To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Volkswagen GTI, it and the Golf R have been named to Car and Driver’s annual 10Best list. This marks the 20th time the GTI has been on the list since its introduction in 1976.
The Car and Driver 10Best List
The Car and Driver 10Best list is the magazine’s annual selection of the best vehicles driven on the same roads at the same time by the magazine’s journalists. Each car has to be on sale by January of the new year and go up against the previous year’s winners. For 2026, Car and Driver welcomed over 100 vehicles to go head-to-head, including the Volkswagen GTI and Golf R… and only 10 cars and 10 trucks/SUVs can be called the best.
Introducing the 2026 GTI
Volkswagen offers the 2026 GTI to customers at a starting price of $36,320, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, mated to a smart, quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In the hands of Car and Driver’s hot shoes, the GTI gets to 60 mph in only 5.6 seconds.
Performance and Practicality Go Hand in Hand
While speed is fun, it’s not the only thing the GTI is known for. As a hatchback that can be used every day, owners will have 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Folding the rear seats down gives you 34.5 cu.ft. of space, which is comparable to a crossover. The EPA estimates that owners can expect 24 mpg in city driving, 32 mpg on the highway, and an average of 27 mpg between both driving cycles.
A Word from Car and Driver
“We’ve always loved the current Volkswagen GTI’s mix of value, practicality, performance, and personality, but it’s the interior improvements that Volkswagen made for 2026 that helped land it a spot on the 10Best list,” said Car and Driver Editor-in-Chief Tony Quiroga. “And, the Golf R’s design looks and is practical, but under that conservative shape is a sports car that’ll rip to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.”
Meet the 2026 Golf R
For those who want more, the Golf R offers the same usability as the GTI, with more power and all-wheel drive. Starting at $50,730, the Golf R also features a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. With its 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, Car and Driver achieved 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
Faster Without Compromises
Fear not, though, because all of that power does not mean that you will pay more at the pump, since the EPA says the Golf R will get you 22 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, while averaging 25 mpg between the two.
Adaptive Suspension Damping
One similarity between the two vehicles is the addition of adaptive dampers. They are standard on the Golf R and optional on the GTI, and with them, drivers can custom-tune the ride of their car with 15 different settings.
A Word from Volkswagen
“Golf models have a special place in the hearts of drivers—they’re practical, but they also bring real joy behind the wheel,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America. “The GTI created the hot-hatch legend, and the Golf R shows just how far that idea can go. It’s no surprise these cars keep winning awards and winning over new generations of enthusiasts.”
Sisbarro Volkswagen Has the Right Vehicle for You
When you’re ready for a new or used Volkswagen, there is no place like Sisbarro Volkswagen. With excellent customer service, their knowledgeable sales staff will find you the right vehicle to fit your needs and budget.
Why Choose Sisbarro Volkswagen
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.
A New Review of the Volkswagen Taos SEL 4Motion
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.
MyVW App Now Offers Smart Watch Support
One of the beauties of the modern technological era is the ways in which your life can be easier. The way computers, watches, cars, and the like can communicate with one another for your benefit is something our grandparents could only dream of at the World’s Fair. Volkswagen has just announced seamless integration between your smartwatch and the myVW app for those who need vehicle information on the go.
What Models Offer the myVW App?
This feature is available on most 2020 and newer Volkswagen gas and electric cars that have either the paid or complimentary myVW app service plan.
With the myVW feature, owners can utilize Remote Access, Safe and Secure, and VW Vehicle Insights when myVW+ is activated. Now that you can use your smartwatch to check on your vehicle, you have one more convenient way to monitor your VW.
What Features Can You Use On Your Smartwatch?
When using your compatible smartwatch, you get features like Lock/Unlock, Lock Status, Vehicle Status, Honk, and Flash. Gas-powered models can also use Remote Smart/Stop, Fuel Status, and EVs can add Remote Charging, check the Charge Status, and Climate Start/Stop.
How The App Works
Accessing these special features couldn’t be easier. Simply download the myVW app on your smartphone and add your vehicle to the virtual garage if you haven’t already. Subscribe to myVW+, either with a paid plan or with the included Remote Access and VW Vehicle Insights Plan.
Some Ways to Use the New App Features
Once you are enrolled in a plan, you can use your smartwatch much the same way you use your iPhone or Android device. For example, let’s say you are out and about with your ID.4 and want to check your vehicle’s charge status. Simply open the app on your watch and check that out. Maybe you need to see your fuel level for the following morning, but your phone is charging. Open myVW on your watch and check the status. It’s as simple as that.
Volkswagen Offers Something for Everyone
Volkswagen offers a wide range of vehicles for all types of budgets. Whether you need a car, sports car, or crossover, there is something for everyone, including the Jetta, Jetta GLI, GTI, Golf R, Taos, Tiguan, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and the all-electric ID.4 and ID. Buzz.
2026 MotorTrend Car of the Year
The pair of hot hatchbacks, the Golf GTI and Golf R, were recently announced as the co-winners of the 2026 MotorTrend Car of the Year Awards. This marks the third time in the magazine’s history that they have named a Golf as the winner, and the fifth time a VW in general has been given the award.
Sisbarro Volkswagen Can Help You Find the Right Vehicle
To learn more about the myVW app and its features, come down to Sisbarro Volkswagen to experience them firsthand with our knowledgeable sales team.
Why Choose Sisbarro Volkswagen
Get a head start on summer with a new vehicle 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.
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!
70 Years of Volkswagen of America
America in the post-World War II era experienced a cultural renaissance in automobiles. Americans were used to large, loud, inefficient cars. However, troops returning from the war, along with Europeans immigrating to America, began importing small cars, such as the Volkswagen Beetle, which itself became a bona fide movie star with the Herbie the Love Bug franchise.
The Start of Volkswagen of America
In 1949, a Dutch entrepreneur named Ben Pon landed in New York with two VW Beetles, planning to show Americans what they had been missing. Little did he know that he would help to start a cultural evolution. Later, in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. was created with its headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. By the end of 1956, the company had found nearly 50,000 customers for its smaller, more efficient, and more affordable Bug (nickname for the Beetle).
Amazing Sales
Americans quickly fell in love with Volkswagen, buying more than 160,000 vehicles by 1960 and 569,696 by the end of 1970. In 2025, Volkswagen of America sold 329,813 cars and crossovers, proving that buyers want affordable, safe, and reliable German cars that are both luxurious and beautifully designed.
A Word from Volkswagen
“For 70 years, Volkswagen has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to American drivers and the cars they love,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “The VW family has grown from the first imported Beetles to fit families of all shapes and sizes, always with the original mission of the brand—to be ‘the people’s car.’”
70 Years Young
Over the past 70 years, VW has become an iconic brand in America, dedicated to vehicles for enthusiasts, families, and buyers seeking a reliable vehicle with great safety and technology. With such cult classics as the Beetle, Microbus, GTI, and the modern Golf R, Tiguan, ID.4, and more, few car companies can say they have had a more positive impact on American car culture.
Great Standard Safety
Thanks to standard IQ.Drive, Volkswagen vehicles are among the safest on the market, with features like Emergency Assist, Front Assist, Travel Assist, Adaptive Front Lighting System with LED headlights, Active Side Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Intelligent Crash Response System, and more. The Intelligent Crash System automatically shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and turns on the hazards in the event of an accident.
Sisbarro Volkswagen Has the Right VW for You
The 2026 Volkswagen models are some of the best the brand has ever produced. And with something for pretty much every buyer, there has never been a better time to buy a new or used car from Sisbarro Volkswagen. The knowledgeable salespeople will not only make you feel comfortable but also ensure you get the best possible price.
Why Choose Sisbarro Volkswagen
Get a jump on summer by getting behind the wheel of a new and used Volkswagen from Sisbarro Volkswagen. 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 or SUV, our service department will work hard to ensure your vehicle receives the best care imaginable.
We thank you for trusting us, and we look forward to serving you soon.
At Sisbarro Volkswagen, being part of the Las Cruces community has always meant more than what happens on the showroom floor. It’s about showing up, giving back, and supporting the people who make this place home. That’s why Sisbarro is proud to partner with Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) on the revived Count Me In high school attendance initiative, which is underway across the district this school year.
Count Me In is built on the simple but powerful idea that students do better when they’re in school. As with many arenas of life, it all begins with showing up, right? While attendance challenges are nothing new, the program brings renewed energy and real incentives to encourage students to stay engaged and keep showing up, even when it’s hard.
Through a $10,000 contribution from Sisbarro Dealerships, the initiative provides $1,000 awards at each participating LCPS high school. These funds support quarterly, semester, and end-of-year prize drawings that recognize students who make attendance a priority. Just as important, the program now includes a “Growth Award,” which celebrates students who show meaningful improvement over time—not just perfect attendance.
“Our students can’t thrive if they’re not in school,” declared LCPS Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz. “Reviving ‘Count Me In’ gives us the opportunity to reinforce the importance of daily attendance, while also celebrating students who are putting in the effort. Sisbarro’s support sends a powerful message that our community and local businesses are invested in student success.”
That message matters. When students see local businesses stepping up, it reinforces that their efforts are noticed beyond the classroom. It shows that the broader Las Cruces community believes in them and wants to see them succeed.
Michael Tourtillott, Director of Sales for Sisbarro Dealerships, shared why the initiative hits close to home. “Education is the key to our community’s future, and regular school attendance is where it starts. If we can play even a small role in motivating students to prioritize their education, that’s a win for everyone.”
At Sisbarro Volkswagen, community support isn’t about one-time gestures. It’s about long-term commitment to local families, local schools, and the future of Las Cruces. Programs like Count Me In help students build habits that last far beyond high school, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.
If you’re looking to support a local business that gives back, we invite you to visit Sisbarro Volkswagen. Whether you’re shopping for a new Volkswagen, a quality used car, or trusted service and parts, you’ll find a team that cares just as much about this community as you do.
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.
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