NEW YORK — The wraps have come off of the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan Turbo here at the 2025 New York Auto Show.
Technically speaking, the car is called the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo.
Whatever you call it, it has more zoot than the non-caffeinated Tiguan.
If you want the extra get-up-and-go on the Tiguan, you’ll note that this will be the top trim for the lineup. You’ll also have to wait — it’s a 2026 model-year vehicle.
This Tiggy takes the 2025 redesign and adds 67 horsepower to the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. That brings it up to 268 ponies at 5,500 RPM, while torque takes a jump from 207 lb-ft to 258 lb-ft of twist. Peak torque is available from 1,900 RPM to 5,400 RPM.
(Full disclosure: Volkswagen is hosting my travel to NYC, so that I could see the Tiguan Turbo up close and talk to VW personnel about it.)
The additional power is achieved via a bunch of tweaks. The turbo is larger with higher boost pressure and the compression ratio drops to 10.5:1. The pistons and connecting rods are strengthened and the crankshaft is nitrided. It remains Miller cycle as VW works to make sure fuel economy isn’t dented. This engine uses regular gas.
Other changes affecting both versions of the engine include higher fuel-injection pressure and tweaks to the intake, oil pump, and intercooler.
All-wheel drive is standard and the transmission is an eight-speed automatic.
The use of lighter-weight materials allows the Tiguan to shed about 170 pounds.
Selecting this trim will get you 20-inch wheels, a choice of three new available exterior colors, and an upscale cabin with upgrade leather seats.
Available features will include wireless charging, smartphone mirroring, tri-zone climate control, head-up display, Harman Kardon audio, ambient interior lighting with 30 color choices), power tailgate, 12-way power front seats, massaging front seats, cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, and heated rear outboard seats.
The airbag count jumps to 10, and VW’s IQ.Drive suite of advanced driver-assist features is a standard part of the package — and that will include, in this application, a semi-automated driving system.
Pricing will be announced this fall as Volkswagen prepares for launch.
[Images: Volkswagen]
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