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Volkswagen has gone above and beyond to offer buyers a comfortable, safe, reasonably sized, and priced SUV that has the looks to match anything from more expensive luxury brands. With its swooping roof, the Atlas Cross Sport has great interior volume for those who don’t quite need as much as the three-row Atlas provides, but still want a larger SUV that has plenty of cargo space. A Fresh Take on The Atlas Cross Sport A new review from David Booth at Driving sees him really enjoy the 2026 Atlas Cross Sport and its multiple talents, saying, “ This is an extremely impressive package overall.” Base Price, Engine, and Trim Levels Starting at $38,775, the Atlas Cross Sport offers five great trim levels: SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line. All models have the same beloved 2.0-liter turbocharged Evo4 engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, and only requiring 87 octane gas. While SE models offer standard front-wheel drive, 4Motion® all-wheel drive is optional. All SEL trim levels have AWD as standard. Fuel Economy Is Quite Good With its 8-speed automatic gearbox, the Atlas Cross Sport can be driven sportily or for fuel efficiency, with the EPA estimating that FWD models achieve 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. All-wheel-drive models get just one fewer mile per gallon on the highway. What Driving Had to Say “The other reason to buy the Atlas Cross Sport is its delicious combination of ride and handling. More firmly suspended than most comparable utes, the Cross Sport nonetheless remains quite comfortable. Indeed, on most roads, the increased damping allows better body control, which can actually improve the ride ... Combine that control with exceptional high-speed on-center stability, and the Atlas Cross really is something of a road warrior ... so relaxed did I feel behind the wheel.” Standard Tech Features Each trim level offers, as standard, a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB-C ports that support 45 watts of fast charging (a total of 6 ports are available), and a 15-watt wireless phone charger. In front of the driver is a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster display that offers four views, including the option to display your map and navigation needs. The IIHS Says the Cross Sport Is Incredibly Safe Both the Atlas and the Atlas Cross Sport were named by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as Top Safety Pick+ vehicles. This means, of all the cars, trucks, and SUVs on sale today, the Atlas twins are among the safest you can buy. An Amazing Array of Standard Safety Features This is thanks to the superb engineering of the Atlas Cross Sport and the top-notch suite of safety features from IQ.Drive, which is standard on all models. Standard features include Adaptive Front Lighting System with LED headlights and Light Assist auto high beams, Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian & Cyclist Monitoring); Active Side Assist (Blind Spot Monitor); Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go; Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System); Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency); Intelligent Crash Response System that disables the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and turns on the hazard lights in the event of an accident; and Exit Warning. Drivers Will Love Travel Assist With front and rear radar, a front camera, and numerous ultrasound sensors to inspect the surrounding area, drivers will love the semi-autonomous Travel Assist, which helps them relax while driving in traffic or on longer highway drives. Sisbarro Volkswagen Can Help You Get into an Atlas Cross Sport Stop by Sisbarro Volkswagen to experience how great the Atlas Cross Sport really is for yourself. While words can help to describe the vehicle, the expert sales team can help you choose between trim levels, packages, and colors while also getting you the best possible price. Why Choose Sisbarro Volkswagen Get a head start on summer with a hot deal from Sisbarro Volkswagen. At Sisbarro Volkswagen, we are proud to offer the best prices and services on both new and used Volkswagen models. Our sales team will work to find you the car you want, and our finance department will help you get the best possible price. When it’s time to service your car, our service department will work hard to ensure your car or SUV receives the best care imaginable. We thank you for trusting us, and we look forward to serving you soon.

When it comes to the most popularly purchased Volkswagen, you would expect the company to be rather conservative with the newest generation. Instead, the 2026 Tiguan offers even more for a price that beats much of the competition. MotorTrend Compares The 2026 Tiguan Against the Forester Hybrid This is especially true when you read the latest comparison test from MotorTrend, where the magazine pitted the all-new Tiguan against the all-new 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid. Which one is best for you, though? Pricing and Trim Levels Volkswagen has priced the latest Tiguan right, with a base MSRP of $32,280 and five unique trim levels, including S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and the new-for-2026 SEL R-Line Turbo. While front-wheel drive is standard on the S and both SE trim levels, 4Motion® all-wheel drive is available as an option. The model MotorTrend tested was an SE R-Line Black optioned with AWD, with an as-tested price of $41,070. A Powerful Engine Under the Hood Each S and SE Tiguan comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 201 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque when equipped with FWD and 221 lb-ft with AWD. The top-of-the-line SEL R-Line Turbo offers the same engine, putting out 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired perfectly with an 8-speed automatic transmission that reacts intelligently to both normal and sporty driving. Fuel Economy The EPA estimates that the Tiguan achieves 22 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and an average of 25 mpg across both cycles. Meet The Forester Hybrid The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid has a base MSRP of $38,015 and a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine paired with a 1.1-kWh battery pack, for a total of 194 horsepower. The starting price of the top-trim Limited Hybrid that MotorTrend tested is $44,715, with an as-tested price of $45,210. Comparing the Tiguan Against the Forester Hybrid MotorTrend said that while the Forester Hybrid has a comfortable ride, it feels too relaxed for some, with little driving involvement. The Volkswagen, on the other hand, they loved it, even though the Forester Hybrid, unsurprisingly, was better on gas. A Word from MotorTrend “The Tiguan, on the other hand, is eager to keep pulling, much like a Golf GTI. Gone is the lag found in the previous-generation model, with the new Tiguan seeming noticeably sportier. Its eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and decisively, helping the SUV be more responsive and torquier ... Overall, we preferred the way the Tiguan handles on the road; it feels like a tool you’re fully in control of.” Standard Safety Features Every VW, including the Tiguan, comes standard with IQ.Drive is an advanced suite of safety convenience features. IQ.Drive includes Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Active Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Front Assist, Emergency Assist, Lane Assist, Area View, Park Distance Control, Light Assist, Dynamic Road Sign Display, and more. Sisbarro Volkswagen Has the Right Tiguan You Need To fully understand why the Tiguan is such a great crossover for those who need an SUV that’s solid, dependable, safe, and now sportier than ever, head over to Sisbarro Volkswagen. The knowledgeable sales team will help you not only find the perfect vehicle but also make sure you get the best price around. Why Choose Sisbarro Volkswagen Summer is arriving soon, meaning you should take a look at the red-hot deals at Sisbarro Volkswagen. At Sisbarro Volkswagen, we are proud to offer the best prices and services on both new and used Volkswagen models. Our sales team will work to find you the car you want, and our finance department will help you get the best possible price. When it’s time to service your car, our service department will work hard to ensure your car or SUV receives the best care imaginable. We thank you for trusting us, and we look forward to serving you soon.

The awards keep on coming for Volkswagen. MotorTrend named the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R their 2026 Car of the Year, while Car and Driver added both of them to this year’s 10Best Cars list. The accolades continue to roll in for both the 2026 Golf GTI and Golf R, as they were named to Car and Driver’s 2026 Editors’ Choice list. They are also joined by the 2026 Tiguan, making it three Volkswagen models on this esteemed list of the magazine's best automobiles. This list is based on Car and Driver’s extensive and exhaustive testing of every vehicle they work with. Based on instrumented testing, the magazine’s editors convene to pore over data and impressions to create a list of 131 of their highest-rated and well-loved vehicles for this roster—that is, 131 vehicles out of 450—across 47 segments. The criteria they use are based on the editors’ assessment of each 2026 model-year vehicle’s “intended mission” and the value it brings to consumers and enthusiasts. Each vehicle receives a ranking of up to 10 stars. To make the list, they have to earn at least nine of them. Considering how well the Volkswagen Golf has done with the editors of Car and Driver over the past 50-plus years, it is no surprise that the 2026 Golf GTI and Golf R have made this list. Over eight-and-a-half generations, the groundbreaking hatchback evolved into a pair of sports compact/hot hatch heroes. The benchmark they set over the past 50 years has earned them an international following amongst enthusiasts of all stripes. The 2026 Golf GTI and Golf R continue this tradition as the “go-to” sports compacts/hot hatches, delivering excitement and precision in two different packages. While they share the basic EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, their tunes and drivelines deliver distinctive driving experiences for their drivers. The 2026 Golf GTI features a 241-horsepower, front-drive drivetrain that delivers a pure driving experience that engages the driver no matter where they go. The 2026 Golf R does so with a more powerful 328-horsepower unit, coupled with a 4Motion all-wheel-drive system that delivers superb grip for maximum traction. The best acknowledgement of how the 2026 Tiguan has been elevated is Car and Driver’s inclusion of it on this list. This year, VW doubled down on the power offerings from the same EA888 turbocharged engine. Most models get the 201-horsepower version, delivering efficiency while adding fun along the way. For enthusiastic families looking for more excitement, the 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo raises the power band to 268 horsepower for a sporting drive with you and the family or your friends. All three of these vehicles are the result of the great work Volkswagen has done in producing and offering great experiences. That is why you are invited to answer our call for “Drivers Wanted.” You can check out all three of these Editors’ Choice winners at Sisbarro Volkswagen. Contact us to find out which winning combination is right for you.

Volkswagen is a brand with a huge Latino following and customer base across the Americas. As popular as they are in Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil, they have found a deeper culture right here across the country. It comes as no surprise that Puros Autos recognized the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan as the Best SUV in their Latin Flavor Cars of the Year awards. As the leading automotive source for Latinos in the U.S.A., Puros Autos looks at insights from this influential customer base in terms of purchasing power, marketing efforts, and development strategies to calculate data and determine trends to better serve this demographic. They cited the 2025 and 2026 Tiguan models, noting improvements over the last generation model in performance, quality, technology, and safety. For one, the interior quality and materials are great to the touch. The controls also follow suit with ease of operation. That includes the steering-stalk-mounted shifter. This new-generation Tiguan offers the largest screens in the history of the Tiguan. The standard 12.9-inch screen houses connectivity and operational functions that are quickly accessible. The same screen becomes even larger in the new SEL R-Line Turbo, measuring 15 inches. Devices can connect wirelessly quickly and easily. A unique feature now found on the 2025 and 2026 Tiguan is the Atmospheres mood selector that creates an environment that matches how you’re feeling behind the wheel. The newest Tiguan is also very accommodating, seating up to five people. It can also carry up to 69.6 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats down. For 2026, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is now available with two power levels. SE, SEL, and SEL R-Line Black models are powered by the 201-horsepower engine, offering both performance and efficiency. The new SEL R-Line Turbo model sees a power bump to 268 horsepower, igniting more excitement into your daily driving. All 2025 and 2026 Tiguan models are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a choice of front- or 4Motion all-wheel drive. This is one of several awards the newest Tiguan has received so far. The recognition of our popular SUV resonates with consumers looking for great value from a vehicle designed and engineered to meet their needs and more. This is why the 2025 and 2026 Tiguan is truly a smart choice. If the 2025 and 2026 Tiguan is the right SUV for you, contact us at Sisbarro Volkswagen to see one soon!

With a debut during that rather popular football game in early February, Volkswagen begins a new chapter of its Drivers Wanted advertising campaign. Sisbarro Volkswagen provides you with the details. The Drivers Wanted campaign dates back to the late 90s and was created to communicate Volkswagen’s human-centric approach to design, performance, and culture, as well as the distinctive driver-pleasing feel of its models. Today, the campaign, designed by the New York advertising agency Johannes Leonardo, offers a forward-looking invitation, calling on a new generation to say yes to possibility, originality, and optimism by living life in the driver’s seat. The debut spot, “The Great Invitation,” showcases the brand as a whole. Set to the 1992 hip-hop song “Jump Around” by House of Pain, the spot features a series of invitations, starting with a dog knocking a ball toward its owner as a request to play, followed by a group of people inviting their friend to join them on a trip in their ID. Buzz, a young woman inviting someone inside a VW to join her dancing in the rain; a dust-covered Golf GTI with "call me" scrawled beneath a phone number; the siren call of an ice cream truck prompting spontaneous decisions; and several other instances of someone being encouraged to join in. These moments embody the spirit of saying yes and reaffirm the original campaign's goal of encouraging young consumers to forge their own paths and shape culture. Most scenes could be anywhere, but multiple shots of a city, either up close or in the background, reveal the location as Houston, TX.  Most of the individuals in the spot are young, as VW aims to capture a new generation of “drivers” with the brand’s long-held belief that driving is about much more than getting from point A to point B. “ Our passion has always been about our cars and our people; our drivers, our dealers, our employees,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “This campaign celebrates that connection and invites everyone to share in the joy of driving a Volkswagen.” In contrast to the 2024 game-day spot “An American Love Story,” which celebrated 75 years of Volkswagen in the U.S. and showcased models across the decades, “The Great Invitation” focuses on current models in the VW lineup. “Now is the perfect moment to remind our enthusiasts why they love Volkswagen and to welcome others to join in,” said Rachael Zaluzec, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience and Brand Marketing, Volkswagen of America. “’Drivers wanted’ is more than a message; it’s an invitation to take the wheel, experience the freedom and fun of the road.” With only one spot available for viewing at this point, it is difficult to determine where VW will go with this campaign, but we will all be watching. In the meantime, Sisbarro Volkswagen extends its own invitation for you to see and experience the exciting lineup of Volkswagens, from the practical and efficient Taos to the very driver-pleasing Golf GTI to the eye-catching and innovative ID.Buzz, or similarly spacious Atlas.

Safety is important for every vehicle, but the concern goes up a notch or two for vehicles that carry your family. Thus, Sisbarro Volkswagen is proud to announce that the two most family-oriented vehicles in the Volkswagen model line, the 2026 Atlas and the Atlas Cross Sport, were each named a TOP SAFETY PICK + by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The TOP SAFETY PICK + is the highest safety award from IIHS, and these models have received it for the third time since their 2024 redesign. To qualify for the 2025 award, a vehicle must score “Good” (their highest rating) in the Institute’s updated moderate overlap front and side tests, as well as the small overlap front test. This is where only part of the front of the vehicle strikes an immovable object, thus putting far more load on the structure of the impacted side than an impact with the full front end. In addition to being more challenging, this also represents the majority of front-end collisions. All trims must have standard acceptable or good headlights, and the vehicle must also earn an acceptable or good rating in pedestrian front crash prevention. The 2026 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport come equipped with a standard front crash prevention system that earned an acceptable rating for pedestrian crash prevention and standard LED headlights that received a good (their highest) rating. These headlights also feature the Adaptive Front-lighting System, which swivels with steering input to improve illumination during cornering. In addition to the advanced chassis and body structure that effectively allows the vehicle to crumple strategically while preserving the cabin, both models benefited from the standard IQ.DRIVE® suite of safety and driver assist features. For example, Front Assist uses ultrasound sensors to help warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles and pedestrians, and it can sometimes automatically activate braking (Automatic Emergency Braking). It can also identify cyclists or pedestrians traveling alongside or crossing in front of the vehicle. The system warns the driver of potential imminent front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually via a warning symbol in the instrument cluster, when the car is traveling above 18 mph. If the vehicle is moving under 18 mph and a potential front collision is detected, Automatic Emergency Braking activates immediately without prior acoustic or visual alerts. Additionally, if the driver lightly presses the brake pedal, the system increases the brake pressure. The system also features Active Side Assist (Blind Spot Monitor), Rear Traffic Alert, and driver convenience functions like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and resume when suitable. Lane Assist helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane, especially useful when the driver temporarily takes their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel, such as when removing a jacket. It is also worth mentioning that both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport model lines earned an Overall 5-Star Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is their highest rating. So, the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport are not only stylish and spacious vehicles for transporting your family, but they also scored the highest safety ratings available from the two most comprehensive testing institutions. Visit Sisbarro Volkswagen in Las Cruces to test drive either the 3-row Atlas or 2-row Atlas Cross Sport. And bring the family.

Volkswagen gave the Taos a fresh design and new features for the 2025 model year. In the past year, journalists and car buyers alike have all loved what the small crossover has to offer, especially for the price. A new review by CarPro.com highlighted some of what makes the Taos a popular vehicle for buyers of all types. Pricing and Power The 2026 Taos starts at $27,975 and is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder that produces 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic gearbox. The Taos comes standard with front-wheel drive but can be optioned with the brilliant world-class 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. Trim Levels and Fuel Efficiency Buyers can choose from four trim levels: S, SE, SE Black, and SEL. When it comes to fuel economy, every Taos is very efficient, with the EPA estimating that front-wheel-drive models achieve 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, while 4Motion Taos models achieve 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. What CarPro Had to Say During their drive, CarPro found the Taos very enjoyable and responsive to drive, saying, “ The Taos rides and handles very well, quite sporty for a small SUV. Visibility is great, and interior noise is much better than I’ve had with many small SUVs.” A Stylish Upmarket Exterior All VW Taos trim levels come standard with LED projector headlights, along with standard LED taillights, with an illuminated VW badge in the middle of the rear hatch. An available light bar for the front bumper grille surround adds a unique, beautiful design element. Buyers can further option an Adaptive Front Lighting System, or AFS. Roof rails are also standard. The Taos comes with wheels from 17 to 19 inches. A Beautiful Interior with Great Tech Owners will appreciate that, even though the Taos is a small, economical, and reasonably priced crossover, Volkswagen did not skimp on the luxury fit and finish, so you know you’re in something special. The dashboard features contrasting accent stitching with a floating-style infotainment screen that has an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen for all trim levels. The S trim gets an 8.0-inch Digital Cockpit gauge cluster display, while SE and SEL models get Digital Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch display. The SE and SEL models also receive standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Multiple Ways to Charge Your Devices The interior features don’t stop there, though, as driver and front passenger each get their own USB-C ports in the center stack with another in the center console. Each port can charge up to 45 watts, which should work well with even modern laptops. The Final Verdict “ Price-wise, it is one of the better buys out there for an all-wheel drive with an extremely long list of standard features and a very nice interior.” Sisbarro Volkswagen Has What You’re Looking For Whether you’re looking for a Taos, a GTI, or an Atlas, Sisbarro Volkswagen is where you need to go to get the best deals on new and used Volkswagen vehicles. The helpful sales staff will ensure you get the car you want at the price you need. Why Choose Sisbarro Volkswagen Spring is here, and there’s nothing like a new car to bring warmth to your life. Sisbarro Volkswagen is proud to offer the prices and services on new and used Volkswagen models. Our sales team will work to find you the car you want, and our finance department will help you get the best possible price. When it’s time to service your car, our service department will work hard to ensure your car or SUV receives the best care imaginable. We thank you for trusting us, and we look forward to serving you soon.

Let’s say you have a 2025 Volkswagen Atlas and you’ve been given the task to go halfway across the country with some precious cargo – in this case, some beautiful rescue dogs. They are waiting to meet their new forever homes, many states away. Sounds like a great road trip! This particular 2025 Atlas was part of Operation Frodo, a mission organized by a group of automotive journalists to rescue dogs from a shelter in Omaha and bring them to Portland. These wonderful dogs already have homes waiting for them in the Pacific Northwest. This past December, Volkswagen and Autoblog participated in this great effort in the name of humanity and our best friends. The 2025 Atlas was an excellent pick for this mission. Its comfortable three-row seating offers ample space, with 153.7 cubic feet of passenger volume. Add a cargo area that offers up to 96.6 cubic feet of space with the second- and third-row seats down. They observed that the cargo space was “exceptional.” They were able to load in two large dog kennels, a set of luggage with food, and supplies for both humans and the dogs. With the massive amount of space inside the Atlas, they would add a third dog carrying case. Every 2025 – and 2026 – Atlas is powered by a 269-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With 273 pound-feet of torque, it sends power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rescue vehicle’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Of course, what’s a road trip without some form of entertainment? The 2025 and 2026 Atlas is equipped with a 12-inch center display serving as a hub for connectivity, music playback, and information. In the SEL Premium R-Line, Harman Kardon adds a set of speakers that will fill up the cabin very nicely, along with smartphone connectivity to play your favorite tracks and podcasts. Everyone should be happy – including your pets. In conclusion, Autoblog said that “ as a cross-country cruiser and an unexpected rescue-dog transport, it proved itself capable, comfortable, and quietly impressive. I think the dogs agree.” We agree! It is undoubtedly the right vehicle to carry everyone across the state of New Mexico and into neighboring states as well. If you and your pets agree that this is the right vehicle for a long journey across the country, contact us at Sisbarro Volkswagen to take a look at the 2025 and 2026 Atlas soon! You may want to take it on a long road trip.

The Tiguan compact crossover was completely redesigned for the 2025 model year. In addition to the new exterior, interior, and tech upgrades, a new top trim level was added. It includes the usual added features and upgraded materials, along with a significantly more powerful engine. Cars.com took the top-trim Tiguan for a spin, and Sisbarro Volkswagen summarizes what they found. Like other Tiguan models, the SEL R-Line has a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 under the hood. In this case, it is a very turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That is 67 more horsepower and 37 more lb-ft of torque than the rest of the Tiguan line. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to all four wheels, as all SEL R-Line turbos have all-wheel drive. Volkswagen thinks of the Tiguan SEL R-Line as a logical next step for GTI owners who need more space. Cars.com is skeptical of that, but they do like the model. They may miss the GTI’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, as they felt the Tiguan’s gear changer lacked the snappy shifts found in the GTI. The power is definitely there, though. “ It moves the Tiguan smartly off the line, helps the SUV merge smoothly into traffic, and never feels like it’s hunting for the right gear to deliver the performance you want.” They just didn’t think the 8-speed downshifted quickly enough to give you the GTI feel, though using the Sport model did improve things. It should be noted that, almost to a person, car reviewers love the GTI and thus have high expectations for anything considered the next step up. However, if the GTI owners or anyone else wants a nicer interior, the Tiguan SEL R-Line definitely delivers. They will find themselves surrounded by authentic walnut wood, quilted leather seats, and tri-zone climate control (rare for this class). There is a large 15-inch center touchscreen through which they can engage the 12-speaker, 700-watt Harman Kardon audio system. They will also find 30-color ambient lighting and the vehicle’s ability to park itself. Sure, this raises the cost by just under $6K over the SE R-Line, but in the words of Cars.com, “…given everything that comes in the SEL R-Line Turbo, it isn’t much of an increase at all.” It helps that all this is on the redesigned Tiguan, which provides more space, a nicer dash layout, top-quality materials, and the return of physical buttons on the steering wheel instead of capacitive ones. Overall, Cars.com states, “ The new Tiguan is an outstanding choice if you’re shopping for a compact SUV. It has a fully competitive feature set and an improved multimedia system that Volkswagen has continually made better.” If the higher-powered model falls short of being a Tiguan GTI, that’s OK, as they didn’t call it that. But as they conclude, “ As it sits, it’s more satisfying than lesser Tiguans for a reasonable price, and that’s pretty much what it needs to be.” Visit Sisbarro Volkswagen in Las Cruces to test drive the Tiguan SEL R-Line to get your own opinion of its fun factor.

Over a year ago, Southern California faced a series of catastrophic fires. The damage was devastating, with blocks of homes lost across neighborhoods within Los Angeles County. Amid disaster, there was a glimmer of hope. The image of a lone 1977 Volkswagen T2 Bus – named Azul – amid one of the blocks in Malibu. It showed its good side – a beautiful blue exterior with a white roof – captured by an Associated Press photojournalist. It belonged to Megan Weinraub, a local resident. Everything may not be as it seems. There was fire damage on the other side of the Bus, along with mechanical issues. To get Weinraub and Azul back on the road, Volkswagen of America stepped in to save Azul. The 1977 T2 Bus was brought to the Volkswagen facility in Oxnard for repair work. The team there inspected Azul and then repaired and replaced every interior and exterior component. The bodywork was done by GE Kundensport, while other partners handled mechanical and component work, including powder coating. After the work on Azul was completed, it was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show this past November. That was followed by a stint at the Petersen Automobile Museum in Los Angeles through January. The refurbished Bus was seen as a symbol of resilience and perseverance in the face of disaster. Weinraub said recently, “When the photo of Azul went viral, I felt like the entire world experienced a piece of my heart. And when Volkswagen reached out to see if Azul really survived, I was touched and couldn’t believe it. Seeing it now, I feel it’s even more of a symbol of hope than it was before.” At the Los Angeles Auto Show, a company named Candylab TM created a limited-edition wooden version of Azul to hand out and sell on its website. They had them available at the Volkswagen booth. However, it is now sold out. In the meantime, you can still help the California Fire Foundation in supporting the communities across Southern California that are still reeling from these tragic fires that destroyed homes and lives. They are a non-profit organization that supports first responders and their families across the state. We all have a story about our Volkswagen that is just as resonant as Weinraub’s Azul. You can see them across New Mexico, from classic Beetles to today’s ID. Buzz. Volkswagen offers that special feeling that invites drivers to celebrate their vehicles. The spirit of Azul lives in every Volkswagen we sell. To feel that spirit of freedom, resilience, and pride, contact us at Sisbarro Volkswagen to experience our latest vehicles soon!

There is nothing like driving a sporty sedan, especially the 2026 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. The popular Jetta has always been America’s “go-to” German-engineered sedan. When the GLI version came out generations ago, it added more spice to a very comfortable and practical sedan. We saw it as a “Golf GTI with a trunk,” which is essentially what it is. The 2026 version is no different. It starts with what’s underneath the hood. The 228-horsepower version of the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is an icon among sports sedan enthusiasts. With 258 pound-feet of torque on tap, it delivers enthusiastic power takeoff for those blasts across the highway. Accessing the engine’s powerband is a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. It is one of the few cars offered with a manual gearbox left in this country. Car and Driver recently did a road test in the 2026 Jetta GLI equipped with the DSG gearbox. While it is classified as an automatic, it is engineered as a manual with an automated dual-clutch setup that delivers power from the engine to the front wheels. It does so by assigning a clutch to a specific number of gears – either odd- or even-numbered ones – enabling quick gearchanges without the need for a third clutch pedal. You can engage the paddle shifters on the back of the steering wheel for up- or downshifts for better control of the gearbox. Ultimately, a DSG transmission offers the convenience and ease of operation of an automatic transmission with the efficiency of a manual transmission, which makes it a great match for the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Another great feature of the 2026 Jetta GLI is the MultiMode DCC® – Dynamic Chassis Control – and the Adaptive Chassis Control. Combined, you can select a preset driving mode with its own dampening profile. You can either firm up or soften the suspension settings to suit your driving style. Sport mode is excellent for winding roads, while Comfort lets you cruise on the Interstates for hours on end without any worries. You can also customize your settings by adjusting steering, suspension, throttle, and gearbox response. In their testing of the 2026 Jetta GLI with the DSG transmission, Car and Driver found that “the sportiest Jetta is still a great drive. You'll use everything the GLI has every day. The three-way-adjustable adaptive dampers give it a wonderfully smooth ride on the highway. The electronically controlled limited-slip differential distributes torque where you want it while buzzing up an off-ramp.” The 2026 Jetta GLI is available at Sisbarro Volkswagen. Contact us to get acquainted with one soon. After all, the “Driver’s Wanted” sign is calling you to enjoy one!

The Tiguan experienced a significant redesign for the 2026 model year. How does it compare to its current competition? AutoBlog noted that the Volkswagen Tiguan is close in size to the Outback and decided to compare the two. In this blog, Sisbarro Volkswagen tells you what they found. Notably, the 2026 Outback starts at $34,995, making its entry price significantly higher than the Tiguan’s $30,805. Meeting the Outback’s price and factoring in the model’s standard AWD, a comparable Tiguan would be the SE 4Motion at $35,105, just $110 above the base Outback. Though larger than the previous model, the Outback remains powered by a normally aspirated 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm. This falls well short of the Tiguan’s turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which produces 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, peaking at a low 1,500 rpm. The Outback engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission that features eight virtual gear ratios for manual shifting, while the Tiguan offers the real thing with an 8-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting capability. With a price increase of about $9,000, the Outback offers a 260-hp turbocharged version of its 2.5-liter engine. Both models feature 4-wheel independent suspensions. While the Outback has a higher ground clearance (8.7 vs. 7.0 inches), the Tiguan matches its 18.0° approach angle and bests its departure angle (25.2° vs. 21.4°) and breakover angle (21.1° vs. 19.4 °). Still, the Outback, particularly the raised Wilderness off-road-focused model, is better suited to off-road use, while the Tiguan is more focused on on-road comfort. The Outback is seven inches longer (15’4” vs. 15’11”), while the Tiguan is two inches wider (7’ vs. 6’10”). The base Outback is an inch taller. Inside, front shoulder room, rear legroom, and front and rear headroom are all within an inch of each other. Cargo space behind the seats is also similar, with the Outback having a slight edge at 34.6 cubic feet compared to 33.8 for the Tiguan. AutoBlog notes that the Tiguan has a more premium interior feel. While the new Outback features a new infotainment system with a 12.1-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital cluster, the Tiguan provides a standard 12.9-inch screen, with a 15-inch screen available on the SEL R-Line. They point out that the available 10-point massaging front seats have no counterpart in the Outback model line. For long-distance highway driving, the Tiguan comes standard with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. It isn’t standard, but the Touring and Touring XT Outback models feature Hands-free Assist, which lets you remove your hands from the steering wheel at speeds up to 85 mph, though the driver is expected to keep their eyes on the road. In their conclusion, AutoBlog notes that the Tiguan offers a better on-road experience and advanced tech, while they also recognize the Outback’s superior off-road ability. That gives the Tiguan an edge in how most people drive their crossover models. For anyone in the greater Las Cruces area who usually drives on pavement, Sisbarro Volkswagen invites you to come by and test drive the handsome 2026 Tiguan.