Our Rides: Just a Little More Power for Your Tiguan

Dear LGBTQ+ Volkswagen owners and enthusiasts — your SUV has arrived.

A year ago, Volkswagen introduced its third-generation Tiguan in the U.S. It came with a mix of current brand design elements, a bump in standard power, an elevated interior and some fun features that caught everyone’s attention.

However, there was a little surprise that Volkswagen sprung upon potential compact SUV customers. They gave it more power.

How much more?

First, we have to address an apparent trend in this size class. There used to be a strategy that gave smaller SUV consumers a larger and/or more powerful engine option that promised greater towing capacity and a happier throttle. These models seem to be dwindling in numbers. Instead, these other manufacturers began to offer hybrid drivelines instead. The tradeoff is that they’ll offer increased horsepower and fewer emissions with just a slight performance bump.

This is not a knock against hybrid drivelines. They have their benefits, indeed! However, some people believe in horsepower, happier throttles and absolute driving fun.

We’re talking to you Golf GTI, Golf R and Jetta GLI owners!

Volkswagen knows how to get the best power band out of its bread-and-butter engine, the EA888. The basic 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine can be stretched from 188 to 328 horsepower. Each tune is specifically engineered for the vehicle in which it is intended to be installed. A performance tune usually matches the throttle mapping necessary for canyon carving or a blast down a state highway somewhere in our region. Some tunes have to meet the requirements for carrying five to seven people while towing a substantial weight.

This is where the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo comes in. The surprise Volkswagen sprung upon us at last year’s New York International Auto Show. It was the Tiguan we never expected, but we secretly wanted.

This top-of-the-line Tiguan offers a higher power band with an extensive list of standard features, along with a level of luxury that you would not expect in a Tiguan. You could be remiss by calling it a Tiguan GTI or a proper replacement for the Arteon hatchback. Alas, it is neither of them.

Before we go under the hood, we should catch ourselves up on the third-generation Tiguan.

It rides on the newest iteration of the MQB platform. However, the overall exterior design is relatively new. The front clip is a giveaway, owing its influence to the ID.4 and the newest Taos. A large lower grille dominates below the lighting signature above. That LED signature incorporates a pair of headlamp units, a light bar and an illuminated logo.

Some body shapes have morphed from the last generation model to this one. It may look familiar, but you will see some tweaks here and there. When you come to the back, the Tiguan follows brand design trends with a series of LED lighting signatures stretching across the liftgate.

Other than the higher output engine, the 2026 SEL R-Line Turbo adds a set of 20-inch alloy wheels and a turbo badge on the liftgate.

If there is a major development for this newest Tiguan, it would be the interior. This one follows a new elevated design language that can be seen on the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, with a more linear dashboard design incorporating the two major screens. One of them is the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro with its requisite clear information delivery.

The other screen is much larger. On all other Tiguan trim levels, the infotainment touchscreen measures out at 12.9 inches. For the 2026 SEL R-Line Turbo, that screen has been enlarged to 15 inches. Either one facilitates audio, navigation, wireless smartphone mirroring and vehicle functions in one massive visual hub. It is truly a sight for sore eyes.

The new Tiguan offers two new twists to the usual Volkswagen interior design. First off, you will find that the shifter has moved from the center console onto a stalk off the steering column. It operates the same as in the ID.Buzz and ID.4, with a twist knob at the end going between drive and reverse. To put it into park, just press the button at the end of the stalk.

In its place on the center console is the relocated ignition button placed next to a prominent knob. Volkswagen calls it their Driving Experience Dial. It starts off as a volume control for the audio system. Once you press the button/screen in the middle, it becomes your drive mode selector. Flip your finger across the center of the knob one more time, and you have arrived at the Atmospheres feature.

Atmospheres is a way to set the mood of the Tiguan’s cabin. There are several choices. If you’re excited about the world, select “Energetic”; if you just want to chill, select “Lounge”; and so forth.

As for all other controls, there is a skew towards tactile buttons. Only the lighting controls and the slider bar below the infotainment screen remain haptic/soft touch.

Inside the 2026 SEL R-Line Turbo, you are treated to an elevated cabin. Varenna leather upholstery is slathered across both rows of seats. There is a mix of comfort and support up front, while rear seat occupants enjoy spacious and comfortable accommodations. Loading up the back, you start with 33.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. If you need to carry more, fold the rear seatbacks down for a sizeable 69.8 cubic feet of usable space.

On standard Tiguan models, the aforementioned EA888 engine is rated at 201 horsepower — a power increase over the last generation. On the 2026 SEL R-Line Turbo model, horsepower is increased even more to a rated 268. Torque is also up to 258 pound-feet. All Tiguan models receive an eight-speed automatic transmission with a choice of front-wheel or 4Motion all-wheel drive. Our 2026 SEL R-Line Turbo came with the latter as standard.

Let’s cut to the chase … the standard engine is quite powerful. However, the 2026 SEL R-Line Turbo is more so. Acceleration is quick, and cruising is a breeze. There is a trick that will enhance the way you drive with the more powerful engine. A simple change in the drive mode to Sport will firm up the shift points and tighten a few settings up here and there.

If there is a drawback to getting the more powerful 2026 SEL R-Line Turbo, it would be fuel economy. We averaged 23.9 mpg, which was expected based on estimated EPA ratings. If you are concerned about fuel consumption, you will do better in any of the standard Tiguan models.

There is another thing to consider — driving manners. In the Comfort and Eco drive modes, the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo might feel a bit too soft to manage that kind of power. The ride quality was comfortable, nonetheless. We did find a different vibe when we put it into Sport mode. The dampers did not adjust towards a firmer ride; everything else helped to keep this tester under control. Steering was tauter, and braking control was fantastic in Sport mode.

Still, Volkswagen improved the overall driving experience of this new-generation Tiguan. It will reward you when you are taking it on long highway stretches or getting across town without much drama. These days, drama is the last thing we need to deal with.

You have a choice of four trim levels available on the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan. Pricing starts at $30,805. Our SEL R-Line Turbo tester came with a sticker price of $44,560.

What you get for that money is an elevated compact-sized SUV from one of our favorite brands.

The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan brings everything together in a smart package that is still accommodating and practical. If you really want that extra step in your stride, then make the upgrade to the SEL R-Line Turbo. Your choice of Atmospheres included.