A Golf R With More Space? Yes, Please
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.
New Tiguan R Not Off The Table
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 Practical, Potent Tiguan R Would Have No Direct Rivals
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.
James Ochoa
Potential Tiguan R’s Main Issue Could Be Availability
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.
Final Thoughts
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.
