Tariffs Will Make Some Volkswagens Cost Nearly 7 Percent More Than They Did Last Year
Thanks to tariffs on European imports, 2026 model year Volkswagens will cost more than they did for the same ones designated as 2025 models.
The dynamic tariffs on imports have not been a friend to the auto industry or consumers in 2025. Now, Volkswagen has announced it will raise prices for "some" of its 2026 model year vehicles by nearly 7 percent, including the subcompact Taos SUV. The cost to ship your VW from port to dealership has also increased by $50.
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That 7 percent adds up quickly to thousands of dollars more you’ll need to pay. According to Automotive News, that’s what you’ll see as an increase in the carryover models Volkswagen will have for the 2026 model year thanks to a 15 percent (for now) tariff instilled on German imports by the Trump Administration. The good news is not all VW models will be stung nearly as harshly, thanks to the country of manufacture of some models sold in the U.S., but those vehicles are still hit with a price increase thanks to tariffs for parts like engines, transmissions, and others not manufactured in the U.S. Meanwhile, VW's luxury sister brand, Audi, will increase prices by 3.7 percent due to tariffs. At that rate, some Audi prices for 2026 model year vehicles sold here will be as much as $4,700 more than an equivalent 2025 version.
What do some specific 2026 prices for U.S. Volkswagens look like with these hikes? The 2026 Jetta will start at $25,270 for the base S trim, up by $1,050 from 2025. The front-wheel-drive Taos will start at $27,975, or $1,055 more than it was for 2025. These bumps are hovering around 4 percent thanks to these models being built in Mexico, but the Chattanooga, Tennessee–built Atlas SE FWD (now $40,785) and Atlas Cross Sport FWD base ($39,775) are still around 3 percent more because their engines are also sourced from Mexico.
For models that need to be imported from Germany, like the Golf GTI (now $35,865) or the Golf R ($50,730), prices are of course hit hardest. The Golf R comes away better than the cheaper GTI's 6.5 percent increase, but it still sees a nearly 5 percent increase from 2025. If you wonder what the Tiguan will cost, unfortunately nobody has that number yet. Volkswagen should soon announce the cost of its bestselling SUV, and it will certainly be more, as it’s assembled entirely in Mexico. These prices are all also without the destination charges we normally include whenever we list vehicle prices, but as mentioned earlier, this will go up by $50. If you want the full picture of what your next Volkswagen will cost, add another $1,275 on top of the MSRP for the Jetta and both Golfs. The Taos, Atlas, and Atlas Cross Sport will carry a $1,475 destination charge.
Having experience in many forms of the automotive industry, Justin Banner has done more than just write about cars. For more than 15 years, he's had experience working as an automotive service technician—including a stint as a Virginia State Inspector—service advisor, parts sales, and aftermarket parts technical advisor (a fancy way of saying he helped you on the phone when you had trouble fitting your brakes over your aftermarket wheels and the like). Prior to his tenure as a full-time editor, Justin worked as a freelance writer and photographer for various publications and as an automotive content creator on YouTube. He’s also covered multiple forms of motorsports ranging from Formula Drift, drag racing, and time attack, to NASCAR, short course off-roading, and open desert racing. He's best known for breaking down complex technical concepts so a layperson can more easily understand why technologies, repairs, and parts should matter to them. At MotorTrend, Justin is part of the news team covering breaking news and topics while also working as a judge for MotorTrend Of the Year events and other major comparison tests.
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