2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S vs SE | Camelback Volkswagen

The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan is a pleasant car to drive and comes with some delightful upscale features. The Tiguan adds some additional safety aids this year, while it continues to stand out for its quiet cabin, spacious seats, and abundant creature comforts. You’ll find much to enjoy with the S, which is the base trim level, while the mid-level SE adds more bells and whistles. Here’s a comparison of both trim levels to help you choose the right one.

Performance

Performance features are the same on the S and SE trims. Both are powered by a turbo 2.0L engine with four cylinders. This engine provides the Tiguan with up to 201 horsepower, and it is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. With the S and SE, you have the option of getting all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive.

Appearance

The Tiguan S and SE trims have a few aesthetic differences to note. The S has automatic high beams and LED headlights, along with 17-inch wheels with an alloy finish. Heated side mirrors are standard on the S, and it is equipped with rain-sensing windshield wipers. Slightly larger 18-inch wheels are an optional exterior upgrade on the S.

The SE has standard 19-inch wheels. It also adds a power liftgate for convenience. Automatic high beams are standard on the SE as well, and it also has an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The SE also has one available add-on component, which is a panoramic sunroof.

Features

Both the S and SE have many standard features. Starting with the S, you will get a push-button start mechanism and a keyless entry system. This trim has dual-zone climate control and cloth upholstery. Heated front seats are a nice convenience when the weather is cold. For technology, the base Tiguan is equipped with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless phone charger, an audio system with seven speakers, a 10.25-inch digital instrument display panel, and a 12.9-inch touchscreen.

Even more features come with the SE. The SE’s cabin replaces the cloth seats with synthetic leather seats. The driver’s seat is power-adjustable in the SE, and it has ambient interior lights for an upscale look.

Both trims have the same safety aids, which include blind-spot warning, blind-spot intervention, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, emergency assist in the event that the driver becomes unresponsive while driving, parking sensors, and forward collision mitigation.