Volkswagen is stepping up its game with the 2026 Tiguan, which now features a more powerful engine for the Turbo Highline R-Line trim.
The Volkswagen Tiguan has enjoyed great success in North America, particularly in Canada. The German automaker’s SUV offers a more refined driving experience than many of its rivals—one of the many perks of being part of the Volkswagen family.
Breaking the Hierarchy
The Tiguan is a great vehicle, but its performance figures have always been relatively modest. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Not bad, but several competitors offer far more dynamic powertrains.
The issue, you see, has long been that Volkswagen didn’t want the Tiguan to encroach on Audi Q5 territory. That was the company’s philosophy for years. But times have changed, and now Volkswagen has decided that the Tiguan deserves more muscle under the hood.
As such, the German automaker will offer a second 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine—but this one is significantly more powerful, producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. These figures make the 2026 Tiguan one of the most powerful models in its segment.
Volkswagen has paired this new engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While some may argue that a 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) gearbox would have been more fitting, the 8-speed automatic still offers a solid driving experience—especially with its manual mode. Naturally, Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system comes standard.
In a fun twist, Volkswagen will also be adding “Turbo” badging to Tiguans equipped with this engine, much like Porsche does with some of its models.
To make this version even more distinctive, the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan Turbo Highline R-Line will be available in three exclusive colors and will feature stunning 20-inch wheels.
Pricing for the 2026 Tiguan has yet to be announced, but the new Highline R-Line version is expected to be a hit—regardless of what it costs.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
