2019 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SEL strikes an excellent balance of refined performance, German engineering, upscale comfort, and top‐tier safety—yet remains surprisingly practical and affordable on the used market. Its turbocharged 2.0 L four-cylinder delivers a spirited 184 hp and smooth eight-speed automatic, while EPA ratings near 25 MPG combined keep fuel costs in check even on longer drives Cars.comEdmunds. Inside, passengers enjoy 37.6 cu ft of cargo space behind the second row (expandable to over 70 cu ft**) and a roomy, well-crafted cabin with genuine soft‐touch materials EdmundsU.S. News Cars. Safety is class-leading: the Tiguan earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status when equipped with optional front crash prevention, with “Superior” forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking performance IIHS Crash TestingCars.com. Reliability scores are solid—77/100 in J.D. Power’s Quality & Reliability Study—with strong predicted resale, retaining approximately 59% of original value after three years J.D. PowerKbb.com. Below are the key reasons to choose this model:

Performance & Efficiency

The Tiguan’s 2.0 T turbocharged engine makes 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, offering confident acceleration and smooth highway merging Cars.com. This powerplant is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that shifts seamlessly, enhancing both performance and fuel economy Cars.com. EPA-rated at 22 MPG city and 29 MPG highway (≈25 MPG combined), the SEL trim balances fun driving dynamics with efficiency—ideal for daily commutes and weekend getaways alike Edmunds. In real-world testing, drivers often see close to EPA figures, with combined averages around 24 MPG on varied routes Cars.com.

Comfort & Practicality

The SEL’s upscale interior features include dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel—all controlled via an intuitive touchscreen interface U.S. News Cars. Cargo capacity is 37.6 cu ft behind the rear seats and can expand to over 73 cu ft with the 60/40-split second row folded, accommodating everything from groceries to sports gear Edmunds. Seating for five is spacious, with 123.9 cu ft of passenger volume and ample head- and legroom in both rows U.S. News Cars.

Technology & Connectivity

Standard features on the SEL include VW Car-Net® App-Connect with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a 6-speaker audio system, and an available 8-inch digital instrument cluster for seamless connectivity and information access U.S. News Cars. An optional panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, and premier audio upgrades make longer trips more enjoyable and convenient.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Equipped with optional Front Assist (automatic emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring), the Tiguan SEL achieved “Superior” ratings in IIHS front crash prevention tests at both 12 mph and 25 mph IIHS Crash TestingCars.com. It also earned Good ratings in all crashworthiness categories, and features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and rear-cross traffic alert provide comprehensive protection IIHS Crash Testing.

Reliability & Ownership Costs

Volkswagen Tiguan’s J.D. Power quality & reliability score of 77/100 reflects solid owner satisfaction and low incidence of major issues J.D. Power. Maintenance intervals align with competitive peers, and the Tiguan’s 6 year/72,000 mi basic warranty (remaining on many used examples) adds extra peace of mind Edmunds.

Value & Resale

According to Kelley Blue Book, a 2019 Tiguan has depreciated about 41% over three years, with private-party resale values around $13,000—making well-equipped SELs available in the $16,000–$19,000 range depending on mileage and condition Kbb.com. Strong brand recognition and steady demand for compact SUVs help the Tiguan maintain roughly 59% of its original MSRP after three years Kbb.com.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a compact SUV that blends engaging turbocharged performance, refined interior quality, advanced safety, and reasonable ownership costs—and you appreciate German engineering flair—the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SEL delivers on all fronts. With strong resale potential and continued reliability, it represents a savvy investment in both driving enjoyment and long-term value.