After discontinuing the Jetta Hybrid in 2016, Volkswagen has stayed out of the U.S. hybrid market. Now, as EV sales plateau and American buyers show an increasing appetite for hybrid cars, the company is reconsidering its strategy. In a few years, a VW Tiguan Hybrid and a VW Atlas Hybrid will be available at U.S. dealers.
Volkswagen intends to launch new hybrid cars in North America as soon as possible, global CEO Thomas Schäfer told journalists at the 2024 LA Auto Show, as per an Edmunds report dated November 21, 2024. The company wants to initially offer a hybrid powertrain in two of its most popular SUVs – the Tiguan and Atlas.
VW Tiguan Hybrid for the U.S.
Without divulging the type of hybrid technology, Schäfer said that launching a Tiguan Hybrid in the U.S. is “part of the plan.” The new Tiguan arriving in the U.S. in 2025 is adapted from the second-generation Tayron for Europe. There, it comes with both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems. We think Volkswagen is considering the latter for America.
New Plug-in Hybrid system
In the plug-in hybrid variant, Volkswagen combines the 1.5-liter TSI evo2 engine from the EA 211 evo2 family with the HEM80evo electric motor that generates 85 kW (114 hp) and 330 Nm of torque. The DQ400e evo 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox integrates the electric motor and sends drive to the front wheels.
In the top-end configuration, which we think is the one headed to the U.S., the gas engine produces 130 kW (174 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb.-ft.) of torque, leading to higher combined power and combined torque figures of 200 kW (268 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft.), respectively.
A 19.7 kWh NCM battery pack powers the HEM80evo electric motor. Customers can charge it with both AC and DC chargers, at up to 11 kW and up to 40 kW, respectively. Charging it from 0 to 100% state of charge (SoC) takes two and a half hours. Using a DC charger, customers can charge it from 10 to 80% as quickly as 26 minutes.
The 19.7 kWh battery pack delivers an electric range of up to 121 km (75 miles) in the top-end configuration, both as per WLTP. Based on that, we expect the EPA-estimated range in the U.S. at 50-60 miles.
VW Atlas Hybrid for the U.S.
As for the type of powertrain for the Atlas Hybrid, Schäfer indicated that Volkswagen would “probably only do one.” While he didn’t specify whether the choice would be a full-hybrid or plug-in hybrid, it’s clear that a mild-hybrid option wouldn’t make much sense for the United States.
No matter what kind of semi-electrified powertrain it is planning, don’t expect VW to introduce it in the current generation. The second-generation Atlas, expected at U.S. dealers around 2026, would be the one that gains a hybrid option, either at launch or in a later model year, similar to the new Tiguan.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
