The Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line lastly has the ability to reside as much as its title for 2026. The individuals’s model graced its crossover with a notable horsepower bump by way of modifications made to its current turbo inline-four. Newly redesigned with no third row, the third-generation Tiguan can be lighter and extra fuel-efficient than earlier than.
A Enormous Energy Achieve for Volkswagen’s Crossover
Underneath the hood of the Tiguan SEL R-Line is VW’s broadly used EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, rated at 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque—greater than the corporate’s sporty Golf GTI sizzling hatch. It is an enormous 67-hp improve over the Tiguan’s base engine, promising a “extra sporting character.”
The bump in energy comes from a much bigger turbocharger and better increase stress, together with stronger pistons, beefier connecting rods, and a nitrided crankshaft. There are oil squirters for the pistons, and variable consumption lifts for the consumption and exhaust sides of the engine. Different adjustments embrace updates to the consumption plenum, intercooler, and lubrication system, together with a higher-displacement oil pump.
Better of all, the brand new engine runs on regular-octane gasoline. No must spring for the premium stuff.
Photograph by: Volkswagen
Tiguan Rides on a Extremely Up to date Platform
Launched final 12 months, the third-generation Tiguan is now not a three-row car, with simply 5 seats accessible throughout all trims. The R-Line proven right here is shorter and as much as 170 kilos lighter than the outgoing mannequin, driving on VW Group’s MQB Evo platform. An eight-speed computerized transmission interprets torque to the pavement, sending energy to all 4 wheels through VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive.
The R-Line will get 20-inch alloy wheels as normal, and comes accessible with some enjoyable new colour decisions, like Avocado Inexperienced Pearl, Sandstone Uni, and Monterey Blue Pearl. A black roof is normal, including some distinction to the design.
Inside you may discover the most recent model of Volkwagen’s infotainment system, with actual buttons on the steering wheel (thank goodness) and a big 15-inch infotainment show. It is paired to a ten.25-inch digital gauge cluster. There is a “Driving Expertise Dial” situated within the middle console to regulate the quantity—an enormous step up from the irritating contact sliders on a few of VW’s last-gen vehicles. The dial may management drive modes and alter the ambient lighting.
Photograph by: Volkswagen
Pricing and Launch Date
Volkswagen has but to launch pricing for the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line, with extra info set to reach when the automotive is launched in Fall 2025. Given the upgrades and looming tariff bills, we count on it to be barely dearer than the present automotive, which begins at $36,880.
36
Supply: Volkswagen
