The Tiguan got a complete redesign for 2018 from Volkswagen. It got much bigger and much more North American - including an optional third row - in order to try and build appeal for the model in this SUV-hungry market. It goes along with the company's larger Arteon in that effort to pick up buyers who are crossing over from cars to something a little larger.
Though it's grown, it still competes with compact crossovers like Honda's CR-V and Toyota's RAV4. But the larger size means that it'll likely get cross-shopped with Hyundai's three-row Santa Fe, Kia's Sorento, the Nissan Rogue, and other larger two-row models like the Chevrolet Equinox.
With it being all-new just last year, there aren't big changes for 2019. Or likely any changes that you'll notice, but Volkswagen has added cloth inserts to the rear door of base Trendline and leatherette to Comfortline and Highline. The former gets a power liftgate and the latter adds remote start.
The Tiguan is loaded with available high-tech features. Like the available virtual cockpit customizable digital dash. Borrowed from its corporate sibling at Audi. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are part of the list of standard features as well.
There is one engine choice for the Tiguan, along with a single gearbox. But it's offered in front or all-wheel drive on base Trendline, all-wheel drive only on the higher two trims. It's a turbocharged 2.0L four that makes 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque along with an eight-speed auto. Front-drive means 10.6 L/100 km city, 8.7 highway and AWD is rated at 11.3/8.8.
Trendline comes with 17-inch alloys, six-way manually adjusted front seats, automatic headlights, LED running lights, and start/stop tech. It's offered with a convenience pack that offers tinted windows, heated front seats, and a cargo cover but loses the leather wheel, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, fog lights, and satellite radio it came with last year.
Comfortline adds eight-way power adjustment to the driver's seat, chrome accents in and out, dual-zone climate, keyless access with push-start, leatherette seats, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen. An upgrade of the infotainment system to add navigation and three USB ports is optional as is a power moonroof. Finally, Highline boasts 18-inch alloys, the navigation system, a heated steering wheel, Fender audio system, LED adaptive headlights, and the digital cockpit. Adaptive cruise with a 360-degree camera and lane assist are optional, as is an R-Line package with 19-inch alloys and special trim and badging.
