This week I bring you the first-ever 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan Turbo SEL R Line - the new range-topper of the Tiguan lineup. VW's best-selling vehicle in America received an outstanding all-new redesign inside and out for 2025. The big news this model year is the new Tiguan Turbo variant that gives the lineup the power it deserves and to that I say Hallelujah!
Exterior
If you read my 2025 Tiguan review, you know I raved about its redesigned upscale exterior. Wow does it look great on the road.
I love it in my tester's Monterey Blue Pearl hue set against the R line's 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Up front, slim headlights light the way and in back a spoiler optimizes aerodynamics. Tiguan Turbo models feature an LED light bar and illuminated logo both in the front and rear along with a black roof.
The R Line is equipped with exclusive bumpers and trim, and VW logo projector lighting on the front doors.
Perfomance
The powertrain is what sets the Tiguan Turbo apart- delivering the horsepower boost the standard variant sorely needed. The Turbo is outfitted with a more powerful version of turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-liter TSI engine that powers the rest of the lineup. Tweaks boost horsepower significantly to 268 from 201. Torque gets an increase from 207 pound-feet to 258. The engine is paired with 8-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Motion all-wheel drive. All this said, power feels markedly better than the standard variant and this is definitely the powertrain you want.
Interior
VW throws everything at the top-range Tiguan Turbo cabin. It is impressive! I'm talking near-luxury here thanks to all of its convenience features. 12-way quilted leather, power front seats are heated and ventilated.
A 10-way front seat massage system is truly one of the best in-car massage systems I've experienced - especially at this price point. Other features include a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel, 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system with aluminum speakers, vibrant 30-color ambient lighting, power panoramic sunroof and rear outboard heated seats.
The two-toned roomy cabin features soft-touch surfaces, real walnut wood trim and R Line steering wheel and door sill badging. VW's vastly improved the entire quality of cabin with better materials with this new generation. A slim, minimalistic center console with cupholders features a new-for-this-generation Driving Experience Dial that serves two functions: volume control and Drive Mode Select (and there are six to choose from). You can switch between functions by pressing the top of the dial. The gear shifter is located on the steering wheel column. You'll find a wireless charger sleeve in the storage bin - which to me is inconvenient.
Technology is terrific in the Tiguan. VW's next-gen 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system is standard, as is a large 15-inch display with VW's next-gen MIB4 multimedia system. It's where you'll control climate functions and a new Atmospheres feature with five synchronized music and lighting settings to choose from. Screen resolution, graphics, voice command and responsiveness are all impressive. The Tiguan Turbo also boasts an overhead view camera. A third display is not a passenger display but part of the ambient lighting system.
A spacious second row features two-toned quilted leather seats and soft-touch front seat backs. Outboard rear seats are heated. Passengers have access to air vents, a drop-down center armrest with two cupholders, and USB-C ports.
A power easy/open close tailgate reveals a roomy cargo area - and by that I mean you can fit an entire straw bale in there. There is also a removable privacy cover. A lever releases the fold-down 2nd-row seats.
A few other notes - my mom went for a ride and gave her thumbs up to the door grab handles which helped with ease of entry and she also thought the seatbelt latches were easy to reach and user-friendly.
Safety
VW's IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology is excellent - very impressive handling of highway curves - and wow does it display wonderfully in the digital driver cluster! I do wish it was more intuitive to enable from the steering wheel.
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.
Ride and Drive
Acceleration feels great in the Tiguan Turbo- and I'm happy to report the engine isn't too loud. On the down side, the ride isn't terribly refined and the suspenion is on the stiffer side.
If you like looser steeing you'll enjoy the Tiguan's driving experience - I myself prefer tighter and sportier handling. Six drive modes include Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, Off-Road and Snow. Visibility is great thought thanks to 7-inches of ground clearance.
Verdict
The Tiguan Turbo is an excellent small SUV that really stands out in its class. While its ride and drive could bear a bit more refinement, its upscale interior and power boost along with its outstanding technology and driver assistance features make this one a top contender in its segment.
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan Turbo
- What I liked most: More powerful engine, exterior looks, technology and an upscale interior that wows
- What I would change: Refine the ride experience, rethink the wireless charger.
- MSRP: Base price $43,085. As equipped: $45,015.
- Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.6 gallons with fuel filler on the passenger side.
- Official Color: Monterey Blue Pearl.
- Odometer reading when tested: Unknown.
- Weight: 4,017 curb.
- Spare Tire: Compact Spare.
- Length-Width-Height: 184.4” long/73” wide/66.5” high.
- Towing Capacity: 1,800 pounds.
- 2026 VW Tiguan Turbo SEL R-Line in a few words: If you are going to put a Tiguan in your driveway, this is the one.
- Warranty: 4-years/50,000 miles New Vehicle Limited Warranty; 7-years,100,000-miles Corrosion Perforation.
- Final Assembly Location: Puebla, Mexico.
- Manufacturers website: Volkswagon
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