Overview The Volkswagen Tiguan compact SUV has carved out a niche for itself in a competitor-rich segment loaded with excellent choices. It lost none of its trademark European flair in its 2025 update, and its mission to provide a lively driving experience gets a boost for 2026 with the addition of the new range-topping SEL R-Line Turbo trim packing a 268-hp version of its turbocharged four-cylinder. Inside, there’s room for five (the previous generation’s option third row is no longer available), contemporary infotainment functionality, and upscale options including leather upholstery and wood trim. And it’s all wrapped in stylish sheetmetal that radiates some Teutonic personality in a segment where conformity is the default. What’s New for 2026?More Power! Volkswagen has spiced up the Tiguan with a new SEL R-Line Turbo trim that replaces the former top-tier SEL R-Line. Packing a cranked-up version of its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine making 268 horsepower, an increase of 67 over the base model, it gets standard all-wheel drive. Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan is expected to start around $31,000 and go up to $46,000 depending on the trim and options.S$31,000 (est)SE$34,000 (est)SE R-Line Black$37,000 (est)SEL R-Line Turbo$46,000 (est)While sensible types will find the SE R-Line the perfect blend of German utility and sportiness with satisfactory power, we can’t resist the allure of the new SEL R-Line Turbo model and its 268-hp engine. Though official pricing won’t be available until closer to the 2026 Tiguan’s fall 2025 launch, we already feel the powerful engine is money well spent. We’ll update the pricing schedule here as soon it’s available.Engine, Transmission, and Performance The new Tiguan benefits from that age-old equation that brings warmth to the heart of any enthusiast: More power and less weight, and it gets even better for 2026. Specifically, VW’s trusty turbocharged 201-hp 2.0-liter continues for the lower trims while the new SEL R-Line Turbo arrives packing 268 ponies. An eight-speed automatic transmission handles gear swaps for both engines. All trims benefit from an overall weight reduction of approximately 170 pounds thanks to the increased use of aluminum in the suspension components and high-strength steel in the freshly crafted sheetmetal. We’ll update this space after we’ve taken the 2026 Tiguan for a drive.0–60-MPH TimesWhile it’s hard to estimate how much the reduced weight and power bump will pay off in terms of acceleration, the previous Tiguan required a leisurely 8.2 seconds to hit 60 mph. We expect the base 2026 model to shave a few tenths off that time and the new SEL R-Line Turbo to do much better, landing in the high sixes or low sevens. More on the Tiguan SUVInterior, Comfort, and CargoThe added length of the new Tiguan makes for a more practical compact crossover. The additional cargo space is a huge plus, but the Tiguan will no longer offer a third row. The new Tiguan moves the gearshift lever to the column to make room for a larger console with increased storage space, and overall material quality gets a boost—including available leather upholstery and genuine wood accents. Power-adjustable massaging and ventilated seats are on the menu, as are a heated steering wheel and three-zone climate control. The second-row seats are a 60/40 split, which allows either one or two seats to remain available for passengers when additional cargo space is needed.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityThe new Tiguan gets a standard 12.9 infotainment touchscreen, but a larger 15.0-inch screen is available, and both run the latest version of Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit Pro system software. Thankfully, the rotary volume knob remains, as does physical control for the drive modes. Wireless device charging is standard, and niceties including a head-up display and a premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon are available. How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesThe 2025 Tiguan benefits from the addition of four airbags—driver knee, center, and rear side—for a total of 10. As before, all Tiguans get standard forward-collision alert with automatic braking and a blind-spot warning system. For more information about the Tiguan’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with forward collision warning
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Towing and Payload Capacity
- Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Source: caranddriver.com
