The results of Cars.com’s (NYSE: CARS) 2019 Compact SUV Challenge are in, and the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan was named “Best Compact SUV of 2019” for the second time in a row. The 2019 Tiguan competed against six strong contenders for the top rank in the Cars.com Compact SUV Challenge and won over judges with its comprehensive package of exceptional driving dynamics, a comfortable and quiet interior, and a sophisticated multimedia system.
“The Tiguan returns as champion of the challenge based on the strength of how it drives while giving up nothing in roominess, media, safety tech and cabin comfort for it,” said Cars.com Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Newman. “The Tiguan’s win is a decisive victory against the newest and best-selling in the class. It topped or tied in a staggering nine out of 16 categories: front seats, rear seats, multimedia and controls, interior quality, powertrain, handling, noise, cargo storage and child-seat fitment.”
“We redesigned the Tiguan from the ground up last year to meet the needs of American drivers and their families,” said Scott Keogh, CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “Being named ‘Best Compact SUV’ twice in succession is validation that Tiguan is a serious competitor in the segment.”
The Compact SUV Challenge focused on SUVs updated or redesigned since Cars.com’s last compact SUV test in 2017. Higher-end trim levels were targeted with a list price spanning $34,000to $40,000. Every SUV included all-wheel drive, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a moonroof, in-dash navigation, dual automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and all but one had Android Auto. Scoring categories included front- and backseat comfort and amenities, interior quality, cargo provisions, fuel economy, child-safety seat fitment, safety and autonomous features, powertrain, handling, braking, ride quality, noise and value. Testing resulted in the following ranking:
- 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL Premium R-Line
- 2019 Subaru Forester Touring
- 2019 Hyundai Tucson Ultimate
- 2019 Honda CR-V Touring
- 2019 Toyota RAV4 Limited
- 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited
- 2019 Nissan Rogue SL
Starting at $25,290 with destination for the front-wheel-drive S, the 2019 Tiguan is available in seven trim levels: S, SE, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line Black, SEL Premium and SEL Premium R-Line. Every Tiguan comes with a bumper-to bumper People First Warranty, which provides coverage for six years or 72,000 miles (whichever occurs first) and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration.
