“I have had nothing but problems. Lots of work had to be done only a month after getting my car. It can only be worked on by special shops hundreds of miles from where I live.”
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan is a light trim-and-equipment update, not a redesign. The main change is a reshuffled upper lineup with new R-Line versions and a standard digital instrument cluster on SEL trims.
About the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
2nd gen (2018-2021 pre-facelift), second model year.
Volkswagen positions the Tiguan as a compact SUV that feels bigger and more family-ready than many rivals. Its core pitch is simple: more passenger room, usable cargo space, an available third row, clean Volkswagen cabin design, and easy-to-use touchscreen tech. In this generation, the Tiguan stands out less for speed and more for space, comfort, and an upscale feel that splits the difference between mainstream compact SUVs and pricier European crossovers.
The 2019 Tiguan spans from the essentials-focused S to the practical SE, while SEL models add navigation, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, and a digital instrument cluster. R-Line versions bring sportier bodywork and darker cabin details, while the SEL Premium emphasizes leather, premium audio, advanced lighting, and a surround-view camera. Front-wheel-drive models have a standard third row, and all versions retain the 2.0-liter turbo engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.
What changed, by category
Styling
Volkswagen added SEL R-Line and SEL R-Line 4Motion trims with sportier bodywork and darker interior details. Later in the model year, the limited-production SEL R-Line was replaced by the SEL R-Line Jet-Black, which added black exterior accents. The SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion became the fully equipped R-Line model.
Tech
The digital instrument cluster and front and rear parking sensors became standard on SEL trims. SE models gained automatic climate control with rear-seat vents and an anti-theft alarm.
Safety
The SEL Premium 4MOTION upgraded to an active blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode | Automatic, 8-Spd w/Tiptronic & Sport Mode |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp | 184 hp |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 27.9 in | 27.9 in | 27.9 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 27.9 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in | 27.9 in | 38.7 in | 38.7 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan redesigned?
No. The 2019 Tiguan is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2018, so its body, cabin layout, turbo engine, and eight-speed automatic transmission carry over. Most changes involve trims and equipment.
What is the biggest difference between the 2019 and 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan?
The biggest difference is the reorganized upper lineup. The 2019 model adds SEL R-Line variants, makes the digital instrument cluster standard on SEL trims, and gives several trims additional comfort, parking, and safety equipment.
What is the 2019 Tiguan SEL R-Line Jet-Black?
The SEL R-Line Jet-Black is a later, limited-production version of the SEL R-Line with black exterior accents. It keeps the SEL's navigation, digital instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control, panoramic sunroof, and power liftgate; the change is mainly visual.
Did the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan get a new engine?
No. The 2019 Tiguan retains the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission used for 2018. The year's main updates are to trims and equipment, not the powertrain.
Does the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan have a third row?
Yes. Front-wheel-drive 2019 Tiguans have a standard third-row seat, while AWD models may have a third row depending on how the vehicle was equipped. Buyers comparing used examples should check the individual vehicle because the seating layout differs.
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan.
4.0
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan
(194 reviews)
“The radio sound system sucks! Not the quality I would have expected from VW. Very disappointed. The rest of the Tiguan is great!”
“I love my Volkswagon Tiguan! I was warned the car does not accelerate quickly but I am ok with that. Upon taking the car to a mechanic I found major issues with the car. Bad brakes and Tires. I am very disappointed.”