Volkswagen Announces Updates for 2026 Lineup
Volkswagen is set to start the 2026 model year with a strong portfolio, as every one of its models has been significantly refreshed or reengineered in the last two years. The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport and electric ID.4 were updated for 2024; the Jetta and Jetta GLI, Golf GTI and Golf R, and Taos followed for 2025; and the all-electric ID. Buzz Microbus and an all-new Tiguan launched for 2025.
Related: 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo: More Power, More Comfort
With such a busy recent timeline, Volkswagen is making relatively few changes to its lineup for 2026. The biggest news is the new fifth-generation engine powering the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo. Still part of Volkswagen’s EA888 family of turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinders, the so-called evo5 generates 268 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque, increases of 67 hp and 37 pounds-feet over other all-wheel-drive Tiguans. That’s also 27 more hp — but 15 fewer pounds-feet — than the EA888 evo4 in the 2025 GTI.
Small Changes, Big Potential
The Jetta, Jetta GLI and Taos get newly standard rear seat belt pretensioners, which other automakers have used to improve their results in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s recently updated moderate overlap frontal crash test. Additionally, SEL trim levels of both the Jetta and Taos, as well as the Jetta GLI’s Autobahn trim, gain an improved eight-speaker sound system. The Taos also gets a more powerful 15-watt wireless device charger.
VW made no major changes to the Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Golf R or GTI for 2026, and the brand says there’s a mid-year refresh coming for the ID.4 SUV.
Release Date
Volkswagen’s 2026 lineup will begin arriving at dealerships in August, with some models arriving throughout early 2026.
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