2026 VW Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo AWD: The Fastest Compact Crossover In The Segment

 

Highlight: The Tiguan SEL R-Line AWD adds a 268-horsepower.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $44,560 (Base MSRP): $31,670

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system’ hill descent control; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a spare tire

Standard Equipment (on test vehicle): 20-inch wheels; a push button engine start; an 8-speed automatic transmission; an automatic dual zone climate control system; leather-like seating surfaces; power driver’s seat; heated front seats; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a panoramic power sunroof with sunshade; black roof rails; heated foldable power exterior mirrors; R-line grille badging; a remote engine start feature; a remote power rear liftgate; heated front washer nozzles; a 15-inch infotainment screen; a navigation system: a heads up display (HUD); an in-vehicle wireless charger; an auto dimming rearview mirror; leather seats; a leather wrapped steering wheel; illuminated exterior door handles; a power liftgate; keyless entry system, locking and unlocking; power folding mirrors; a 15-speaker Harman Kardon audio system; and a radar activated cruise control system

Options: none

Other Trim Levels:

S

SE

SE-R Line

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 6-speaker AM/FM audio system with SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbo/268-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 22-city/29-hwy (test model)

Towing Capabilities: 1,800 lbs

What’s New: After the Tiguan received a total makeover for the 2025 model year, this year’s compact crossover boosts its horsepower to 268 with the new SEL R-line turbo trim.

Why:

A sporty stylish design

A premium interior layout

Fastest compact crossover in the segment (test model)

The SEL R-Line turbo boosts its horsepower to 268

On select trims, the doors lock automatically and the power mirrors fold automatically upon entering or exiting the vehicle and closing the doors

An available integrated light bar in front grille

An available Black roof package

An available adjustable front lightning system

FWD or AWD configurations

A variety of trims

20-inch wheels available

Leather seating available on higher trim

An adjustable front center armrest

Massaging front seats available

An available navigation system

An available 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system/screen

A power panoramic roof is available

Heated and ventilated front seats available

Heated rear seat available

A radar-activated cruise control system

A 15-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system is available

A parking assist parallel and perpendicular parking

A variety of driving modes

A three-zone automatic climatic control system

Natural voice control with ChatGPT

A longer bumper-to-bumper new car warranty than the best-selling vehicle in the class and many other models

Wireless charging

A high-level of safety driving aids

But:

A higher base MSRP than the Toyota RAV4, the number one best-seller in the compact market

Pricing of the SEL and R trims compete with several larger three-row midsize crossovers

Only one powertrain, no electrified model available

The adjustable front center armrest lacks a true hidden storage compartment

No brake hold feature

The removal of knobs and switches from the infotainment system --- requires additional time and steps to fully utilize the system

Verdict:  After being redesign during the 2025 model year, the athletic Toyota RAV4-fighter continues to be a somewhat competitive game changer for the German brand. The Tiguan, which is the brand’s best-selling model, is available in several trims.

New for this model year VW boosts the horsepower of the SEL R-Line Turbo AWD trim from 201 to 268, making this the fastest Tiguan to date. Not only is this the fastest Tiguan to date, its also capable of overpowering every vehicle in the compact utility segment. It seems as though VW is attempting to carve out a niche in this highly competitive segment where hybrid powertrains and fuel-efficiency seem to be the latest industry trend.

So, while we welcome the additional power, it's quite obvious that VW is bucking the trend in the compact segment in terms of powertrain offerings. VW is loudly proclaiming they’re focusing on style and features to compliment the added power which is exclusive to the SEL R-Turbo trim.

Competition: Chevy Equinox; GMC Terrain; Honda CR-V; Hyundai Tuscon; Kia Sportage; and Mazda CX-5