2019 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN: AIMED AT THE HEART OF THE COMPACT SUV MARKET
09/17/2018
Volkswagen
The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan combines Volkswagen's hallmark fun-to-drive character with a sophisticated and spacious interior, flexible seating, and high-tech infotainment and available driver-assistance features.
New for 2019
The 2019 Tiguan is offered in six trims-S, SE, SEL, SEL R-Line(R), SEL Premium, and SEL Premium R-Line. Front-wheel drive is standard on S, SE, SEL, and SEL R-Line, with 4Motion(R) with Active Control available. SEL Premium and SEL Premium R-Line models are equipped with standard 4Motion.
In a value realignment, an alarm system is standard on SE trims, moving down from SEL models, and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and Park Distance Control are now standard on SEL trims, moving down from the top-of-the-line SEL Premium model. Mid-model year, the SEL R-Line is replaced by the SEL R-Line Jet-Black, which features similar content, plus 19-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels and black exterior trim. The SEL Premium R-Line trim remains the same.
Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan starts at $24,295 for front-wheel drive models and $25,595 for all-wheel drive models. The destination charge for all Tiguan models is an additional $995.
Exterior
The Tiguan, redesigned for 2018, marks an evolution in Volkswagen's clean and timeless design DNA. The MQB platform allows for a wider, lower stance than the previous model; the combination of this with sharper character lines and LED lighting gives Tiguan a more aggressive look than ever before.
The S trim is distinguished by halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn-signal indicators, and 17-inch wheels. The SE trim also wears 17-inch wheels. The Tiguan SEL includes 18-inch wheels, fog lights with cornering function, a power liftgate, and silver roof rails.
The top-of-the-line SEL Premium trim is shod with 19-inch wheels, LED headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), rain-sensing wipers, and power-folding exterior mirrors with puddle lights. The SEL Premium also features a hands-free Easy Open power liftgate, which is foot-activated on opening to make Tiguan's cargo space more accessible when customers' hands are full. The liftgate also includes an Easy Close feature. Two buttons give owners the option to close the liftgate with the touch of a button-one to close it immediately and one to automatically close once you step away from the vehicle.
R-Line trims include R-Line-specific aluminum-alloy wheels-19-inch for the SEL and 20-inch for the SEL Premium. Further design elements specific to the R-Line are a revised high-gloss front bumper with large air inlets, a unique rear bumper, wheelarch extensions, and R-Line side skirts and exterior badging. Mid-model year, the SEL R-Line is replaced by the SEL R-Line Jet-Black, which features similar content, plus 19-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels and black exterior trim. The SEL Premium R-Line trim remains the same.
The exterior design of Tiguan also emphasizes its rugged utility. The front bumper, for instance, is similar to the European model's off-road package, complementing the Tiguan's available 4Motion all-wheel-drive system with a 26-degree approach angle. Other indications of its off-road capability are a 23-degree departure angle and 7.9 inches of ground clearance.
Roof rails are standard, allowing outdoors enthusiasts to upgrade the vehicle with Volkswagen accessories such as bike, kayak, and ski carriers. The new Tiguan has a lower lift-in height for the tailgate, making it easier to load, no matter what cargo you're carrying. The available accessory towing hitch can be used to pull up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Interior
The versatility of Tiguan's seating is what sets it apart from the competition. In front-wheel-drive Tiguan models, three rows of seating are standard, including a second-row bench that can recline, slide seven inches fore and aft, fold down, and be split 40/20/40. The 50/50 split third-row provides seating for two, and also folds down. When configured with Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive technology, the 2019 Tiguan comes standard with two rows and a third row is optional.
In three-row models, folding the rear seats creates 33 cubic feet of rear cargo space, and that can be easily expanded to a maximum of 65.7 cubic feet by folding the second row, using the levers in the cargo area. With all three rows in place, there is still a handy 12 cubic feet of cargo space.
In two-row models, the new Tiguan supplies a generous 37.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 73.5 cubic feet in all. That represents an increase of 17.4 cubic feet over the maximum cargo space in the 2017 Tiguan. The 40/20/40 split seats allow the two-row Tiguan to accommodate skis, fishing gear, or other large items.
In the cargo area, tie-down hooks help keep things in place and a 12-volt outlet is included. In models equipped with the available Fender(R) Premium Audio System, the subwoofer is hidden in the spare tire area, to avoid sacrificing cargo space.
To let the outside into the Tiguan cabin, there's an available panoramic glass tilt-and-slide sunroof. This aerodynamically and acoustically optimized panoramic roof is comprised of an opening glass panel at the front and a fixed glass panel at the rear. It features pinch protection and an electrically-operated one-touch sunshade that covers the inside of the entire glass area. The expansive sunroof is available for the SE trim and is standard on the SEL and SEL Premium.
The interior features modern, high-quality design with a sporty, driver-focused layout, using gloss-grey and chrome details. Standard features now include a multi-function steering wheel and cloth seats with a rhombus pattern that offers a premium look. Tiguan SE and SEL models feature heated leatherette seating surfaces along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel; the SEL Premium brings leather seating surfaces and a heated steering wheel.
Dual-zone Climatronic(R) automatic climate control is standard on Tiguan SE, while the S model features manual climate controls. KESSY(R) keyless access, along with push-button start, is standard equipment on SE trim levels and above.
Between the large speedometer and tachometer is a multi-function trip computer that helps monitor everything from fuel consumption to trip distance, Bluetooth(R) connection status and navigation directions (when equipped). The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display, standard on SEL and SEL Premium models, offers drivers a reconfigurable display of key data and the ability to position navigation data front and center for easy viewing.
MIB II Infotainment. All 2019 Tiguan models feature Volkswagen's innovative MIB II touchscreen infotainment system. The display utilizes a capacitive-touch sensor (as in smartphone and tablet technology) rather than the more common resistive touchscreens that require pressure, enabling gesture controls like swiping and even pinch-zooming.
The Tiguan S is equipped with the Composition Color unit, which features a 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display. The infotainment system also offers SD card and USB (one port) multimedia interfaces, as well as a rearview camera and standard Bluetooth technology for compatible devices.
All other Tiguan models are equipped with a glass-covered 8.0-inch capacitive touchscreen display-SE models with the Composition Media unit; SEL and SEL Premium models with the Discover Media system with navigation.
Both units offer three USB ports, a JPEG viewer, SiriusXM(R) radio for a three month trial period, and HD Radio. Both units also have the ability to send and receive SMS text messages with Bluetooth with compatible phones and pair two phones simultaneously. The Discover Media unit offers 2.5D navigation, featuring one-shot voice destination entry, destination entry with search and auto-complete, and predicts possible destinations based on often used routes.
Fender Premium Audio. The Tiguan SEL Premium also has the latest Fender Premium Audio System as standard equipment.
The system was developed through collaboration between Fender, the legendary music amplification experts, and Panasonic(R). A powerful, 480-watt, 12-channel amp delivers arena-sized sound to the Tiguan cabin. There are nine speakers in total, including Super TwinTM front-door speakers and a Bassman TM subwoofer. The Super Twin units are 200-mm dual voice-coil woofers that are specifically engineered for improved front-stage imaging and bass response, while the subwoofer, with a single voice-coil setup, ensures Fender's signature audio experience is enjoyable across all rows.
Volkswagen Car-Net(R). Volkswagen is committed to driving the development of more connected and intelligent vehicles, and the Car-Net connectivity system is a major element in achieving that goal. Features available through Car-Net are divided into three key areas: "App-Connect," "Security & Service," and "Guide & Inform."
Car-Net App-Connect smartphone integration for compatible devices is standard on all Tiguan models. App-Connect offers users the ability to run select smartphone apps directly on the vehicle's display through services such as Apple CarPlay TM, Android Auto TM and MirrorLink(R).
Equipped on Tiguan SEL and SEL Premium models, Car-Net Security & Service is a suite of elements that provides security features and also allows owners to access their VW remotely through vw.com/carnet as well as a smartphone app.
Customers purchasing new Volkswagen models equipped with VW Car-Net Security & Service will receive a six-month trial subscription from Verizon Connect Inc. that starts on date of your Volkswagen purchase for no additional charge. To extend the benefits of this system after the trial, customers can choose from a number of payment options: One year for $199 and two years for $378, or month-to-month for $17.99, plus applicable taxes and fees. App-Connect can be used free-of-charge and is not included as part of the subscription-based services.
Available Car-Net Security & Service features include Automatic Crash Notification, which can help automatically notify an operator who can quickly contact first responders in the event of a collision; Manual Emergency Call, a feature that allows for quick access to customer specialists at the touch of a button; Roadside Assistance, for added peace-of-mind in the event of trouble on the road; and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, which uses Car-Net Security & Service to assist law enforcement with locating your vehicle in the event that it is stolen.
In addition, Car-Net Security & Service offers remote vehicle access, remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash of lights, last parked location information, and remote status check (doors and windows). Consumers will also be able to send a location from their connected smart device to the factory-installed compatible navigation system on select models. For consumers who prefer a more personal touch, Agent Destination Assist is also available.
Car-Net Security & Service also includes Family Guardian, which offers features such as: speed alert, which notifies you when the pre-determined maximum speed limit is exceeded; boundary alert, which lets you know when the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary; curfew alert, which notifies you if your vehicle is driven while curfew alert is on; and valet alert, which lets you know if your vehicle is driven more than 0.2 miles from the valet drop-off location.
Diagnostics and maintenance information is also available through Car-Net Security & Service. In addition to the vehicle's warning and indicator lights, a Vehicle Health Report provides customers easy access to diagnostic information. When it's time for scheduled service, Car-Net Security & Service not only notifies the customer, but provides a simple way to schedule a dealer visit.
The available VW Car-Net app for smartwatch (supports select Apple Watch(R) and Android WearTM operating systems) allows VW customers to control a host of Security & Service features and functions available through the iPhone(R) and AndroidTM apps and Customer Web Portal, directly from their wrist. Smartwatch wearers can keep tabs on their vehicle from afar, remotely locking and unlocking doors and viewing the status of doors, windows and sunroof (open or closed). These consumers can also find a parked vehicle more quickly, with a map of the current vehicle location, and get walking or driving directions to the vehicle. Drivers can check their fuel level and receive alerts with a compatible smartwatch.
Equipped on SEL and SEL Premium models, Car-Net Guide & Inform offers an enhanced navigation and infotainment experience for VW consumers. Volkswagen has incorporated technologies that enhance existing navigation offerings while adding an additional level of information that empowers consumers. The in-vehicle navigation system features fuel prices, sports scores, movie information and weather data as part of the three-month SiriusXM Travel Link trial. VW customers will also enjoy real-time traffic information and a complimentary three-month SiriusXM Traffic trial.
Powertrain
The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan is powered by an advanced version of Volkswagen's EA888 four-cylinder engine. The updated version of the benchmark EA888 four-cylinder, turbocharged, and direct-injection engine uses an innovative modification to the conventional four-stroke cycle to offer an improved combination of power, efficiency, and responsiveness. It incorporates the so-called Budack cycle for improved combustion efficiency. The upshot is 184 horsepower that kicks in at 4,400 rpm and is maintained until 6,000 rpm. Maximum torque of 221 lb-ft is achieved at 1,600 to 4,300 rpm. All Tiguans are equipped with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission.
A Start/Stop system is standard for all Tiguan trims to help improve fuel efficiency. This technology stops the engine during idle when the brake pedal is held (such as when waiting at a red light). When the brake pedal is released, the engine restarts.
Tiguan models configured with front-wheel drive have 15.3 gallon fuel tanks; models with 4Motion all-wheel drive feature 15.9 gallon tanks. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2019 Tiguan is currently pending EPA certification. Official EPA estimates will be available prior to the vehicle's market launch.
4Motion All-wheel-drive System
Tiguan can be equipped with the 4Motion with Active Control all-wheel-drive system. The latest-generation 4Motion system is designed to activate before wheelspin occurs, helping eliminate traction losses. The system achieves this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions. When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, the front wheels are driven and the rear wheels are decoupled, helping to save fuel. However, the rear wheels can be engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary via the center differential, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump.
A control unit continually calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear wheels and controls how much the multi-plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle. So, the amount of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to continuously vary the amount of torque going between the front and rear wheels, up to a maximum of 50 percent at the rear axle.
In addition to the center differential that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks that are a function of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system act laterally. The system can briefly brake a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side.
Active Control. All Tiguan models with 4Motion all-wheel drive feature Active Control, which allows the driver to select specific vehicle profiles based on driving conditions. It has four settings: Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad. Within the "Onroad" setting, additional options are offered: Normal, Sport, Comfort, and Individual. These alter operating parameters for drive systems like the engine, transmission, steering, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), as well as traction-assistance systems like Hill Descent Assist and Hill Start Assist. The singular user interface is highly intuitive, comprising both a rotary knob, and a push-button. Turning the knob engages the various drive modes, while pushing the button triggers a pop-up menu on the screen of the infotainment system, allowing the driver to fine tune the Onroad mode.
Onroad mode is the default setting. Here, the Tiguan automatically varies the drive distribution between the two axles, accounting for road conditions. A press of the button triggers the driving profile selection screen to pop up on the infotainment screen, offering the driver a choice of "Normal", "Sport", "Eco", and "Individual" drive modes. Within each, the tuning parameters for the engine control, gearbox, steering and optional ACC are varied.
In Snow mode, the response curve of the accelerator pedal is flattened to help negate unintentional and excessive wheelspin, and the transmission upshifts earlier to help maximize traction. Communicating with the accelerator pedal and individual wheel speed sensors, the Traction Control System (TCS) helps reduce engine power the moment it detects slippage. The sensitivity of the system is more relaxed in straight-line situations to allow adequate power transfer, while the limits are tightened in cornering, where traction is of paramount importance. Last but not least, ACC is switched to the more defensive "Eco" driving profile when in Snow mode.
Offroad mode offers similar throttle and transmission characteristics to Snow mode, adding manual control of transmission shifting via Tiptronic(R) (only the throttle kickdown switch will force a downshift). The Start/Stop system is switched off in this mode, and ACC operates normally. The ESC system is relaxed to help avoid false positives often encountered off-road, and Hill Descent Control is automatically activated on gradients of more than 10 percent. It functions up at speeds between 1.2 mph and 19 mph, and is adjustable via brakes or throttle.
With unique Offroad ABS programming, the wheels can lock up briefly before the system reduces the brake pressure. This allows time for a small wedge of material from the ground (such as gravel or sand) to build up in front of the wheel, thus helping increase the braking effect. This means that the car still remains steerable while its stopping distance is substantially reduced.
Custom Offroad mode allows the driver to alter the steering, engine and gearbox behavior, as well as Hill Descent Assist and Hill Start Assist.
Chassis
Mounted in a lightweight, one-piece strengthened steel subframe, the Tiguan's strut-type front suspension has lower control arms and long-travel coil springs. At the rear, the robust four-link system was designed to cope with the rigors of driving off paved roads and to accommodate the available 4Motion all-wheel drive.
Electro-mechanical power steering with variable assistance contributes to the Tiguan's fun-to-drive character. At highway speeds, the steering becomes firm and direct, while at parking speeds, assistance is increased. The Tiguan boasts a turning radius of just 37.7 feet.
An impressive braking system matches the Tiguan's athletic performance. At the front there are 13.4-inch -diameter vented discs, with 11.8-inch-diameter solid discs at the rear. The system features a brake disc drying feature to help remove water from the rotors to optimize wet-weather braking, as well as Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA). All Tiguan models also feature an electronic parking brake.
Safety
To help protect occupants, the Tiguan provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It features six airbags as standard (front and side airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions), along with a number of electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
A standard feature on the 2019 Tiguan is Volkswagen's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact-the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps address this, in certain crash scenarios, by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus potentially reducing residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.
The Tiguan also includes Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.
All Tiguan models feature a standard rearview camera.
Driver-Assistance Systems
To meet the demands of American drivers, the 2019 Tiguan offers a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology. Available features include: Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist); Park Distance Control; High Beam Control (Light Assist); and Overhead View Camera (Area View).
Front Assist, standard on SE and higher models and available in the Driver Assistance package for Tiguan S, is intended to warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles and pedestrians, and in some cases provide automatic braking assistance (Autonomous Emergency Braking).
Within physical system limits, Forward Collision Warning warns the driver of potential critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a warning symbol in the instrument cluster if the car is traveling above 18 mph. Furthermore, an automatic jolt of the brakes can warn the driver of the danger. If the driver fails to brake, or if the car is traveling below 18 mph, Autonomous Emergency Braking is activated to help slow the vehicle. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure is increased by the system (Braking Support).
Blind Spot Monitor is standard on SE and higher models and available in the Driver Assistance package for Tiguan S. Blind Spot Monitor uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and is intended to warn drivers of potential danger in adjacent lanes. If the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change while a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system utilizes a flashing LED symbol in the outer area of the side mirrors. Even if the driver does not use a turn signal, the LED symbol in the mirror will illuminate if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. The system is designed to help alert drivers in specific situations; stationary objects or oncoming vehicles do not trigger warnings, nor do vehicles more than one lane across away from the vehicle.
If combined with Lane Assist (SEL Premium, see below) the system not only warns the driver with the flashing LED symbol if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, but within system limits, it can also countersteer to help keep the car in the lane even if the turn signal is on. If the driver still tries to steer out of the lane, the system will warn with an additional vibration of the steering wheel.
Standard on SE and higher models and available in the Driver Assistance package for Tiguan S, the Rear Traffic Alert system is intended to detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing. It offers a sizable range of about 65 feet on either side of the vehicle, and will present a visual and an acoustic warning, if a potential collision with a crossing vehicle is detected. If the driver does not react, the system can apply the brakes to help mitigate and, in the best case, can prevent a collision. The system is activated by putting the car in reverse.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), standard on SEL and SEL Premium models, uses a forward facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The driver sets the speed and the desired spacing via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and can further use those buttons to adjust and cancel the ACC function while the accelerator can be used to override the ACC function. Pressing the brakes always cancels the ACC function. All ACC-related system messages appear in the central multifunction display.
When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is clear, the system maintains the set speed. Tiguan models fitted with ACC can match a vehicle in front and come to a stop if the vehicle in front does. The driver can resume ACC control by pressing the accelerator pedal.
Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist) is standard on SEL and SEL Premium models. When driving above 40 mph, if there is an indication that the vehicle is unintentionally straying from its lane without using a turn signal, Lane Assist actively countersteers to help keep the vehicle in the lane. The system's camera recognizes visible lane markings and, using a special algorithm, calculates the risk of the car leaving the lane. If the driver takes his or her hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, the system provides an audible warning and a visual signal in the instrument cluster, asking the driver to take over.
The system is designed to work in the dark and/or in fog, but it will not engage if it cannot properly detect lane markings. If the turn signal has been set before crossing a lane marking, the Lane Assist system will not engage or give a warning. The driver can "override" the system at any time by applying minimal force to the steering wheel.
Park Distance Control, equipped on SEL and SEL Premium models, uses ultrasonic sensors located in the front and rear bumpers to monitor a range of up to approximately five feet in front or behind the vehicle. The system is activated when reverse gear is engaged or below a speed of 9 mph and helps provide guidance when parking or in tight spaces. The system has audible and visual warnings when the car starts to approach parked cars or static objects from the front or rear.
Maneuver Braking, a part of the Park Distance Control system, is intended to mitigate or help prevent collisions with static obstacles to the front and rear while the vehicle is maneuvered. The system is active when reverse gear is selected. If the system detects a stationary object while the vehicle is in reverse and moving between 1-6 mph, it can apply the brakes automatically to help prevent or mitigate a collision. The system can be deactivated at any time using the touch display or permanently in the setup menu.
Two final driver assistance features, both standard on SEL Premium models, help provide drivers with better visibility. High Beam Control (Light Assist) automatically raises the headlamp high beams above 40 mph on dark or poorly lit roads, if there is no oncoming traffic detected. The Overhead View Camera (Area View) uses the car's four cameras to help give you a better view of what is around your vehicle.
Warranty
For the 2019 model year, Volkswagen Tiguan models in the United States will come with the People First Warranty, a six-year or 72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty, the remainder of which can be transferred to a subsequent vehicle owner throughout its duration.
The six-year/72,000-mile People First Warranty includes powertrain coverage for engines, transmissions and optional 4Motion(R) all-wheel-drive systems. Additionally, all the elements of the remaining warranty coverage can be transferred to a subsequent vehicle owner.
Most mainstream competitors to the Volkswagen brand in the United States such as Honda, Toyota and Ford offer only a three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty on their cars and SUVs. While Hyundai and Kia offer a five-year/60,000 mile basic warranty and a higher time and mileage limit on their powertrain limited warranties, if the vehicle is sold to a second owner, the powertrain limited warranty is not transferable beyond five years or 60,000 miles from the date it was first sold new.
COMPETITIVE SET
Chevrolet Equinox
Ford Escape
Honda CR-V
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Toyota RAV4
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state -of-the- art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Atlas, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, e-Golf, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, Golf R, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, and Tiguan Limited vehicles through more than 650 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.