The Volkswagen Tiguan is offered in several different trims ranging from a base S up through SE, SEL, SEL R-Line and top-of-the-line SEL Premium. All trims other than the SEL Premium come standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive as an option, while the SEL Premium comes only in all-wheel drive form.

No matter which model buyers choose, the Tiguan is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, making 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. On all Tiguan models, an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shifting mode is standard. Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive features a mechanical center differential and electronic differential locks, allowing it to transfer power to each wheel independently. The system also includes a variety of driver-selectable modes, including On-Road, Snow, Off-Road and Custom Off-Road. Within On-Road mode are four additional settings: Normal, Sport, Eco and Custom.

The Tiguan is a crossover wagon, and it allows plenty of passenger space plus a mechanical layout that allows it to ride and handle like a compact sedan. A strut-type front suspension and 4-link rear setup keep the wheels in contact with the road, while an electromechanical power steering system provides precise control. The Tiguan includes 4-wheel vented disc brakes, with vented discs in front as well as brake assist and an electronic parking brake.

The base Tiguan S includes a third-row seat, a 6.5-inch touch screen infotainment system, Bluetooth and USB smartphone connectivity, a rearview camera, LED Daytime-running-lights and a 40/20/40 split, sliding, reclining, fold-flat 2nd-row seat. The SE model adds standard 8-inch touchscreen, V-TEX leatherette seats, blind-spot monitoring. SEL Premium models include VW Digital Cockpit, leather seating plus heated front seats, a power driver and passenger seat recline, heated washer nozzles, and adaptive front LED headlights.

Optional equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, a bird's-eye parking camera, keyless entry/start, a hands-free lift gate with walk-away close, and a 12.3-inch customizable digital instrument panel. As for VW's Car-Net infotainment system, stepping up to the subscription-based Security & Service group adds capabilities like remote vehicle lock/unlock, automatic crash notification, and the parent-friendly Family Guardian with features including remote speed and boundary alerts. With heavy praise of its optional autonomous emergency braking system the 2019 Tiguan received an IIHS Top-Safety Award as a top performer in the segment.