The all-new 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan has been fully redesigned to step well beyond the competition, especially the Honda CR-V.
|
Feature |
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan (SEL R-Line Turbo) |
2026 Honda CR-V (Touring Hybrid) |
|
Performance (Top Engine) |
2.0L Turbo I4 |
2.0L Hybrid I4 |
|
Horsepower |
268 hp (Top Trim) / 201 hp (Base) |
190 hp (Gas) / 204 hp (Hybrid System) |
|
Torque |
258 lb-ft (Top Trim) / 207 lb-ft (Base) |
179 lb-ft (Gas) / 247 lb-ft (Hybrid) |
|
Transmission |
8-speed Automatic |
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
|
Drivetrain |
Standard 4MOTION® All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on Turbo |
Available AWD |
|
Interior Tech |
Standard 12.9-inch or available 15.0-inch Infotainment Screen |
9.0-inch Infotainment Screen |
|
Luxury Features |
Available Massaging & Ventilated Front Seats, Premium Varenna Leather, Genuine Wood Trim, 30-Color Ambient Lighting |
Available Leather, Moonroof |
|
Cargo Space (Max) |
Up to 70 cubic feet (Approx.) |
Up to 76.5 cubic feet (Approx.) |
|
Fuel Economy (Estimated) |
Lower Trims: ~25-29 MPG Combined |
Gas: ~30 MPG Combined / Hybrid: ~40 MPG Combined |
Here is why the new Tiguan should be at the top of your list:
1. Superior Performance and Driving Experience
The Tiguan is engineered in Germany and it shows in the drive.
- More Punch: The 2025 Tiguan comes standard with a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 201 horsepower and a robust 221 lb-ft of torque. The Honda CR-V’s standard engine (1.5 L turbo) only manages 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. That’s a noticeable difference in acceleration and merging power.
- A Better Transmission: The Tiguan uses a smooth and responsive 8-speed automatic transmission. The CR-V’s standard non-hybrid models rely on a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which many drivers find less engaging and refined than a traditional automatic.
- Less Fuel Stops: The Tiguan features a larger fuel tank (15.6 gallons vs. 14 gallons in the CR-V), which, combined with an excellent highway MPG rating, means you’ll be stopping to fill up less often on those long road trips.
2. A Premium, Tech-Forward Interior
The moment you sit in the new Tiguan, you’ll feel the difference. Volkswagen has designed the cabin to feel significantly more upscale and technologically advanced than the CR-V.
- Massive Standard Screen: The base Tiguan S starts with a 12.9-inch multifunction touchscreen display. The Honda CR-V’s base model offers a much smaller 7.0-inch screen, only upgrading to a 9.0-inch screen on higher trims.
- Available Luxury-Class Tech: On top trims, the Tiguan offers features you’d expect in a luxury SUV, including:
- An enormous 15-inch infotainment touchscreen.
- Natural Voice Control with ChatGPT integration for a smarter, more conversational in-car assistant.
- Available Harman Kardon® 12-speaker premium sound system.
- Available 10-point, full-back massage and ventilation for the front seats.
- Ambient Lighting “Atmospheres”: Higher Tiguan trims feature customizable ambient interior lighting that can synchronize with audio, letting
3. Superior Warranty Coverage
Stronger Warranty: Volkswagen stands behind its redesigned model with superior basic warranty coverage:
- 2026 VW Tiguan: 4 years / 50,000 miles (basic)
- 2026 Honda CR-V: 3 years / 36,000 miles (basic)
In short, the all-new 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan gives you a more powerful and engaging European drive, a vastly superior and more modern tech experience, all wrapped in a refined design. It's the clear choice for a compact SUV that feels like a premium upgrade.
Click the link below to find your next Tiguan!
