2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo First Look

VW injects a big power bump into its compact five-seat crossover SUV.

Andrew Ganz | 

Apr 22, 2025 | 3 min read

Volkswagen

Here's what you need to know about the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo.

Volkswagen

2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo: Performance

While all versions of the Volkswagen Tiguan are turbocharged, only one has "Turbo" in its name: the new SEL R-Line Turbo. That's because this model includes an upsized turbocharger bolted to the automaker's EA888 engine.

In Turbo guise, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine puts out 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, increases of 67 horsepower and 51 lb-ft compared with other versions, making it the most powerful trim.

Volkswagen

That power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. VW has not yet estimated the impact of this extra power on fuel economy.

The Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo rides on 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels, though VW did not mention any changes to the SUV's suspension. Other versions of the Tiguan are available with 17-, 19-, or 20-inch wheels.

Volkswagen

2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo: Styling

Redesigned for the 2025 model year, the Tiguan carries forward the fresh styling for 2026, including big LED light bars in the front and rear. All SEL R-Line Turbo models come with a black-painted roof, which is optional on non-Turbo trims, and an integrated rear spoiler. A small Turbo badge on the tailgate visually sets it apart.

Like the rest of the redesigned Tiguan lineup, the SEL R-Line Turbo features a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, but this trim comes with the model line's larger 15.0-inch central touchscreen as standard. While most controls are operated via the touchscreen, a knob and some buttons clustered on the center console handle features such as volume adjustment.

Volkswagen

2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo: Features

The Tiguan's big infotainment screen features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality via the automaker's App-Connect system, plus wireless device charging and 12 Harman Kardon speakers.

Befitting its status at the top of the Tiguan lineup, the SEL R-Line Turbo comes with a head-up display and quilted leather seats that are power-adjustable, ventilated, and massaging up front. Heated rear outboard seats and a heated steering wheel are also included, as is a 30-color ambient interior-lighting system.

Volkswagen

A suite of driver-assistance tech allows for limited stints of hands-off/eyes-on driving through its adaptive cruise control, blind-spot-monitoring, and pedestrian-detection systems.

VW hasn't said how much the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo will cost when it hits dealers in the fall of 2025. As the range-topping configuration, however, it's likely to be priced higher than the roughly $41,000 2025 SEL R-Line.

All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.

Andrew Ganz

Andrew has been hooked on cars since his mother coaxed him into naps by driving him around in her rattly old diesel Mercedes-Benz. Perhaps it was the diesel fumes that lulled him to sleep. Either way, he has since parlayed his automotive enthusiasm into a decades-long career as a journalist writing for such well-known sites as Auto Express, Autoblog, Car and Driver, Leftlane News, Motor1, Motor Authority, and The Car Connection, not to mention numerous classic-car publications. When he's not researching cars, he's probably working on one — though he has yet to own a diesel Mercedes. Off to the classifieds he goes.