2026 Volkswagen Tiguan - Exterior and Interior Details

More Info: ELITE AUTO
  / elite.auto  

2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
Price: $32.280–$45.410

Overview

The Volkswagen Tiguan compact SUV has carved out a niche for itself in a competitor-rich segment loaded with excellent choices. It lost none of its trademark European flair in its 2025 update, and its mission to provide a lively driving experience gets a boost for 2026 with the addition of the new range-topping SEL R-Line Turbo trim packing a 268-hp version of its turbocharged four-cylinder. Inside, there's room for five (the previous generation's option third row is no longer available), contemporary infotainment functionality, and upscale options including leather upholstery and wood trim. And it's all wrapped in stylish sheetmetal that radiates some Teutonic personality in a segment where conformity is the default.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The new Tiguan benefits from that age-old equation that brings warmth to the heart of any enthusiast: More power and less weight, and it gets even better for 2026. Specifically, VW’s trusty turbocharged 201-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder continues for the lower trims while the new SEL R-Line Turbo arrives packing 268 ponies. An eight-speed automatic transmission handles gear swaps for both engines. All trims benefit from an overall weight reduction of approximately 170 pounds thanks to the increased use of aluminum in the suspension components and high-strength steel in the freshly crafted sheetmetal. During our test drive of the Tiguan, we found that it offers the same eager handling as before, and we appreciated the heavier steering effort. The turbo-four is a pleasant engine, but it's not as responsive from a stop as we'd like. The new 268-hp version is far more responsive and makes the R-Line Turbo more entertaining to drive than the standard version.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA rates the 2026 Tiguan for up to 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway per official estimates. SE and SE R-Line Black trims subtract 1 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. Adding the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system extracts a small penalty, coming in at 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, while the SEL R-Line Turbo is rated slightly lower on the highway, at 29 mpg. For more information about the Tiguan's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The added length of the new Tiguan makes for a more practical compact crossover. The additional cargo space is a huge plus, but the Tiguan will no longer offer a third row. The new Tiguan moves the gearshift lever to the column to make room for a larger console with increased storage space, and overall material quality gets a boost—including available leather upholstery and genuine wood accents. Power-adjustable massaging and ventilated seats are on the menu, as are a heated steering wheel and three-zone climate control. The second-row seats are a 60/40 split, which allows either one or two seats to remain available for passengers when additional cargo space is needed.
Read More https://www.caranddriver.com/volkswag...


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