The Tiguan was redesigned in 2018 to allow for a wider, lower stance than the predecessor model. This created a lower lift-in height, making it easier to load cargo. 
 -  Photo by Mike Anitch.

The Tiguan was redesigned in 2018 to allow for a wider, lower stance than the predecessor model. This created a lower lift-in height, making it easier to load cargo.

Photo by Mike Anitch.

The Volkswagen Tiguan compact SUV is growing in popularity with commercial fleets. The Tiguan is now VW’s second best-selling fleet model after the Passat as buyer preferences for compact SUVs and crossovers have increased.

Automotive Fleet recently had an opportunity to test drive the 2019 VW Tiguan equipped with the 2.0L TSI engine with 4 Motion all-wheel drive, and optional third-row seating.

The 2.0L TSI engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, standard for all Tiguan models. The engine can generate 184 hp with a maximum torque of 221 lb.-ft. A Start/Stop system is standard for all Tiguan trims, which helps to improve fuel efficiency.

Many Driver-Friendly Features

The current generation Tiguan was stretched by nearly a foot so that it could accommodate either more cargo or a third row, depending on a fleet’s needs. It is one of the largest compact SUVs with an overall bumper-to-bumper length of 185 inches.

The Tiguan sits on a 109.8-inch wheelbase, which gives it a smooth drive. The longer wheelbase also allowed for bigger side doors, which will make ingress and egress easier for drivers and passengers.

Spacious and Quiet Interior

The 2019 Tiguan stands out for its spacious and quiet interior. The Tiguan’s front seats are firm and supportive enhancing driver comfort for any size employee with its 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support.  

In our three-row model, folding the rear seats created 33 cubic feet of rear cargo space, and that could be 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 upright, there is still 12 cubic feet of cargo space. In the cargo area, tie-down hooks help keep things in place and a handy 12-volt outlet is included.

In three-row model we tested, folding the rear seats created 33 cubic feet of rear cargo space, and that could be expanded to a maximum of 65.7 cubic feet by folding the second row using the levers in the cargo area. 
 -  Photo by Mike Anitch.

In three-row model we tested, folding the rear seats created 33 cubic feet of rear cargo space, and that could be expanded to a maximum of 65.7 cubic feet by folding the second row using the levers in the cargo area.

Photo by Mike Anitch.

Impressive Safety Suite

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 other electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Stability Control.

A standard feature on the 2019 Tiguan is Volkswagen’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. In addition, the Tiguan offers a comprehensive suite of available driver-assistance technology, such as 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). All Tiguan models feature a standard rearview camera.

For the 2019 model-year, the Volkswagen Tiguan comes with a six-year or 72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper new vehicle limited warranty, and a six-year/72,000-mile powertrain warranty. The remaining warranty coverage can be transferred to a subsequent vehicle owner.

2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Specs:

  • Engine: 2.0L TSI engine (184 hp, 221 lb.-ft.)
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • All-wheel drive: Optional on all trims
  • Rear cargo space: 33 cu.-ft. and 65.7 cu.-ft. with second row seating

Related Photos: 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

About the author
Mike Antich

Mike Antich

Former Editor and Associate Publisher

Mike Antich covered fleet management and remarketing for more than 20 years and was inducted into the Fleet Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Global Fleet of Hal in 2022. He also won the Industry Icon Award, presented jointly by the IARA and NAAA industry associations.

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