Volkswagen came to the New York International Auto Show to reveal its all-new 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo. The new model will be marque’s flagship trim beginning with the 2026 model year. Fittingly, its more powerful and sportier than the rest of the Tiguan lineup, VW officials noted.
The 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo will be the new flagship for the line when it hits showrooms later this year.
The biggest change for the 2026 version of the Tiguan’s top model is the big powertrain upgrade. Powered by a new version of its 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, it puts out 268 horsepower than 51 lb-ft of torque. It an increase of 67 ponies compared to the rest of the Tiguan lineup.
The improved performance compared with the base engine comes from a number of changes. The engine has a larger turbocharger that enables higher boost pressure, combined with a lower 10.5 to one compression ratio. Internally, the engine benefits from stronger pistons and connecting rods, as well as a nitrided crankshaft.
The engine also has oil cooling for the pistons, as well as variable valve lift on both the intake and exhaust side. It still uses Miller-cycle technology to help improve fuel economy compared to a conventional 4-cycle engine, and runs on regular gasoline, officials note.
More than just power
While the increased horsepower may be the big story with the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line, it’s not the only one. The 2025 model is built on VW’s MQB evo platform. The all-new sheet metal gets a shorter rear overhang and new, more expressive styling on the rest of the body that makes it stand out.
The biggest change for the 2026 version of the Tiguan’s top model is the big powertrain upgrade.
The goal was to not only make the 2026 drive more athletically, but also to make it appear more nimble, quick and responsive than the standard-issue model. Designers used an LED light bar and illuminated VW logo on the front end to give it a unique look.
At the rear of the Tiguan Turbo, the black roof features a spoiler that is more aesthetic than functional while the rear liftgate gets a lighting treatment mirroring the front end. The entire look is leaner, meaner and more assertive.
Helping to unify the overall look, the Tiguan Turbo rides on 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. It also enjoys a compelling choice of exterior colors, including three new options introduced for 2025: Avocado Green Pearl, Sandstone Uni and Monterey Blue Pearl.
Pretty on the inside
New vehicles aren’t “new” unless they’re swathed in premium materials and loads of technology. Good news! VW’s done both with the Tiguan Turbo featuring genuine American walnut wood décor, a wrapped and double-stitched center console and Varenna leather seating — an upgrade from the rest of the lineup.
Powered by a new version of its 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, it puts out 268 horsepower.
It’s important to know the Tiguan is no longer offered as a three-row SUV. For years, you could eschew all-wheel drive to get the additional seats, making it one of the smallest utes with that capability — and among the least expensive, which is an appealing financial proposition. However, that is no more, it’s a two-row, five-passenger sport utility.
All five passengers enjoy a slew of creature comforts that make a trip of any length more palatable, including wireless phone charging as well as App-Connect to make it easier for your smartphone to connect to your vehicle. There is also three-zone Climatronic Touch automatic climate control features to keep everyone at just the right temperature.
Gaining access to what used to be the third row, is gained by using a power Easy/Open Close tailgate. Also once you’re in the driver’s seat, you can experience 12-way power front seats with quilted leather seating surfaces and 10-point full-back massage and ventilation, heated rear outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel.
More Tiguan News
- Volkswagen Unleashes Faster, Stronger, Stingier Tiguan for 2025
- Volkswagen Offers Early Look at Tiguan Debuting at LA Auto Show
- A Week With: 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line
Safe and fun
The third-generation Tiguan benefits from a next-gen infotainment system and user interface for a tech-forward experience, VW says. A 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system is standard, and a new central infotainment system with MIB4 technology features a standard 15-inch display on this top trim.
New vehicles aren’t “new” unless they’re swathed in premium materials and loads of technology.
New vehicles aren’t fun if you cannot select a driving mode and the with the Driving Experience Dial located in the center console, you can do just that in the new Tiguan Turbo. You can also easily adjust the infotainment system volume along and the new Atmospheres feature, which combines synchronized ambient lighting and audio settings.
Feeling warm and fuzzy is good, but knowing you’re safe is critical, and this version of the Tiguan gets four new airbags to drive that point home. Driver knee, center, and rear side airbags bring the total number in the vehicle to 10. Those passive safety technologies are supplemented by VW’s IQ.Drive driver assistance technology.
IQ.Drive includes Travel Assist (level 2-ready semi-automated driving assistance); Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring); Active Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go; Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System); and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency).
Light Assist, Park Distance Control, Exit Warning and Park Assist Plus are all standard on Tiguan Turbo. VW officials didn’t reveal any pricing details, but did say the new model would be available this fall.
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