2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

It’s no surprise why the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan has caught your attention. This small crossover SUV is a practical family vehicle that offers plenty of creature comforts. While the Tiguan may not be most powerful SUV in the segment, you will appreciate its comfortable ride. Some car shoppers are also drawn to the Tiguan’s refined European styling. A 70,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty gives you another reason to like the new Tiguan.

Although Volkswagen didn’t make any mechanical changes to the new Tiguan, a couple of new trims have been introduced into the lineup. Furthermore, the SUV has a slightly lower starting price this year. Let’s see how the available Tiguan trims compare to each other.

Compare the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan S vs SE Trims. What is the difference?

The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan S is the base model. It has the lowest MSRP in the lineup, which is around $24,295. Powering the Tiguan S is a familiar turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which produces a sufficient 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Volkswagen connects the engine to an eight-speed automatic transmission. While front-wheel drive is standard, you can opt for VW’s 4Motion AWD system. Along with the AWD system comes four driving modes, including snow and off-road settings.

While the front-wheel-drive Tiguan S comes standard with three rows of seats, the AWD version only has two rows. However, you can opt for three-row seating if desired.

While the Tiguan S isn’t flashy, it does have a handsome appearance. Roof rails gives it an adventurous side. LED taillights add a modern touch to the rear fascia. You’ll also appreciate the heated outside mirrors, which help quickly dissolve ice on cold days. Some of the available exterior colors include Silk Blue Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, and Habanero Orange Metallic.

Don’t expect the Tiguan S to have the most technologically advanced interior. Nevertheless, it does provide today’s most popular features. After pairing your smartphone, VW's Car-Net App Connect system will enable you to select mobile apps directly from the 6.5-inch touch screen. This interface supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well. Some of the other standard equipment includes a backup camera, a six-speaker stereo unit, and a USB port. To adjust the driver’s seat, you’ll have to do it manually.

Unfortunately, the new 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan S does not come standard with any advanced driver-assist technologies. However, Volkswagen does offer an optional Driver Assist package. While the forward collision warning system will automatically trigger your brakes when needed, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles. You won’t regret shelling out the extra $450.

In regard to exterior styling, there isn’t a difference between the base S model and the SE trim. However, the Tiguan SE is packed with a greater number of premium features. Instead of the base model’s cloth seating surfaces, you get VW’s more attractive V-Tex leatherette upholstery. Heated front seats help keep you toasty on bitterly cold days. Dual-zone automatic climate control and a power driver’s seat also help improve the Tiguan SE’s everyday comfort. A panoramic sunroof is the SE trim’s main option.

There’s also upgraded technologies inside the Tiguan SE. You will definitely enjoy the larger 8.0-inch infotainment screen, which provides bigger and better graphics. Your family can benefit from the two additional USB ports. Satellite radio, keyless ignition, and voice controls are also found on the Tiguan SE.

Compare the 2019 Tiguan SE vs SEL Trims. What is the difference?

Stepping up to the Tiguan SEL enables you to experience more luxury. It also upgrades the SUV’s styling by adding a better-looking set of 18-inch alloy wheels. Parking sensors and adaptive cruise control help promote a safer ride. Unlike the lower trims, the Tiguan SEL features Car-Net Security & Service. This innovation enables you to remotely access the vehicle from your smartphone and keep a closer eye on teen drivers.

Car-Net Guide & Inform is another one of the Tiguan SEL’s niceties. It provides a lot of valuable information, including real-time traffic updates and local fuel prices. You can also use Car-Net Guide & Inform to access sports scores and the latest weather reports. Some of the Tiguan SEL’s other features include navigation, a power tailgate, and remote start. No options are available for the Tiguan SEL.

Compare the Tiguan SEL vs SEL Premium Trims. What is the difference?

The Tiguan SEL Premium is essentially a nicer version of the Tiguan SEL. While its styling is identical to that of the SEL trim, you’ll be surrounded by more high-end features. While the adaptive LED headlights turn to provide better visibility on rural roads, a 360-degree camera helps you to overcome congested parking areas. Lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and rain-sensing wipers also come equipped on the Tiguan SEL Premium.

When you step inside the Tiguan SEL Premium, expect to notice a more upscale atmosphere. It comes standard with leather upholstery. You will definitely enjoy the VW Digital Cockpit, which replaces the standard gauges with a high-resolution instrument screen. A nine-speaker premium Fender sound system ensure a more fulfilling music-listening experience. The Tiguan SEL Premium provides a heated steering wheel as well.

Compare the Tiguan SEL Premium vs SEL R-Line Trims. What is the difference?

The Tiguan SEL R-Line is one of the newest trims to hit the lineup. While the Tiguan SEL R-Line is similar to that of the regular SEL trim, it does add automatic engine stop/start. From a standpoint of luxurious, the Tiguan SEL R-Line is actually a notch under the SEL Premium trim. You won’t get features like the VW Digital Cockpit gauge cluster or the Fender premium sound system on the SEL R-Line trim.

Despite not packing as many premium features on the inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line does have a sportier appearance. Volkswagen equips the Tiguan SEL R-Line with an exclusive front bumper and a special set of 19-inch alloy wheels. Unique badges also help separate the SEL R-Line trim.

Compare the 2019 Tiguan SEL R-Line vs Premium SEL R-Line Trims. What is the difference?

If you are looking for a nice family vehicle that costs less than $25,000, consider getting the base Tiguan S. It comes loaded with the essentials, including smartphone app integration and Bluetooth streaming. Although the optional Driver Assist package is extra, the Tiguan S still proves to be a solid deal.

The Tiguan SE is not far more expensive than the base model. It provides a good number of creature comforts. Some of the highlights include heated front seats, V-Tex leatherette upholstery, an a larger 8.0-inch touch screen.

If you want more luxury without spending big bucks, consider the Tiguan SEL. It comes equipped with Car-Net Security & Service and Car-Net Guide & Inform. While the SEL R-Line is similarly equipped, it has a sportier look.

While the SEL Premium does not look as sportier as the SEL R-Line, it does provide more great features. The surround-view parking camera and Fender premium sound system are definite highlights. You also can't forget about the highly recommended VW Digital Cockpit. However, this trim has an MSRP in excess of $37,000. You’ll find the sportier-looking Premium SEL R-Line to be just a bit more expensive.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a nice family vehicle that costs less than $25,000, consider getting the base Tiguan S. It comes loaded with the essentials, including smartphone app integration and Bluetooth streaming. Although the optional Driver Assist package is extra, the Tiguan S still proves to be a solid deal.

The Tiguan SE is not far more expensive than the base model. It provides a good number of creature comforts. Some of the highlights include heated front seats, V-Tex leatherette upholstery, an a larger 8.0-inch touch screen.

If you want more luxury without spending big bucks, consider the Tiguan SEL. It comes equipped with Car-Net Security & Service and Car-Net Guide & Inform. While the SEL R-Line is similarly equipped, it has a sportier look.

While the SEL Premium does not look as sportier as the SEL R-Line, it does provide more great features. The surround-view parking camera and Fender premium sound system are definite highlights. You also can't forget about the highly recommended VW Digital Cockpit. However, this trim has an MSRP in excess of $37,000. You’ll find the sportier-looking Premium SEL R-Line to be just a bit more expensive.

2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Key Features

As previously mentioned, the new 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan comes standard with a FWD system. For an extra cost, Volkswagen allows you to opt for its popular 4Motion AWD system. While the Snow mode is great for driving in wintry weather, the Off-Road mode enables you to tackle more challenging terrain. When driving down steep grades, hill descent control will automatically intervene.

Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit gauge cluster is a feature that’s worth the money. It can be customized in a variety of different ways. The high-resolution gauges promise to leave you impressed. You can also use the Digital Cockpit to display navigation maps.

If music is a vital part of your everyday life, you should get more enjoyment out of the available Fender premium audio system. Although this high-end stereo system may not pack as much bass as some rival systems, there’s no denying its high-quality sound. A 480-watt amplifier feeds power to a total of nine speakers. Although the base unit is unlikely to wow serious music fans, it will provide some entertainment on your daily commute.

Fortunately, Volkswagen’s Driver Assist safety package is not too expensive. Even if you are a safe drive, it never hurts to have an extra peace of mind. While a greater number of advanced safety technologies are available on the upper trims, some suffer from a few performance issues. The adaptive cruise control system is often slow to react to upcoming traffic. Some testers have also found the lane-keep assist to be entirely too intrusive at times.