There’s few vehicles worth waiting for and getting excited over in the consumer market. Cars and crossovers have become the same to an extent where it all boils down to design, interior layout, technology, and pricing. Driving dynamics particularly outside of performance cars is usually non existent aside from the occasional hatchback and crossover that still retains a sense of exhilaration and feedback. However, there’s one vehicle where the expectations are so high and the excitement for its arrival has built up to unreasonable standards where it’s almost inevitable we’ll end up being disappointed.
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo not only enters the market before the end of the year as being the most powerful Tiguan produced for North America, it also just might be a better and more attainable Audi Q5. Powered by VW’s EA888 2.0l turbocharged 4 cylinder engine producing 268 hp and 258 lb ft of torque (an increase of 67 hp and 51 lb-ft over the base engine) this crossover on paper should be exactly what brand loyalists have been demanding out of the best selling model in the lineup. Sadly, this trim still gets an 8-speed automatic transmission that does create some apprehension as a 7-speed dual clutch would have been a more ideal choice considering how this Tiguan is tuned.
A constant reminder, as we’ve experienced the new Tiguan on multiple occasions so far this year is that the true purpose of the R-Line Turbo is attainable luxury, and that alone should be good enough. Now built on the updated MQB-Evo platform, refinement can now be factored into the equation, offering a more rigid and stiff suspension and an improved ride quality where the Tiguan doesn’t feel cheap or mainstream. The exterior will come equipped with illuminated badging for the front and rear fascias, full LED lighting found throughout, 20 inch wheels, and a few color options that include a two-toned design for a sleek and upscale appearance. This generation Tiguan does take styling cues from the ID.4 with a rounder and streamlined front end, and classy light bar for the rear, and that is something we aren’t going to complain about.
When you step inside, thankfully it won’t be the massive touchscreen or digitalized dashboard that will be your first or last impressions. Instead the heated, ventilated, and massaging (a feature not found in the Q5) Varenna leather seats immerses you into a state of relaxation. The woodgrain accents on the dashboard and softer touch materials will have you questioning whether it’s an Audi in VW clothing. Additional features include heated rear outboard seats, 3-zone climate control, the upgraded Harmon Kardon audio system, Head Up Display, 30 color ambient lighting, and panoramic moonroof.
Getting into the tech you’ll have a fully digital gauge cluster and a 15 inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Truthfully, even with physical buttons now on the steering wheel for this new generation, the head unit with a built-in onboard assistant is still confusing and is nowhere close to being user friendly. That will be the one weak spot for this crossover, although many manufacturers have gone backwards regarding the usability and intuitiveness of their infotainment systems.
On paper the new VW Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo should impress. In fact even without this welcomed boost in power from the EA888, some journalists already have this crossover as a COTY candidate and that’s very high praise for brand that desperately needs to get back on track. The R-Line Turbo is scheduled to arrive at dealers in November with pricing being announced very soon. If VW can keep this crossover under $50k it will be an intriguing proposition in a market that’s become too cookie-cutter and mundane.
