2019 Volkswagen Tiguan

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.

Volkswagen Tiguan
Pictured: Volkswagen Tiguan III IMG 8823 (cropped). Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4motion, 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower
184 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
25 combined · 22 city / 29 hwy
Length
185.8 in
Curb weight
3,777–3,856 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 184 hp, versus about 240 hp for similar 2019 models.
  • Emergency braking not standardAutomatic emergency braking is optional or limited to some trims.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 186 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,856 lb (4dr SUV 4motion).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 29 highway), 0% better than the 2019 small SUV average of 25.1 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 196 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2019

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2018 Tiguan — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Tiguan →

Trims, performance & features

Engine184 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

4Motion SE, 4Motion SEL, 4Motion SEL R-Line, 4Motion SEL R-Line Jet-BlackSSE, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Jet-Black4Motion S4Motion SEL Premium, 4Motion SEL Premium R-Line

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingSome trims
Pedestrian emergency brakingSome trims
Forward collision warningSome trims
Blind-spot monitoringSome trims
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard

Built in: Puebla, Mexico

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 Tiguan configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4motion185.8 in72 in66.5 in109.8 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,856 lb56/44
4dr SUV FWD185.8 in72 in66.5 in109.8 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,777 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Tiguan2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 250%$2,700355
Tiguan 4motion2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24+1%$2,800367
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.1 MPG2019 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★–
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★–
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD
Frontal crash test — 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD
Side crash test — 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2019 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2019 Volkswagen Tiguan (this car)25 MPG★★★★★5
2019 Toyota RAV440 MPG★★★★★8
2019 Honda CR-V30 MPG★★★★★8
2019 Toyota 4Runner18 MPG★★★★★4
2019 Hyundai Tucson26 MPG★★★★★1
2019 Subaru Forester29 MPG★★★★★3
2019 Mazda CX-529 MPG★★★★★2

Recalls (5)

Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Oct 31, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V815000 · 296,044 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan LWB, Golf Sportswagen A7, Golf Alltrack, Golf R GP, Audi Q3, Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Jetta NF, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, Atlas, Golf A7, Audi A3, 2020-2021 Atlas Cross Sport, and 2021 Atlas FL vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system may not detect an air pressure loss in adequate time when deflating occurs among all four tires simultaneously. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk
An undetected sudden loss of pressure in all four tires increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the TPMS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 18, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi’s customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are (Audi) 45J7, and (VW) 45J6 and 45J8.
Structure › Body · Apr 6, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V226000 · 6,553 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2022 Tiguan and 2018-2021 Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. Due to incorrect installation instructions, the accessory rear hatch spoiler may be insufficiently attached to the vehicle.
Risk
An insufficiently attached spoiler may separate from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the spoiler, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 3, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 66N5.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Mar 27, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V241000 · 8 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Tiguan LWB vehicles. The tire information label contains inaccurate tire dimension and inflation pressure specifications. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
The incorrect specifications can result in improper tire inflations or to installing a tire of the wrong size on the vehicle. Either of these situations can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
Volkswagen has notified owners, and dealers will install a corrected tire information label, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 01D2.
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs · Mar 6, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V188000 · 56,173 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen, 2019 Jetta, 2015-2019 Golf, and 2018-2019 Tiguan vehicles. The rear coil springs may prematurely fracture.
Risk
If a coil spring fractures while driving, it may damage a rear tire causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear axle coil springs, free of charge. The recall began April 12, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Nov 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V824000 · 73,549 vehicles

Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Volkswagen Atlas and Tiguan and 2019 Volkswagen Jetta vehicles that do not have keyless entry. The instrument cluster may not provide an audible warning to let the driver know that the key is still in the ignition when the door is open. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Risk
If the driver is not notified by an audible noise that the key is left in the ignition, it can increase the risk of vehicle theft or crash.
Fix
Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 90L3 and 90L4.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

196Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
6Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
3,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System56
Engine44
Unknown Or Other39
Service Brakes24
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking18
Power Train17
Vehicle Speed Control13
Exterior Lighting11
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/06: 324/07: 524/08: 524/10: 224/12: 325/01: 125/03: 125/04: 325/05: 225/06: 725/07: 125/08: 225/09: 425/11: 126/01: 126/02: 126/03: 526/04: 126/05: 426/06: 626/07: 326/08: 426/09: 326/10: 424/0624/1025/0325/0625/0926/0226/0526/08max 7

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 56 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 44 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Service Brakes — 24 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 3,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Tiguan years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Tiguan29184.3 inNot rated00
2026 Tiguan29184.3 inNot rated037
2025 Tiguan29184.3 in★★★★★357
2024 Tiguan27185.8 in★★★★★277
2023 Tiguan27185.8 in★★★★★171
2022 Tiguan26185.8 inNot rated5273
2021 Tiguan25185.8 in★★★★★5144
2020 Tiguan25185.8 in★★★★★3141
2018 Tiguan24185.8 in★★★★★14294
2017 Tiguan22174.4 in★★★★★476
2016 Tiguan23174.4 in★★★★★297
2015 Tiguan23174.4 in★★★★★462

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →