2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo adds extra oomph to Volkswagen's all-new compact SUV
04/16/2025
Volkswagen
Today, Volkswagen of America Inc. unveiled the all-new 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo, which will be the nameplate's top trim beginning in Model Year 2026. The Tiguan Turbo takes all the great features of the 2025 Tiguan-bolder styling, a refined, high-quality interior, and an advanced infotainment system-but adds 67 more horsepower to give the vehicle a more sporting character.
Under the hood, the Tiguan Turbo features a more powerful version of the EA888 evo5 turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-liter TSI(R) engine that powers the rest of the Tiguan range. The engine makes 268 horsepower at 5500 rpm, an increase of 67 hp over the other models, while torque increases from 207 pound-feet to 258 lb-ft, delivered between 1900 and 5400 rpm.
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 four-cycle engine, and runs on regular gasoline.
The Tiguan Turbo powerplant also benefits from several changes shared with the lower power engine, such as higher fuel injection pressure, raised from 5,076 psi (350 bar) to 7,252 psi (500 bar). There are further tweaks to the intake, intercooler, and lubrication system, including a higher-displacement vane-type oil pump. Changes to reduce friction include optimized chain drives for the cams and oil pump. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Tiguan Turbo has standard 4Motion(R) all-wheel drive.
In addition to the power upgrade, third-generation Tiguan models weigh up to around 170 pounds less than the outgoing model, helping both fuel economy and acceleration. EPA-estimated fuel economy is not yet available and will be released at a later time. The weight savings are in large part due to the use of lightweight materials in the body structure and suspension, as well as to changes to the braking system.
The new-for-2025 Tiguan has been fully redesigned on the MQB evo platform with all-new sheet metal that features a shorter rear overhang and bold and expressive styling that has a higher, more powerful nose than the second-generation Tiguan. The Tiguan Turbo features an LED light bar and illuminated logo that creates a distinctive light signature, along with slimmer, more contemporary headlights. The profile is more athletic, thanks to a curved undercut above the front fenders that leads into a powerful shoulder line. At the back, the roofline is extended by a spoiler that helps to optimize aerodynamics, along with side flow elements in the D-post and air curtains in the front bumper. A rear LED light bar and illuminated logo mirror the front design, and a black roof is standard on Tiguan Turbo models.
The Tiguan Turbo boasts 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and a striking color palette that includes three new options introduced for 2025, including Avocado Green Pearl, Sandstone Uni and Monterey Blue Pearl, adding a vibrant touch to the vehicle's bold styling.
Moving into the cabin, the vehicle showcases the best of the new Tiguan's interior enhancements, such as premium materials like genuine American walnut wood decor, a wrapped and double-stitched center console, and upgraded Varenna leather seating surfaces. The gear shifter has now been moved onto the steering column, freeing up space for a large center console that enhances storage in the cabin. The Tiguan is offered exclusively in a two-row configuration for the North American region.
The third-generation Tiguan benefits from a next-gen infotainment system and user interface for a tech-forward experience. The next generation of Volkswagen's 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system is standard, and a new central infotainment system with MIB4 technology features a standard 15.0-inch display on this top trim. A Driving Experience Dial located in the center console allows for easy adjustment of volume along with Drive Mode Select and the new Atmospheres feature, which combines synchronized ambient lighting and audio settings.
The top-trim Tiguan features an impressive array of standard comfort and convenience features. Wireless charging and App-Connect ensure seamless connectivity, while 3-zone Climatronic(R) Touch automatic climate keeps occupants comfortable. Other standard upscale features include a head-up display, 30-color ambient lighting, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon(TM) sound system, a power Easy/Open Close tailgate, 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.
Volkswagen continues to prioritize passenger safety as a cornerstone of its brand identity. The third-generation Tiguan introduces four new airbags-driver knee, center, and rear side airbags, for a total of 10-and includes VW's safety-enhancing IQ.DRIVE(R) 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.
Availability and pricing of the all-new 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo will be announced closer to launch this Fall.