First Drive: 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo

Volkswagen delivered an all-new version of its compact Tiguan SUV earlier this year, but it was saving the best for last, at least for those looking for some serious performance. The 2026 VW Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo delivers a surprising 67 hp over the rest of the line-up, while also packing in an assortment of upscale features. Headlight.News has this review.

Ask the average American to name a compact SUV and odds are they’ll suggest either the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, two of the best-selling vehicles in America, whatever segment you’re talking about.

Yet, there are some other solid choices to consider, starting with the Volkswagen Tiguan. The German automaker’s offering has developed a loyal following of its own, making it VW’s best-selling product line in the U.S., but there’s good reason to believe Tiguan could do even better in the coming year.

The new crossover is longer, roomier, sportier and better equipped than the outgoing generation. It’s also got more power, thanks to a fifth-generation engine that, even in base trim, delivers a solid 201 horsepower. But as the first 2026 Tiguans start rolling into showrooms, the automaker pulled an ace out of its sleeve, introducing the most powerful version of the crossover ever offered – while not only adding a 35% increase in power but a full array of features.

What’s new

I got a chance to put the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo through its paces this past week, taking it out on my favorite route through the appropriately named Hell, Michigan – which has some of the best driving roads you’ll find anywhere in the Midwest.

That proved an appropriate place to test out the top-of-the-line Tiguan which, to start with, boosts the output of its 2.0-liter inline-four powertrain to a beefy 268 hp. But here’s the real shock: it does that without sacrificing any fuel economy. Yep, it gets the same EPA rating, 22 mpg City, 29 Highway and 25 Combined, as the lower-powered 2026 Tiguan packages. (More on that shortly.)

This is no stripped-down performance package, however. As the SEL designation makes clear, it’s a well-equipped package adding niceties like a 15-inch touchscreen, a three-zone climate control, a head-up display and an audiophile Harmon Kardon package.

Powertrain

Breaking with our normal review format, let’s focus on the engine, first and foremost. Now, there could be some confusion among those familiar with the Tiguan who are probably saying, “Wait, every Tiguan is a turbo.” Yes, but here it’s writ large to suggest that things have been taken to a new level.

To be clear, the SEL R-Line package starts with the same EA888 2.0-liter inline-four which uses a Miller ignition cycle to maximize performance even while doing the miraculous when it comes to fuel economy. The turbo here is a variable vane package designed to minimize turbo lag at launch. Fuel injection pressure is increased by nearly 50%, to 7,250 PSI, and there are other modifications, like integrating the charge-air cooler into the intake manifold.

The result: not only a bump to 268 horsepower but a much steeper initial surge of torque which peaks at 258 pound-feet. Power is directed through an 8-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. Meanwhile, VW has built in a useful Driver Mode selector that, when shifted into Sport biases torque delivery to the rear wheels.

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Design

The 2026 Tiguan is based off the same MQB evo platform as the GTI and gets all-new sheet metal. While it’s a bit bigger than the outgoing model, shorter overhangs give it a sportier and nimbler appearance. A new LED lightbar and illuminated VW logo add to that effect, especially at night. So do the 20-inch wheels and all-season tires – the rest of the line-up settling for 17, 18 and 19-inch rubber.

One thing that’s changed for 2026 with the Tiguan family: it’s no longer available with a three-row option. All versions are two-row this generation. But that translates into an extremely roomy 5-passenger cabin, especially when compared to the cramped cabins offered by some key competitors.

The SEL R-Line delivers what you’d expect inside, a mix of premium materials like genuine American walnut wood décor, a wrapped and double-stitched center console and Varenna leather seating, all distinguishing it from more plebian packages. That said, there’s a big difference from what front and rear passengers see, with much more hard plastics surrounding rear seat occupants.

Comfort and technology

As all this might suggest, the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-L Turbo is loaded with comfort and technology features, including 12-way power front seats with heating, ventilation and even back massage. There’s a heated steering wheel and the outboard rear seats also are heated. Add to the list a tri-zone climate control system and 30-color ambient lighting.

A particularly welcome upgrade: large storage nooks and compartments virtually everywhere you look. There’s also an easy-access system to automatically open the tailgate without fishing for your keys.

Wireless charging is standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The head-up display also comes standard in this trim. The 12-speaker Harman Kardon auto system is another big plus.

In terms of safety gear, this Tiguan package adds two new airbags, for a total of 10. There’s the standard package of smart driver assistance systems, dubbed IQ.Drive, as well as driver-assisted lane change.

Driving impressions

Though I didn’t have the opportunity to put the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-L Turbo through a formal test, a rough calculation suggested I was getting 0-60 launches of around, if not just under, 7 seconds. That compares favorably with the best I’ve seen in the mainstream compact SUV segment.

Power comes on quickly, whether you’re blasting off at a stoplight, executing a pass or merging into a fast-moving freeway.

My Tiguan really proved itself worthy during the drive along the tight and windy – often rough and off-camber – roads through Hell. There was surprisingly little body roll, steering provided good roll feel and, even on jouncier portions of pavement, handling was entirely predictable.

While I’ve yet to check out some of the latest competitors – notably the plug-in hybrid version of the new 2026 Toyota RAV4 – the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo clearly lives up to the sort of driving dynamics that help differentiate Volkswagen products.

Pricing and availability

Along with the rest of the 2026 Tiguan line-up, you’ll start finding the SEL R-Line Turbo in VW dealerships across the U.S. in the coming weeks and can already plunk down a deposit.

The base version of the crossover starts at $30,805 – before you add in a $1,475 delivery fee. Going AWD boosts that to $32,305. The SEL R-L Turbo jumps to $43,805 before delivery fees. But remember that you’ll be getting plenty of welcome features, along with the boosted turbo engine for that money.

You can save about $4,300 if you want the 201 hp version of the SEL R-Line.

As for key competitors: Honda and Toyota both rely on high-mileage hybrids, rather than turbos, to deliver maximum performance. The reasonably comparable Honda CR-V AWD Sport Touring Hybrid, at 204 hp, is $2,300 cheaper. We’ll have to wait for final pricing on the most comparable version of the redesigned 2026 Toyota RAV4’s GR package, with its plug-in hybrid driveline, but the VW is nearly $600 less expensive than the RAV4 Hybrid Limited.

There are reasons to consider the always reliable Honda and Toyota models, of course. But when it comes to adding some passion to the driving experience, the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-L Turbo is clearly worth checking out.