Volkswagen used to produce common American automotive patrons with automobiles that have been barely elevated and distinctly European in comparison with American, Japanese, and Korean options with out coming into BMW or Mercedes-Benz territory. The unique Volkswagen Tiguan was praised for its distinctive European refinement, premium inside, and elevated driving expertise à la the GTI. The second technology of the Tiguan ditched the area of interest attraction, and went straight for the phase massive canines just like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Materials high quality and driving expertise dropped down the precedence record and have been usurped by decrease costs, greater measurement, and a squishy journey. For its third technology, Volkswagen introduced at present that the Tiguan positive aspects a brand new prime SEL R-Line Turbo trim stage with extra energy than the ever-present GTI scorching hatchback. Might this be a revival of the first-gen Tiguan’s sporty and elevated ethos?
As a reputation Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo would not precisely roll off the tongue, however VW refers to it because the Tiguan Turbo within the press launch, which sounds higher. Plus, the VW Group’s different Turbo-branded fashions have all the time been fairly thrilling, so we’re all ears. Alas, there isn’t any cursive Turbo badge just like the one VW placed on the New Beetle Turbos.
Extra energy than the GTI
The brand new Tiguan Turbo has the identical EA888 evo5 turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 because the GTI, nevertheless it produces a powerful 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque on common fuel, no premium gas wanted. That is an extra 64 horses and an extra 51 torques over the remainder of the Tiguan vary, and 27 hp greater than the GTI, although the Tiguan produces 15 fewer lb-ft. These energy numbers aren’t simply spectacular for this class, they’re spectacular, interval. For reference, the previous-gen Tiguan had simply 184 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque.
To provide this further energy, VW fitted the Tiguan Turbo’s 2.0-liter engine with a bigger turbocharger, stronger pistons and connecting rods, a nitrided crankshaft, oil cooling for its pistons, and variable valve raise. All Tiguan Turbos come normal with 4Motion all-wheel drive, so none of that energy ought to be wasted on wheelspin. VW claims third-generation Tiguans weigh round 170 kilos lower than the prior technology because of elevated use of light-weight supplies, so anticipate weights just below the 4,000-pound mark.
Okay Volkswagen, we see you
The brand new Tiguan’s styling is, effectively, new, however Turbo fashions profit from VW’s signature LED gentle bars and illuminated logos each entrance and rear, a black roof, and a spoiler as normal. Tiguan Turbos additionally get 20-inch aluminum wheels and will likely be obtainable in three new paint colours: Avocado Inexperienced Pearl, Sandstone Uni and Monterey Blue Pearl.
Inside, the highest canine Tiguan Turbo would not look all that totally different, nevertheless it will get real American walnut wooden decor, Varenna leather-based seats, and a column-mounted shifter for the 8-speed automated transmission. Not that many people will care, however the brand new Tiguan loses the outdated automotive’s third-row possibility and completely presents two rows of seating. The controls on the steering wheel are operated by actual buttons, thank goodness, however the enormous 15-inch infotainment touchscreen is VW’s company system with these touch-sensitive temperature sliders. You win some, you lose some. There’s a new “Driving Expertise Dial” positioned within the console between the entrance seats that capabilities as a drive mode selector, quantity knob, and selector for the automotive’s new Atmospheres characteristic that mixes ambient lighting with audio settings.
Tiguan’s prime Turbo trim will get tons of techy toys
Because the flagship of the mannequin lineup, the Tiguan Turbo comes normal with fancy options like a head-up show, a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, 12-way energy adjustable entrance seats with therapeutic massage and air flow, 30-color ambient lighting, three-zone local weather management, wi-fi charging, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard rear seats. It additionally has Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE driver help methods as normal, which incorporates Stage 2-ready semi-automated driving options, automated emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, self-parking, and emergency help to alert authorities within the occasion of an emergency.
Neither pricing nor anticipated availability dates for the Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo have been introduced, however VW says these particulars will likely be launched nearer to launch within the fall this 12 months. I am a fan of first-gen Tiguans; every time I see a clear one with good wheels I all the time give it a second look, however second-gen Tiguans simply do nothing for me. With the announcement of the brand new 2026 Tiguan Turbo, although, I feel I am truly excited concerning the Tiguan once more.
