2026 VW Tiguan adds a hottie to the lineup
Published 10:00 pm Friday, July 3, 2026
Volkswagen thoroughly restyled its appealing Tiguan compact SUV for 2026, introducing a third generation of the brand’s best-selling vehicle.
On the heels of that momentous occasion, VW launched the Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo as the new top-tier trim, replacing the SEL R-Line.
The new SEL R-Line Turbo doesn’t just sit atop the other trims, it stands apart. Equipped with a seriously enhanced 2.0-liter EA888 Evo 5 engine, it packs a punch with 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. 4Motion all-wheel drive is standard.
Inside the Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo, premium features abound, including a 15-inch floating touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio system, a striking R-Line heated steering wheel with paddle shifters, front seats with heat, ventilation and 10-point massage, handsome white stitching and piping throughout. A beautiful strip of genuine American walnut wood trim runs the length of the dashboard. Very Well Made sums up the ambience.
For 2026, VW has dropped the Tiguan’s third row, leaving two rows with an outstanding amount of room for occupants and a gigantic cargo area. With the rear seats in upright position, cargo capacity is 33.8 cubic feet; fold the automatic rear seats with the touch of a button and capacity expands to an impressive 69.8 cubic feet.
The extravagant infotainment system’s 15-inch touchscreen is crisp and clear. Graphics are excellent. That Harman Kardon sound system is dreamy.
The climate system, however, is a spoiler. It’s blended into the touchscreen and has sliders for controls. There are workarounds, but still too complicated and unfriendly for such a basic and important function.
Now, about that hottie engine: Powerful acceleration from a standstill is smoothly instantaneous with no unpleasant lunging forward. Once under way, big-time power is always on tap to meet demands for it.
The EPA rating for the Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo is 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. In great news, premium fuel is not required. It isn’t even recommended. Volkswagen designed this powerful SUV to run fine on regular unleaded gasoline. If you insist on serving it premium gas, it won’t hurt anything other than your budget.
The Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo’s ride is on the firm side but far from rough. On my regular route on Highway 2 from the Cascade Foothills out into the flatlands of populated Snohomish County, there are lots of opportunities to traverse rough pavement. My Tiguan tester maintained civility through it all.
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo
Base Price: $43,085
Price as Driven: $44,560
