2019 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T Premium 4 Motion Review by David Colman

2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL

It's all German in design, looks and feel.

By David Colman
Special Correspondent to THE AUTO CHANNEL

2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL

Shortly after taking charge of this Blue Metallic over Storm Gray Leather Tiguan, I chanced to park it next to an older Volkswagen Touareg. The Touareg, which is no longer sold in the US, used to be VW's large SUV, while the Tiguan filled the small SUV niche. But when I climbed from the Tiguan, I noticed it was almost identical in length to the older Touareg. A little sleuthing in a 2014 new car guide disclosed that the Touareg measured 189 inches in length while the 2014 Tiguan was just 174 inches long. Checking the dimensions of the 2019 Tiguan we find that it has grown remarkably - 11 inches in fact - to a length of 185 inches. That's just 4 inches shorter than the full size Touareg. The Tiguan also boasts a 7 inch stretch in wheelbase over the 2014 Tiguan. About the only thing that hasn't increased is the price, which remarkably, stands at $38,190 versus $38,835 for the 2014 version.

2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL

Unfortunately, another item that hasn't increased is horsepower. The 2019 Tiguan makes 14hp less than its predecessor did 5 years ago. Both generations use a 2.0 liter turbocharged inline 4. The current version makes 184hp. No matter which way you slice and dice those numbers, you're going to find the latest 3rd generation Tiguan wonting in the acceleration department. VW has somewhat bridged the gap by supplying its current Tiguan with an 8 speed automatic gearbox while the earlier SUV made do with a 6 speed automatic. But you'll need to row the 2019 Tiguan like a stroke on a crew to extract decent performance. It will take you more than 10 seconds to reach 60mph from a standing start, and the lack of shift paddles at the steering wheel doesn't help matters. Yes, you can bump the floor stick sequentially up and down to maximize acceleration, but paddles would be ever so much more convenient.

2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL

Somehow, VW has managed to keep the 3,840lb. curb weight of the current Tiguan within 75lb. of the much smaller 5 year old model. But even that benefit is mitigated by the lethargic power-to-weight ratio of 20.9lb./hp. Okay, so you won't be entering your Tiguan in NHRA competition. But aside from that shortfall, the latest Tiguan fares very well as an all around daily driver. The SEL Premium model provides a handsome and lovingly detailed level of interior trim. The off-white ("Storm Gray") leather front seats are inviting for long drives, and like the steering wheel, are heated. The Climatronic dual zone HVAC system is easy to adjust, and the Fender Premium Audio System boasts a subwoofer and vibes worthy of a Stratocaster.

2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL

Handling is agreeable, with decent stick from the Pirelli Scorpion Nero rubber. The SEL model includes visually arresting 19 inch 5 spoke alloy rims with 235/50R19 all season tires. With 4Motion churning through curves, the Tiguan makes solid headway, though the high cabin does feel a bit tipsy as you approach the limit of the Pirellis' adhesion. All in all, this SUV gives a solid account of itself on twisting back roads. It gives an even better account of itself when tasked with cargo chores. We loved how easily the rear seatbacks flattened out to allow insertion of a full size bicycle through the auto lift/auto close tailgate. You couldn't do that in the old tiny Tiguan. We also admired the simplicity VW brought to bear in designing the visuals of the instrument cluster. Information is clearly delineated for engine temperature, gas level, rpm and digital speed readout. The infotainment center and navigation mapping are equally straightforward and non-intimidating to use. Unfortunately, VW has decided to install a warning buzzer which activates whenever you open a door while the engine is running. This major annoyance sounds like a dump truck backing up and its fuse would be the first thing I'd pull if I owned a Tiguan.

2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL

You can look at the Tiguan as a very large compact SUV or a rather compact large SUV. In many way, it blurs the distinction that once existed in this class of vehicle. But if there's one item that distinguishes this VW from anything else in the market, it's good taste. German design and engineering stand at the apex of the automotive game. Even though this vehicle was built in Puebla, Mexico, with 35% of its content Mexican ( including the engine), you will know the instant you climb behind the wheel that this Tiguan is all German in design, looks and most important, feel.

2019 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2.0T SEL PREMIUM 4 MOTION

HYPES: VW Feel, Solidity, Looks

GRIPES: Underpowered

STAR RATING: 8 Stars out of 10