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Southern New Mexico State Fair 2026: Sisbarro Volkswagen Proudly Supports Las Cruces' 60th Annual Fair Some traditions in Doña Ana County don't need an invitation. When October gets close, families from Las Cruces, Mesilla, Anthony and El Paso start clearing a day on the calendar for the fair. This year is a milestone. The 60th Annual Southern New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo runs September 30 through October 4, 2026, and Sisbarro Volkswagen is proud to help make it happen. We're sponsoring alongside our sister stores: Sisbarro GMC, Sisbarro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and the Sisbarro Truck Store. Below you'll find how to pick your best fair day, and how to make sure your ride is ready for the drive out I-10. Which Fair-Goer Are You? Finding Your Best Day at the Southern New Mexico State Fair Think of fair week like a five-course menu. Nobody eats every course. You pick the ones you came for and plan around them. Here's how most families we talk to naturally sort themselves out: The Barn Family. You have a kid showing an animal, or you just love the livestock barns. Shows start early: swine and market rabbits kick off at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, and the Junior Livestock Sale is Friday evening. The Rodeo Crowd. The Ranch Rodeo takes over Thursday night. The PRCA Rodeo follows Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m., all at the Pete Domenici Rodeo Arena. The Concert Crowd. The Electric Company Concert Pavilion hosts Wade Bowen on Thursday, Oct. 1, Tyce Delk on Friday, Oct. 2, and Restless Road on Saturday, Oct. 3. The Car People. A Model A vintage car display fills the 4-H Building Saturday morning. Sunday brings an all-day car show at The Electric Company Pavilion. The Sisbarro Day Crowd. Wednesday, September 30 is Sisbarro Day. According to the fair's official schedule, admission is discounted all day, and the evening wraps with the opening ceremony and the carnival lights coming on. The takeaway: pick your day around your "must-see," then build the rest of the visit around it. You'll leave happier and less worn out. Southern New Mexico State Fair Trip Planner: Matching Your Plans to Your Ride A fair day in Southern New Mexico is really a road trip, a long day outdoors and a late drive home rolled into one. Your vehicle is part of the plan. Situation Cause / Reason Recommended Action Driving out daily for 4-H or FFA shows Early barn times and repeat trips on I-10 add up fast Check tires and brakes before the week starts. For heavy hauling, our Sisbarro GMC and Truck Store neighbors can help. Bringing the whole family for the carnival and the rodeo Strollers, coolers, jackets for the cooler night air and tired kids Consider three-row space like the Atlas or the ID. Buzz, and test drive one with your real gear in mind. Coming up from El Paso or Anthony for a concert A longer highway drive and a late return in the dark Book a quick pre-trip visit covering lights, wipers, fluids and tires. Showing off your car at Sunday's car show Desert dust and strong sun are hard on paint and interiors Ask about accessories and protection, and give the air filters a look afterward. Most people are surprised how much one fair day asks of their vehicle. A little prep keeps the focus on funnel cakes, not flashing dash lights. Why the Fair Matters in Las Cruces, and Why Sisbarro Shows Up The fairgrounds sit about 12 miles west of town on I-10, out on the open West Mesa. Take Exit 132 (Airport) or Exit 127 (Corralitos Road). On Friday and Saturday, the fair recommends the Corralitos exit for express parking. That drive tells you something about this region. People here cover real distance for the things they care about: ranch rodeos, youth livestock shows, family time and neighbors they only catch up with once a year. The Sisbarro family has been part of that story since 1981. Over more than 45 years, that's meant support for schools, youth athletics, local nonprofits and the Pat & Lou Sisbarro Community Park at New Mexico State University. You can see the full Sisbarro Southern New Mexico State Fair sponsorship page for more. You can also explore the wider list of Sisbarro Volkswagen community involvement across Doña Ana County. This matters for anyone who wants their car dollars to stay close to home. A local dealer that invests in local traditions is one you can hold accountable. Pre-Fair Checkup or Wait Until After? A Straight Answer Truth is, most well-maintained Volkswagen vehicles will handle a fair trip without a second thought. The real question is whether anything has been nagging at you. Here's the tipping point. If a warning light is on, your brakes feel soft or your tires are near the wear bars, don't wait. A dark stretch of I-10 at 11 p.m. with a carload of sleepy kids is the worst time to find out. If everything feels normal, enjoy the fair first. Then book a visit, because dusty lots are tough on air filters and paint. Either way, you can schedule Volkswagen service in Las Cruces online in a few minutes. What if the fair has you realizing you've outgrown your ride? Is a three-row SUV right for everyone? Not necessarily. A Tiguan or Taos covers plenty of families, while bigger crews may want the Atlas. Take your time. Browse new Volkswagen inventory, and if you're thinking about moving on from your current vehicle, start with a trade-in value estimate. No pressure, just information. Common Questions About the Southern New Mexico State Fair in Las Cruces Is there a way to save on admission to the Southern New Mexico State Fair? Yes. According to the fair's official 2026 schedule, Wednesday, September 30 is Sisbarro Day, with discounted admission all day. Thursday and Friday offer discounted admission until 2 p.m., and Saturday includes a discount for military members and first responders with valid ID. Confirm details with the fair before you go. What should I check on my Volkswagen before driving out to the fairgrounds? Focus on tire pressure and tread, brakes, headlights and taillights, and wiper blades. Your cabin and engine air filters take a beating on dusty desert lots. If a warning light is on, get it looked at before fair week, not after. When is the 2026 Southern New Mexico State Fair, and which day should I go? The fair runs September 30 through October 4, 2026. Livestock fans should go early in the week, and rodeo fans have Thursday through Sunday. Car lovers should circle Sunday for the all-day car show. How do I get to the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds from Las Cruces? Head west about 12 miles on I-10 and take Exit 132 (Airport) or Exit 127 (Corralitos Road). On Friday and Saturday, use the Corralitos exit for express parking. We'll See You at the Fair Sixty years is a long time for any tradition to last. It lasts because families keep showing up: the kid walking a lamb into the ring, the grandparents in the rodeo stands, the friends splitting a funnel cake under the carnival lights. Sisbarro Volkswagen is proud to be a small part of that. Whether you're headed out for Sisbarro Day or Sunday's car show, we hope you get there comfortably, stay a little late and drive home with a full heart. And when you're ready to talk about your next Volkswagen or your next service visit, our Las Cruces team is right here on South Valley Drive. Explore New Volkswagen Inventory Call Sales: 575-319-9131

Fifty years ago, Volkswagen introduced a new kind of sporty automobile – the Golf GTI. This “hot hatch” merged performance and enthusiastic driving with practicality. It is a formula that broke the mold for compact-sized automobiles ever since. A few years later, Honda introduced a sporty coupe called the Prelude. It showed that Honda could make a premium-feeling two-door automobile, while still delivering the value and efficiency the automaker staked its name on. Recently, these two nameplates squared off in a comparison orchestrated by MotorTrend. After a decades-long hiatus, Honda reintroduced the Prelude to its lineup, this time as a hybrid hatchback sport coupe. Meanwhile, the 2026 Golf GTI sticks to its time-tested formula of a practical hatchback offering turbocharged power, a refined chassis, and practical seating for up to five passengers and their cargo. So, how does the 2026 Golf GTI stack up against the 2026 Prelude? There are two areas where the 2026 Golf GTI stands out. One, it is the turbocharged engine that lies underneath the hood. The iconic EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine puts down 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It is connected to a seven-speed DSG gearbox driving the front wheels. The GTI-spec driveline is not only more powerful than the hybrid system in the Prelude, but MotorTrend found it much more engaging. When it comes to straight-line performance, editors found that the 2026 Golf GTI beats the Prelude with a 5.8 second sprint from 0-to-60 MPH, as well as a quarter mile time of 14.3 seconds at 98.9 MPH. The Volkswagen held its own in braking and lateral acceleration tests, as well. In all, they found that the 2026 Golf GTI is easier to set up on these instrumented tests. Another advantage of the 2026 Golf GTI is its practicality, especially compared to the Prelude. Compared to the 2+2 seating arrangement inside the two-door Honda, the four-door Volkswagen can seat up to five, thanks to a much more accessible rear seat. Cargo space is larger in the 2026 Golf GTI with 19.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 34,5 cubic feet overall. Perhaps it's unsurprising, then, that MotorTrend picked the 2026 Golf GTI as its overall winner. After all, it is MotorTrend's reigning Car of The Year award winner. Editors cited not only the overall performance, handling, and practicality – they added that it “fun to drive at any speed.” The 2026 Golf GTI is a winning combination that needs to be experienced. Contact us at Sisbarro Volkswagen to see one soon!

The 2027 model year is almost here. Along with a full lineup of SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks, Volkswagen is also introducing two new models and reintroducing our electric microbus to the North American market. The first new vehicle coming our way is the 2027 Atlas. The completely redesigned three-row SUV is now bolder than ever. Atlas now exudes a premium feel both inside and out, thanks to a new front fascia design, upgraded interior materials, redesigned controls, and a host of great convenience, technology, and new driver assistance features. All Atlas levels are equipped with a power liftgate, rear sunshades, an auto-dimming driver's side mirror, hatch lights, and front and rear Park Distance Control as standard equipment. The IQ.DRIVE suite of driver assistance features will receive enhancements, including a predictive Adaptive Cruise Control. Under the hood is an updated 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, now rated at 282 horsepower. Fuel economy and tow ratings have yet to be finalized, but we should expect to see improvements in the former while retaining a maximum tow rating near 5,000 pounds. The new three-row 2027 Atlas will be joined by a new 2027 Atlas Cross Sport. The new two-row model will reach our showrooms slightly after its larger sibling. Details will be announced later this summer or early fall. The ID.Buzz electric bus returns for the 2027 model year, with a new Tourer model following in the footsteps of its camper van forebears. The Tourer model includes a fold-out mattress with a retractable platform, window blinds, and a table and chairs for use outdoors. To make your sleep more comfortable, a new Overnight Mode allows the ID.Buzz to recognize and accommodate passengers overnight. Every 2027 ID.Buzz also gains tactile controls on the steering wheel, enhancements to the infotainment system, and a series of premium connected services available through the In-Vehicle Premium Subscription service. These services include a simplified voice command system, myQ Connected Garage, an enhanced Travel Assist feature with more capabilities, and a gaming-based AirConsole that connects with other passengers inside the ID.Buzz. Starting with the 2027 model year, the ID.Buzz can be recharged through a North American Charging Standard (NACS) receptacle. As for the remainder of the 2027 Volkswagen lineup, there will be minor updates. The 2027 Taos will gain a Sport trim, while infotainment systems will get further enhancements across the board. The ID.4 will take a hiatus for 2027, but customers can still shop any remaining 2026 inventory until a new ID.4 is expected to arrive later this decade. Select 2027 Volkswagen models will start to arrive at Sisbarro Volkswagen starting this month. To get up to date on the latest models, contact us, and we can keep you informed on what’s available for the new model year. We still have plenty of 2026 model year vehicles available for immediate delivery as well.

If your family likes to stay active outdoors – whether you're hiking, biking, camping, or exploring New Mexico's natural splendor in some other way – shouldn't your vehicle reflect your lifestyle? Is it even possible to have a vehicle that blends sporting capability with the creature comforts we expect in a daily drive. The answer is absolutely – at least when the answer is the new 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Peak Edition. The Peak Edition is exactly the kind of 2026 Atlas we want for our New Mexico lifestyle. Peak Edition revisions begin outside, where it gains a unique grille, wheel arch protection, and exterior badging to help it stand out from the rest of the Atlas lineup. Peak Edition models also gain unique 18-inch dark-finished alloy wheels, which are wrapped in all-terrain tires for added traction and composure when venturing off the beaten path. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which delivers 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which routes power to all four wheels through the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system. Atlas Peak Edition is also rated to tow up to 5,000 pound. Here’s something to think about when looking at the 2026 Atlas Peak Edition. If you desire to take on a dirt or gravel road, press the Mode button on the lower center stack and press the Off-Road icon on the touchscreen, effectively locking the 4MOTION system and optimizing traction at all four corners. Drivers and passengers alike will love stepping inside the Atlas Peak Edition. All four doors open wide, making entry and egress easy – and that includes passengers heading for the third row of seats, thanks to a lever-type slide-away feature on both the driver and passenger side. All three rows of seats – including either a second-row bench or captains chairs – are trimmed in unique two-tone V-Tex upholstery, and there are plenty of cupholders and USB-C charging ports throughout the interior to satiate passengers. Atlas Peak Edition provides the driver with an advanced Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster, which is still configured in a dual-dial format in a nod to Volkswagens of the past. The steering wheel also incorporates tactile buttons for cruise control, instrumentation, and audio controls, making it easy to adjust various settings without taking hands off the wheel. If you like information and entertainment, it is all there in the12.0-inch center touchscreen. The system offers a variety of options for audio playback and connectivity, and includes App-Connect functionality, including the ability to mirror your iPhone or Android device on the infotainment screen. But what good is an active lifestyle vehicle if there isn't any room for your active lifestyle gear? Fear not; Atlas Peak Edition provides plenty of cargo space, even with all three rows of seats in use. With all three rows upright, Atlas provides 20.6 cubic feet of space, but that grows to 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and jumps again to 96.8 cubic feet with both rows folded flat. The 2026 Atlas Peak Edition is the family SUV made for New Mexico. If it sounds like it's also made for you, contact us at Sisbarro Volkswagen and check one out soon!

The Volkswagen Atlas, as its name implies, is a large vehicle. The generously sized 3-row crossover was specifically designed for American families and is built in America within the Volkswagen assembly plant in Chattanooga, TN. While it's easy to assume the ample interior space and three rows of seats means the Atlas is adept at accomodating families of all sizes – including small children – Cars.com still had its child safety seat experts recently weigh in on how well the Atlas can accomodate different times of child seats. This Sisbarro Volkswagen post reports on their results. The Testers Cars.com editors Jennifer Geiger and Jennifer Newman, both certified in child safety seat installation, regularly perform these tests. Because testing every single child seat model isn't practical, they select one representative seat from each stage that best exemplifies most models in that category, and they use these seats consistently for all their testing. These seats are: Chicco KeyFit 30 infant-safety seat Graco Contender Extend2Fit 2-in-1 convertible seat (front-facing and rear-facing) Graco TurboBooster seat Seats are installed in the second row because that's where most are installed. For safety reasons, installing child seats in the front row isn't recommended when alternatives exist, mainly due to airbag deployment concerns. Infant and convertible seats are placed behind the front passenger seat, while booster seats are tested behind the driver. The driver’s seat is adjusted for an average 6-foot-tall adult, while the front passenger seat is set for a shorter person. For large families, editors also test the convertible seat in the forward-facing position in the second row to see if three child seats can fit side by side. Cars.com's assessments focus on how easy it is to access the LATCH anchor points and highlighting any potential installation difficulties. When testing rear-facing seats, editors check whether it causes the front passenger seat to be pushed forward into an impractical position. For vehicles with a third row, like the Atlas, editors also evaluate how practical it is to install seats in that row. Each test is graded from A to F, with specific criteria defining each grade: A: Plenty of room for the car seat and the child; it doesn’t impact driver or front passenger legroom. Easy to find and connect to Latch and tether anchors. No fit issues involving head restraint or seat contouring. B: One room, fit, or connection issue. C: Marginal room plus one fit or connection issue. D: Insufficient room, plus multiple fit or connection issues. F: Does not fit or is unsafe. The Atlas Results Were Almost Perfect Of the five primary tests using the second-row seats, the Atlas earned four A’s and one B. It also did very well with third-row seat installation, earning three As. The following are their verbatim comments on the results of each test. 2nd Row Latch: Grade A “ Three sets of  anchors sit in slits in the upholstery, and three clearly marked top tether anchors sit midway down the second-row seatbacks. All anchors are easy to find and use.” 2nd Row Infant Seat: Grade A “ The car seat was easy to install and there was plenty of legroom for the front passenger in front of the car seat.” 2nd Row Rear-Facing Convertible: Grade A “ The seat was easy to install, and as with the infant seat, there was plenty of legroom for the front passenger. We used the Level 2 recline angle for the rear-facing convertible.” 2nd Row Forward-Facing Convertible: Grade A “ Installation was easy, and the convertible fit well. We removed the head restraint to situate the convertible flush against the seatback, and we had no trouble connecting to the top tether anchor. We installed this car seat with the seat belt for caregivers interested in that method.” 2nd Row Booster: Grade B “ The seat fit well after we removed the head restraint to situate the booster flush against the seatback. The buckles are on short stalks, so they might be tough for kids to grasp and use independently.” Will the 2nd row fit three seats? Yes, provided the Atlas in question is equipped with the 2 nd -row bench seat instead of the available captain’s chairs. 3rd Row Access: Grade B “ The second row moved out of the way easily to create a good-size passage to the third row, and the step-in height should be manageable for small kids.” 3rd Row Forward-Facing Convertible: Grade B “ There are no lower anchors in the third row, so we again used the seat belt to install this car seat; the seat fit well after we removed the head restraint. The third row has two top tether anchors on the seatbacks; they’re clearly marked and easy to use. Legroom is tight, though, so we had to slide the second row forward a bit to share legroom.” 3rd Row Booster: Grade A The seat fit well after we removed the head restraint. The buckles are on short but stable bases, which should make them easy to find and grasp. Cars.com has performed this test on other 3-row crossovers and found that some are not very good at accommodating child seats in the third row. The Atlas is far more accommodating, giving you flexibility in your vehicle seating arrangements. If you live in the Sisbarro area and are contemplating a new vehicle to better accommodate your growing family, visit Sisbarro Volkswagen and check out one of the many 2026 Atlas models in our inventory.

We call our state of New Mexico the “Land of Enchantment.” With 121,589 square miles of diverse landscape, you can go from desert exploring to skiing and mountain climbing all within its borders. Las Cruces is just a speck on the map. Well…a huge speck in the south-central part of our state. To the north of us is a vast land that is constantly beckoning, imploring that little corner of our brain that loves to get out and drive to go take a Volkswagen on a road trip. Why not do so while exploring what New Mexico has to offer? The Trip Advisor website and app came up with a list of scenic drives you can take within hours of Las Cruces, and it suggested several interesting options, most located just north of our fair city. The Highroad to Taos Scenic Byway, to start, follows a part of New Mexico Highway 76 through the remnants of Old Spain. You get a glimpse of Spanish architecture while traversing through the mountains into Taos. Heading back, you can take the Lowroad from Taos and Santa Fe to our state’s capital. West of Santa Fe is the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway. This takes you into the Santa Fe National Forest to the Jemez Pueblo. Along the way, there are some amazing waterfalls and hot springs that bring this mountainous loop drive to life. Keep to the north, and you’ll find another mountain loop known as the Enchanted Circle Drive. Starting in Taos, this loop encircles several alpine peaks while taking you through the history of this state and the land grant given to that area. You will pass through an old mining area that has no longer yielded its treasure. If you like a good rugged road, the Quebrados Backcountry Byway is an experience to drive. It is a 24-mile-long unpaved road that starts in Escondido off Interstate 25 to the north of us. The landscape is worth the trek along this road. This is a great experience that is closer to home. Our state is vast in size, as well as in topography. To enjoy some of these roads, you and your Volkswagen will be racking in the miles happily. We are 353 miles away from Taos, 284 miles to Santa Fe and 149 miles to the start of the Quebrados Backcountry Byway in Escondido. If you are up for an adventure, make sure your Volkswagen is ready to tackle the miles getting there and on these great roads. Before you go, make an appointment to bring your vehicle into the service center at Sisbarro Volkswagen for a thorough fluid check – including an oil change – and other inspections to make sure your Volkswagen is road trip ready. Our service center is still open during construction.

Remember the original Volkswagen Golf R32? When first introduced in 2002, it stole the spotlight (and became the brand’s highest-performance offering) by packing a 3.2-liter VR6 engine, 4MOTION all-wheel drive, and a direct-shift DSG transmission into a compact hatchback form. To celebrate the 25 th anniversary of this performance legend, Sisbarro Volkswagen is pleased to announce that Volkswagen is taking the Golf R racing by competing in the 2027 Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race in 2027. Volkswagen says the R in Golf R (and R32) stands for “racing.” Indeed Volkswagen R models have a storied history on race tracks, including four Rally World Championship titles with the Polo R WRC and several electric records with the ID.R sports car. “The 24h Nürburgring is the toughest test for us under real competitive conditions,” says Reinhold Ivenz, Head of Volkswagen R. “The Nürburgring is also our test and development track, and we will meet people at the 24h race who share our passion for performance – which is why the project is a perfect match for Volkswagen R.” Although the Golf R is the best-known Volkswagen R model in the U.S., but there have been several other R variants in other markets, including the aforementioned Polo R,  Arteon R sedan, and Tiguan R crossover. While road-going Volkswagen R models have long been known for their understated and restrained design, their race-spec counterparts, however, can be much more overt, with dramatic modifications made to rear wings, ground effects, and other body components in order to optimize drag, increase downforce, and improve engine cooling. So far, Volkswagen has only previewed the Nürburgring racing vehicle with the Golf R 24H show car that was revealed to the public at the Ring Boulevard of Nürburgring.  Max Kruse Racing, which has a long relationship with Volkswagen, has been tapped to build the Golf R Nürburgring racer. "With the Golf R 24H show car, we are making our vision for 2027 tangible at an early stage. The preparatory work for the real racing car has already begun. Even though we don’t want to reveal much about the technology yet: fans of the 24h Nürburgring can look forward to the most spectacular Golf R to date,” continues Reinhold Ivenz. As always, innovations and technologies developed for racing tend to trickle down into production vehicles. The date of the 2027 24h Nürburgring has not yet been confirmed, though speculation places the race weekend on May 27–30. German engineering and innovation for practical use can be seen and felt in every model Volkswagen makes, as in the Tiguan, which was the runaway winner in an eight-compact-crossover comparison by Cars.com. Volkswagen builds winners, and we invite you to see them at Sisbarro Volkswagen in Las Cruces, NM.

A perfect golf shot is rare. Winning a brand-new vehicle with that perfect shot is even rarer. For nearly 45 years, the Sisbarro Dealerships have helped bring that excitement to golf tournaments across Southern New Mexico. Since 1981, Sisbarro has sponsored Hole-In-One contests at local golf tournaments, giving golfers the chance to win a new vehicle by landing an ace on a designated prize hole. In round numbers, that adds up to almost 500 golf tournaments supported by the Sisbarro team over the years. That is a lot of scorecards, tee shots, nervous swings, near-misses, and unforgettable tournament moments. The idea is simple, but the excitement is huge. At select tournaments, a specific hole is chosen as the prize hole. If a golfer makes a hole-in-one on that hole during eligible tournament play, they could drive away with a brand-new vehicle. Over the decades, early winners took home vehicles from brands like Pontiac and Buick. This year, golfers are taking aim at a 2026 GMC Sierra. While every golfer hopes to make that dream shot, a hole-in-one is never easy. Sisbarro estimates that a winner is crowned roughly once every 20 tournaments, which makes each contest even more exciting. Every player who steps up to the tee knows there is a real chance, however slim, that one great swing could turn into a story they will tell for the rest of their life. Next up, Sisbarro is proud to be part of the revival of the Las Cruces City Tournament, taking place July 18-19. The return of this local golf tradition is a perfect fit for a dealership group that has been supporting community events in Las Cruces for more than four decades. At Sisbarro Volkswagen, we are proud to be part of the larger Sisbarro Dealerships family and its long history of community involvement. From local events and charitable efforts to tournaments that bring neighbors together, Sisbarro has always believed in being more than a place to shop for a vehicle. We are part of this community, and we are grateful for every opportunity to support the people, organizations, and traditions that make Southern New Mexico special. Whether you are chasing a hole-in-one, cheering on a friend, or simply enjoying a weekend of local golf, the Sisbarro Hole-In-One contest adds one more reason to watch every tee shot closely. After all, the next great swing could be the one that sends someone home in a brand-new vehicle. Learn more about how Sisbarro Volkswagen supports the Las Cruces community. You can also explore new Volkswagen models.

When you’re shopping in an incredibly popular (and crowded) vehicle segment, it might seem difficult to find the perfect fit for your next new-car purchase. Comparing features across several brands, models, and multiple trim levels may be an intimidating task. Fortunately, professional editors and evaluators at automotive publications regularly sample new cars and trucks to help educate shoppers. Recently, Cars.com compared eight different compact SUVs priced under $45,000 together and declared a champion: the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo. This top-of-the-line Tiguan is truly ahead of the class, and the editors at Cars.com apparently agreed. Powered by a high-output 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower, it was the most powerful SUV in the group. The performance alone certainly excited the enthusiasts watching this comparison. But the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo is more than just what’s underneath the hood: it’s also what you find beneath the surface, especially within its stylish, spacious cabin. Cars. com editors described the Tiguan interior as boasting “premium amenities” and “upscale quality” - characteristics that invite, if not implore you to spend more time behind the wheel.  The dashboard is well-organized and neatly designed, and includes both a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster, along with a large 15-inch center touchscreen display. The multi-function knob on the center console controls more than just the volume on the audio system. It also acts as a drive mode selector, as well as the controller for the Atmospheres feature, which can help change the mood inside your 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo with the right ambient accent color. These are among some of the things Cars.com pointed out in their evaluation of the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo. They also cited its “great comfort,” which includes features such as massaging seats that ease the tension of longer drives. The elevated quilted two-tone leather upholstery delivers a new level of luxury for our popular SUV. Plus, they found the cabin to be quiet. It also welcomes child seats inside with no problem. Overall, the Cars.com judges were impressed with the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo. They said that the “overall victory is a result of its impressive combination of upscale quality and amenities, passenger space and driving performance — coupled with no losses in any of our scoring categories. It is, without question, the nicest vehicle here for the money.” Cars.com finds the 2026 Tiguan a compelling crossover, and we think you’ll agree once you see it – or, better yet – drive it for yourself. Contact us at Sisbarro Volkswagen to see for yourself why it won the Cars.com Compact SUV Challenge.

This Sisbarro Volkswagen blog usually informs and celebrates all things Volkswagen, but we break from that to inform and celebrate our hometown of Las Cruces, NM, and its planned celebration of our country’s 250 th birthday.  Sisbarro Volkswagen hopes you take full advantage of the community’s celebration concert and fireworks display, Las Cruces and the New Mexico State Aggies have planned for this July 4 th. Independence Day is a unique holiday in many respects, one that emphasizes gathering and celebrating with families, neighbors, and the community over other elements. Although it sits in the middle of summer, there isn’t a formal Independence Day season per se – but there’s no reason you can’t start your celebration a little earlier than the calendar suggests. For instance, take the 2026 Las Cruces Electric Light Parade, which is part of the Las Cruces Fourth of July celebration. This fun event actually starts on Friday, July 3, at 9 P.M at Apodoca Park. Like fireworks, a light parade needs the dark of night, so the Parade travels south on Solano Drive, turns east on Hadley Avenue, and completes the route at the Maag Softball Complex. This year’s Light Parade, themed “Stars, Stripes and City Lights,” will illuminate the night with festive floats and decorated vehicles and will serve as the kickoff to the Independence Day weekend. Trophies are awarded first through third place in commercial and non-commercial categories, as well as a best overall float trophy. Floats are judged on originality, theme depiction, and effective use of lights. On the fourth itself, Las Cruces’ official celebration will be held at Pat & Lou Sisbarro Community Park, starting at 4:00 pm. The Pat & Lou Sisbarro Community Park officially opened in 2015 and serves as a reminder of the Sisbarro family’s commitment to community involvement. It is a free event featuring live musical performances and a massive fireworks show, with food vendors on-site throughout the evening. At 6:45, the concert begins with Las Cruces' favorites Triple Jack, known for their high-energy performances of classic rock, blues, and funk covers, as well as original music.  They will be followed at 8:00 pm by headliner 49 Winchester out of Castlewood, Virginia, with five released studio albums of their brand of Appalachian country rock.  And at 9:45 will be the start of the fireworks display to cap off our country’s 250 th birthday. Sisbarro Volkswagen hopes you attend our town’s festivities and wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Independence Day.

Summer in New Mexico and West Texas is very enchanting and very enjoyable. However, the heat can be a challenge for everyone. It could mean less comfort for everyone.  When it comes to keeping you comfortable, Volkswagen offers a lineup of family-friendly SUVs designed to beat the heat. Inside each of our models in the lineup are features designed to keep you cool, comfortable, and refreshed upon arrival at your destination. Let’s start with front ventilated seats. When you turn them on from the climate control system, they simply cool the seats through vents inside them. You can turn on the fan to maximize seat cooling. They can be found on higher-trim versions of the 2026 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Tiguan, Taos, ID.4, Jetta, Jetta GLI, Golf GTI, and Golf R. Other systems offer precise temperature control, along with a range of fan speeds. Vents are positioned where you really want them to be – especially in three-row vehicles, such as the 2026 Atlas and 2025 ID.Buzz. For two-row SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks, you may find a rear vent that keeps you comfortable. Upper models of the 2026 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport may feature a three-zone climate control system with a separate rear climate setting. On the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo, there is a separate control panel for the rear passengers to control their own temperature. Another feature that may come in handy is a 115-volt outlet located in either the front or rear seating area. When it is enabled, you can run your power cooler to keep drinks and snacks cool. This is available on some 2026 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport trim levels. When it is really hot outside, you dread getting out to unlock the doors, start up the vehicle, and turn on the climate control. The solution is right in your hand with the myVW app. You have several functions available at your fingertips, such as remote start, remote lock and unlock, and cabin pre-cooling. You can even find your vehicle through the last parked location. Your Volkswagen should be compatible with myVW and myVW+ services from your smartphone. When the heat is on, get ready to stay cool in a Volkswagen. Contact us at Sisbarro Volkswagen so we can show you all the great features that make your summer on the road a relaxing one.

When it comes to sports compacts, Volkswagen wrote the book on them for the past 50 years. The first one that comes to mind is the Golf GTI. It sets the benchmark for all sports compacts to follow, including our own. Did you know that Volkswagen has offered a Jetta GLI for every generation? Today’s 2026 Jetta GLI continues to provide excitement for enthusiasts who are looking for a quick four-door sedan with a trunk. It is also the most affordable, honest sports sedan available in this country. According to the Top Speed website, the Jetta GLI is very “underrated.” What makes the 2026 Jetta GLI special starts with what’s underneath the hood. The EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter engine offers up 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It is one of the few vehicles left to be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. You can also opt for a DSG gearbox. To keep things in line, the VAQ Limited-Slip front differential ensures confidence when you put down the accelerator. Keeping the 2026 Jetta GLI planted on the tarmac is a rear multilink suspension set-up. With DCC and Adaptive Chassis Control, you can adjust the firmness of the dampers to fit the kind of driving you want. If tackling the twisty roads in the mountains is on your agenda, put your 2026 Jetta GLI into Sport mode and ride the curves. For boulevard cruising in town, Normal or Comfort will keep things mellow. The dynamic steering system enhances precision, while putting the DCC into Sport mode weighs down the feel for more control at every turn. While it delivers driving excitement, the 2026 Jetta GLI invites you to sit down and take control. With front seats that offer support, an infotainment touchscreen with a performance page, and a comprehensive Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster, you will be inspired to take your 2026 Jetta GLI to the next adventure – including rush hour. Still, the 2026 Jetta GLI is a practical sedan at its core. You can seat up to five people and fill the 14.1 cubic foot trunk with luggage for everyone on a weekend trip out of town. Of course, you can’t ignore the 2026 Jetta GLI with its badges and red trim inside and out. Plus, those gloss black finished 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels mounted just give it a cool vibe. If you consider all of the good things that make up this sports sedan, why would anyone still call this “underrated”? Top Speed explains that there’s “ nothing inherently wrong” with it, because it “does the sporty bit extremely well” compared to its competitors. After 40-plus years, the Jetta GLI remains an exciting compact sports sedan for enthusiasts who want a pure driving experience. If this is your kind of vehicle, contact us at Sisbarro Volkswagen and let us introduce you to one soon.