior materials and ride comfort, while the Toyota provides more standard safety features
- vs Subaru Forester: More powerful engine and premium feel, though the Subaru has better visibility and standard AWD
- vs Nissan Rogue: Sharper handling and higher-quality cabin, while the Nissan offers more comfortable seats
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Who Should Consider the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The Tiguan makes the most sense for buyers who:
- Prioritize driving enjoyment without sacrificing practicality
- Appreciate European design and engineering sensibilities
- Need occasional third-row seating but don't want a larger SUV
- Value premium interior materials at mainstream prices
Those who prioritize maximum fuel efficiency, lowest cost of ownership, or frequent third-row use may find better alternatives elsewhere in the segment.
