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Miami Herald
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Volkswagen Details 2026 Model Year Updates Ahead Of August Arrival
Volkswagen has announced all the updates for its 2026 lineup, with some 2026 models due to arrive in showrooms in August. Since most models were all-new or significantly refreshed over the last two years, the 2026 updates introduce a few refinements and additional equipment to the VW range. Let's take a closer look at what's new for 2026, starting with the brand's SUV range. The smallest and most affordable VW crossover underwent a comprehensive refresh for the 2025 model year, so for 2026, VW has elected only to add some more equipment. The Taos now gets standard rear-seat pretensioners, while a mid-model year change will see the introduction of upgraded 15-watt wireless charging. Range-topping SEL models now get an upgraded sound system with eight speakers. An all-new Tiguan was introduced for the 2025 model year, featuring a fresh look and a more tech-heavy interior than before. For 2026, the main change is the introduction of the SEL R-Line Turbo, which gets a more powerful 268-horsepower turbocharged engine, up from 201 hp in the other Tiguan models. VW has also updated its Travel Assist and assistant lane change systems; this applies to all trims. Very little has changed for VW's largest SUV models in the USA for 2026. Buyers going for the SE with Technology trim and above now get a factory-installed HomeLink mirror. The Peak Edition, SEL, and SEL Premium R-Line are the other trims benefitting from this change. VW has delayed some of its EV plans, but the ID.4 continues as the brand's sole electric SUV for the 2026 model year. S Plus trims will get a new HomeLink mirror, but VW says a mid-model-year update in 2026 is on the way, when new features will be added to the crossover. No information has been shared on the just yet, following its launch for the 2025 model year, but information on potential upgrades will be announced at a later stage. As with the Taos, rear-seat pretensioners will be standard on 2026 Jettas. The SE gets a standard sunroof, wireless charging is upgraded to 15 w, and SEL variants receive an upgraded eight-speaker sound system. After losing its manual gearbox and getting an updated infotainment system for 2025, there are no major changes for the 2026 Golf GTI. The Golf R underwent similar updates last year, but it's now available with a new exterior color called Graphite Grey Metallic. We expect the manufacturer to share pricing for 2026 models imminently, given that many of them will start arriving in August. The impact of tariffs could come into play here, as VW only promised to freeze pricing of new cars until the end of May. With that freeze now behind us, buyers may be seeing some unwelcome price hikes for 2026, and given how minimal the 2026 MY changes are, it may be a smart move to get a 2025 VW while you still can. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Miami Herald
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Volkswagen Hints At Possible Tiguan R Comeback
Volkswagen has hinted that there could be a hot R variant of the new-generation Tiguan, the brand's most popular model in the United States. So far, the most powerful version of the new Tiguan for America is the SEL R-Line Turbo, which produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That's impressive, but the original Tiguan R - based on the second generation of the crossover - produced well over 300 hp and shared an engine with the excellent Golf R. Power-hungry enthusiasts may just get another taste of such a Tiguan in the future. At the Australian media launch of the latest Golf R, the head of sales and marketing at the Volkswagen R performance division, Pedro Martinez Diaz, suggested that a range-topping Tiguan R isn't impossible. "I would never say no," said Martinez Diaz when speaking with CarExpert. "The Tiguan [R] was very successful in Europe and Australia… we'll see." If a new Tiguan does see the light of day and once again shares the Golf R's engine, it would be a serious performer, given that this top Golf now makes 328 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. That sort of grunt, paired with the brand's all-wheel-drive system, should make for quick yet secure getaways. A possible Tiguan R wouldn't have many direct rivals in the United States. Popular competitors like the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Tucson would have no answer to a Tiguan with over 300 hp. Toyota's 2026 RAV4 plug-in hybrid will have 320 hp, and although it's certain to be quick, it doesn't have the extensive performance enhancements or driver appeal of a Tiguan R. The new-generation Tiguan boasts a comfortable cabin for five, plenty of features, and Volkswagen's recently improved infotainment setup, so there's a lot to like about it. The Tiguan R would likely share all these attributes, but in a more aggressively styled package. We can also expect it to look the part, since VW has a knack for tastefully upgrading performance models like the Jetta GLI and Golf R. Now for the bad news. The previous Tiguan R wasn't officially sold in the United States, partly because VW couldn't justify the price point of such a model. With the recent reveal of the 268-hp Tiguan SEL R-Line, that may be as far as the brand is willing to go in terms of a performance-oriented Tiguan. Volkswagen's R division has much room for expansion, with only the Golf R flying the flag in this market. A new Tiguan R would be a welcome addition, especially given Americans' appetite for SUVs. However, even if a new Tiguan R was produced, it may once again be limited to markets like Australia and Europe. We won't hold our breath, but here's hoping Volkswagen takes a chance on a hot version of the Tiguan. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
