Volkswagen Has Finally Given The Tiguan An Engine Worth Caring About

Porsche was the first automaker to transform the word “Turbo” from a meaningful word into a marketing term for the ad team to use to sell cars. Now, it’s not the only one, as Volkswagen has just joined the party with the 2026 Tiguan Turbo.

The Tiguan Turbo might make confusing use of the word, but at least it has a reason. The 2.0-liter engine under the hood isn’t any larger than the one in the standard (also turbocharged) Tiguan, but it does make a heck of a lot more power.

When the base 911 added a turbocharger in 2019, did Porsche start calling THAT one a Turbo? No, it held back the legendary badge for a later model that made more horsepower. Then it decided that its EVs would be Turbos too, and suddenly the name meant nothing.

Volkswagen isn’t being as bad about the Turbo name as Porsche is with the electric Taycan, but it’s still not great. After all, every 2026 Tiguan model will have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a turbocharger.

But while the base model will make 201 horsepower, the Tiguan Turbo will make 268. That’s a big jump for a model that has been chronically underpowered since the badge first came onto the market in 2007. For the first time in North America, the new Tiguan will make more power than a GTI.

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VW announced the new model even before the brand-new 2025 Tiguan is on sale. That’s something worth noting if you are interested in that 2025 model because the Turbo – technically the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo – is set to arrive at dealers this fall.

2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo Specs

More boost and higher fuel pressure help VW crank the EA888 engine from 201 to 268 horsepower. It also makes 51 lb-ft more torque, with 258 total from 1,900 all the way to 5,400 rpm. It will have AWD standard and an eight-speed automatic.

This Still Isn’t A Tiguan R Or Even A GTI

It’s almost enough to make us forget about the hot Tiguans VW has held back from North America and only sold in Europe. The Tiguan has made 243 horsepower over there for years, and has even been offered as the 316-horsepower Tiguan R.

Almost enough, because if you were hoping for a family-sized GTI, you’re going to be disappointed. VW hasn’t changed the suspension or the brakes, so this is just the standard Tiguan with some extra horsepower.

Since it’s based on the top-spec Tiguan, it’s also well-equipped. It has real walnut trim, massaging and ventilated leather front seats (the rears are leather, too), VW’s larger 15-inch screen, plus a head-up display. It will also come with Harman Kardon audio and some other luxury features.

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It will share the other benefits of the 2025 Tiguan over 2024, including around 170 pounds less weight, a more modern chassis, and the new styling. R-Line means black trim, and it will come with a black roof as standard.

Volkswagen revealed the Tiguan Turbo at the New York Auto Show, but it did not announce pricing. Expect that later in the year, as VW gets the Turbo (and the 2026 turbo not-Turbo) ready for dealers.