- A senior executive from VW hinted that a new Tiguan R might be in development.
- The previous model packed 316 hp but never made it to the North American market.
- A future Tiguan R could feature the Golf R’s 2.0 TSI engine or a stronger PHEV system.
Even as electric vehicles take center stage, there’s still room for traditional performance to make some noise. Volkswagen is busy electrifying its GTI lineup and preparing to turn the R division into an EV-only brand by 2030, but internal combustion isn’t done just yet. One of its possible final acts could be a new Tiguan R, a practical SUV with just enough punch to keep enthusiasts interested.
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Pedro Martinez Diaz, Head of Sales & Marketing at Volkswagen R, recently hinted at the possibility of another high-performance SUV. Speaking to Australian outlet CarExpert during the local launch of the updated Golf R, he left the door open: “I would never say no. The Tiguan R was very successful in Europe and Australia… we’ll see.”
More: We Drove The 2025 VW Tiguan And It’s Not What You Expect, But It’s What You Need
It’s not a done deal, but it certainly sounds like something could be brewing. If management gives the green light, a next-gen Tiguan R could make a return. Martinez Diaz also confirmed that the upcoming T-Roc will get its own R version, which is expected to debut in early 2027.
A Brief History of the Tiguan R
The original Tiguan R made its debut in 2020 as part of the second-generation model’s mid-cycle update. At the time, it was the most potent option in the range, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine making 316 horsepower (235 kW / 320 PS) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque. That engine was paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.
Despite the promising specs, the Tiguan R was a regional affair, sold only in Europe and Australia. North America never got a taste of it. By late 2023, the model was dropped, coinciding with the launch of the third-generation Tiguan in Europe.
In the new lineup, the most powerful European Tiguan is now the eHybrid plug-in hybrid, which produces 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and comes dressed in a sporty R-Line outfit. The U.S.-spec Tiguan followed in 2024, based on the longer EU-market Tayron. Its top trim, the SEL R-Line Turbo, aims for GTI-like fun without the badge offering a non-hybrid 2.0-liter turbo engine pumping out 268 hp (199 kW / 271 PS). It’s a solid effort, but for those looking for something spicier, it might not be quite enough.
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Close, But Not Quite an R
While the R-Line versions of both the European and U.S. Tiguans offer decent power, they’re not full-blown performance models. However, both ride on the MQB Evo platform, which is the same architecture that underpins the VW Golf R. That means they’re technically compatible with VW’s more potent 2.0-liter TSI engine, which makes 328 hp (245 kW / 333 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque in its current form.
More: The 2025 VW Golf R Wagon Is Fast, Fun, And Practical To Boot
There’s also the potential for a more powerful plug-in hybrid option to sneak under Europe’s tightening emissions rules. Either way, a more aggressive chassis setup and slightly lower ride height could go a long way toward turning the Tiguan into something that feels closer to an actual R model, not just one with sportier trim.
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What a Next-Gen Tiguan R Might Look Like
Illustrations: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops
Our speculative rendering below imagines a VW Tiguan R based on the new generation SUV. It builds on the current R-Line design but adds a more assertive front bumper with larger cooling intakes and body-colored aero wings. At the rear, a larger spoiler joins upgraded wheels wrapped around bigger brakes, accented by blue calipers for that signature R look.
If Volkswagen decides to go down this road, a similar package could be adapted to both the U.S.-market Tayron-based Tiguan and the more compact European version. The latter might have a better shot at becoming a true performance SUV, thanks to its slightly tighter footprint and more dynamic proportions.
Right now, performance SUVs are a rarity in the mainstream space. If a Tiguan R arrives, its main rival would likely be the new 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR-Sport, which leans on a 320 HP plug-in hybrid setup. As the days of gas-powered hot hatches wind down, models like a potential Tiguan R could help fill that gap for drivers still looking for excitement in a practical, everyday package.
#Tiguan #Return #Stronger
