Based on everything we’re hearing, this could’ve been called the Tiguan GTI, it just didn’t get plaid seats
- The new Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo makes 268 hp (199 kW) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm)
- That’s a significant 67 hp (49 kW) and 51 lb-ft (69 Nm) boost over the base Tiguan.
- The compact SUV is also some 170 pounds lighter than the outgoing version.
A new generation of the Volkswagen Tiguan is on its way to the US, and it brings more than just a fresh face. VW is giving its compact SUV a meaningful upgrade, especially at the top of the lineup. The flagship trim, known as the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo, gets a significant performance bump, thanks to a revised version of VW’s well-known turbocharged engine. VW says it gives the Tiguan “a more sporting character.” Let’s take a closer look at what’s under the hood and how it sets this Tiguan apart.
First and foremost, the engine is the EA888, a very flexible platform in the VW group’s portfolio. In the Tiguan, it comes in the form of a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that makes 268 hp (199 kW) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm). Well, to be more specific, it’ll only make that figure in the SEL R-Line Turbo, not in the other trims VW will offer when it arrives later this year.
Read: 2025 VW Tiguan Sports Big Upgrades For A Small Price Jump
To get those extra 67 horsepower (49 kW) and 51 lb-ft (69 Nm) over the base version, VW made several hardware upgrades. They include a bigger turbocharger, a lower compression ratio of 10.5 to 1, and stronger internals. That’s right, VW is serious about supporting parts to the point that it added stronger pistons, connecting rods, and a nitrided crankshaft to this engine. Just like the base engine, it leverages a high-injection fuel pump capable of 7,252 psi (500 bar).
Standard on the SEL R-Line Turbo is an eight-speed automatic gearbox and 4Motion all-wheel drive. Those details will be important to those who might get fooled into thinking this is a poor man’s Porsche Macan. While the two cars certainly share some components, including the EA888, the gearbox and AWD systems couldn’t be more different.
VW’s 4Motion is front-wheel-drive biased, while Porsche’s AWD system favors rear-wheel drive bias for more dynamic handling. In addition, Porsche uses its own seven-speed PDK gearbox for quicker shifts. That all said, VW deserves some credit here for answering one of the biggest issues with the outgoing version: no option for more power.
The SEL R-Line Turbo also comes standard with 20-inch wheels and three new colors, including Avocado Green Pearl, Sandstone Uni, and Monterey Blue Pearl
Additionally Confirmed Details
Volkswagen has been teasing the new Tiguan for some time. In fact, in other markets it’s already rolled out as the Tayron. That vehicle measures 4,684 mm (184.4 inches) in length, 1,854 mm (73 inches) in width, and 1,685 mm (66.3 inches) in height, with a 2,791 mm (109.9 inches) wheelbase. The exterior provides what VW calls “bold and expressive styling.”
It’s doing what it can to make the car look (and at least in the case of the SEL R-Line Turbo drive) more sporty than before. It gets LED light bars in both the front and rear along with updated headlamps and tail lights.
The cabin is supposed to be dramatically upscaled, too. The SEL R-Line Turbo gets genuine wood trim, Varenna leather upholstery, VW’s latest infotainment interface, a 15-inch main screen, and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. Tri-zone automatic climate control and wireless mobile connectivity should also make the Tiguan more enjoyable for drivers and passengers. It even comes with 12-way power-adjustable, massage, heating, and ventilation for the front seats. The outboard rear seats also get ventilation.
For now, the automaker isn’t sharing any additional details on pricing or availability. In the meantime, we’ll be driving it next month, so if you have questions about the upcoming Tiguan, drop a comment below.
