2026 Volkswagen Tiguan turbo: Well, here’s a surprise
A new trim level offers faster acceleration, cushier seats, and decent fuel economy, perfect for a vacation. Of course, it’s pricier, but it just might be worth it, like everything on vacation.
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo vs. 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV AWD: Midsize SUVs flying under the radar.
Price: $45,410 as tested. The fancy paint cost $850 and was the only option, but we’re getting within shouting distance of 50 grand.
What others are saying: “Highs: Rich with features, gutsy turbo engine, interior that punches above its station. Lows: Annoying haptic interfaces, some brake pedal mush, ride could be more compliant,” said Car and Driver.
What Volkswagen is saying: “Say hello to the good life.”
Reality: It’s a pretty good life in the Tiguan, but that could be vacation brain talking.
What’s new: The Tiguan gets a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine that we try for this test; it received updates aplenty when the third generation debuted in 2025.
A long beach vacation weekend with friends in North Carolina was the scene of our test.
Competition: Highlights include the Buick Envision, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5 and CX-50, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4.
Up to speed: Landing on a Saturday morning in Raleigh for a two-hour drive to the beach, we definitely wanted to get there as fast as North Carolina law enforcement would allow.
The new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine did its darnedest to get us soaking up some rays as quickly as possible. Horsepower is up 67 from the base four-cylinder to 268; 0-60 mph time falls to 6.7 seconds, the leader of its class, according to Car and Driver. The trim level tested is the only way to get the turbo, which seems patently unfair, but read on.
Shifty: The Tiguan borrows a piece from Volkswagen’s EVs, with a twister stalk for the transmission gear selector. Steering wheel paddles handle shifting if you are inclined to, but I wasn’t; the eight-speed automatic took care of its own needs nicely.
On the road: The Tiguan definitely handled highways proficiently; nothing upset its composure. It was easy to get used to after leaving RDU. We saw a few curves when we ventured off to Burney’s Sweets & More for glazed, cream-filled croissants (always buy these if you’re within 50 miles), and the Tiguan slid through those turns just like a knife gliding into one of our soft, tasty treats.
Once we were at the beach and full of sugary goodness, I did get a chance to corner quickly here and there. Picture it: Mr. Driver’s Seat chauffeuring around four women like an aging, designated-driver, U.S. version of James from Derry Girls, and so their sassiness was turned up to 11. There were comments on many a corner, though with fewer f-bombs than the hit Irish series.
In the weather: On our trip from the airport to the beach, we drove through some heavy downpours, and the Tiguan handled road ponding delightfully. I slow down for bad weather but the sure-footed Tiguan kept us moving faster than almost all the other cars out there. That’s a reassuring feeling from the 20-inch all-season tires.
Back at the airport, the Tiguan also maintained its composure through some flight-canceling torrential storms that delayed our return to Pennsylvania. These kind of storms seemed more suited to a boat, and while being careful, again I led the pack and the slipping was minimal.
Driver’s Seat: If the horsepower alone isn’t worth the money, the upgraded SEL seating adds a serious bonus for that $5,000 premium. As soon as I sat down my herniated disc felt a great sense of relief, and the massage option helps further subtract the aches and pains. Heating and ventilation were the final piece of the puzzle.
The seats hold you in place nicely as well.
Friends and stuff: Those same friends who complained about Mr. Driver’s Seat’s extreme cornering maneuvers changed their tune when it came to the seat comfort — they all found that to be as delightful as the front. Even the middle-seat passenger felt well accommodated.
Cargo space is 69.8/33.8 cubic feet, depending on the seat position. There is no longer a three-row option as there was in the 2018-2024 model years.
The wide rear doors that are held over from the previous version drew one friend’s attention, noting it would be easy to get dogs in and out.
Play some tunes: The Harman Kardon stereo offered great reproduction of long-forgotten songs from the Psychedelic Furs, REM, and Tom Petty for the group, and we took the inspiration to recall stories of high school days. This system gets an A, but doesn’t uncover a lot of new pieces required for an A+ — unlike our stories, where we uncovered all new dimensions of our past lives.
The system offers only a large volume dial in the console; everything else happens in the huge 15-inch touchscreen, and it works pretty well.
Keeping warm and cool: Here’s a sad change from the 2018 model reviewed — the beloved VW three-dial system has been co-opted by the touchscreen.
The temperature settings sit along the bottom of the touchscreen, and a bigger screen opens for blower controls. Some versions of this arrangement actually function well, but not this one. Sigh.
Fuel economy: The Tiguan averaged 27 mpg in much highway and some beach driving, a great showing, especially for all that oomph.
Where it’s built: Parts are 37% Mexican, 15% U.S. and Canadian.
How it’s built: Consumer Reports predicts the Tiguan reliability to be a 3 out of 5.
Next week: Is the new trim of the Chevrolet Equinox worth a 10% discount over this Tiguan?
