The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan 4motion, equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, gets 24 MPG combined. While this isn’t class-leading, this SUV prioritizes practicality and family needs with its all-wheel drive system. Tiguan 4motion buyers often value space, safety, and capability in all weather conditions, understanding that this comes with a slight compromise in fuel efficiency for the added peace of mind and versatility the Tiguan offers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Tiguan 4motion at 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the frequent stops and starts of urban driving, where the Tiguan’s weight and the energy required for acceleration reduce gas mileage. However, the highway number is better, suggesting the Tiguan can maintain a relatively efficient pace on longer trips. The 8-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine operating efficiently especially at higher speeds, supporting the better highway mileage.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan 4motion at $1,800. This number is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the EPA’s estimate of national average fuel prices at the time of the vehicle’s testing. Your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the grade of fuel you choose. However, $1,800 provides a standard benchmark for comparison with other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

EPA figures provide a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy can deviate. Driving aggressively, taking frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads will lower your MPG. Driving conservatively, keeping tires properly inflated, and obeying speed limits can help you get closer to the EPA estimates. The 2.0L turbo engine responds well to careful driving, rewarding those drivers with better gas mileage. A lot of owners discuss fuel consumption techniques and experiences in online forums dedicated to the Tiguan’s MPG across all model years.

How it compares

The Tiguan 4motion’s MPG is competitive, but other vehicles achieve higher mileage. For instance, the Honda CR-V with all-wheel drive gets about 29 MPG combined. The Toyota RAV4 with all-wheel drive also achieves about 28 MPG combined. Even the Mazda CX-5, popular for its driving feel, manages 26 MPG with its AWD configuration. Therefore, the Tiguan is less fuel efficient than some of its leading competitors. Volkswagen enthusiasts should carefully consider alternatives if fuel economy is a primary concern.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Tiguan’s 2.0L turbo engine performs best with smooth acceleration. Avoid sudden starts and hard braking, since these waste fuel. Instead, gradually increase speed, and anticipate traffic to reduce the number of times you need to stop. Driving smoothly can improve your MPG, particularly in the city.

Properly inflated tires lessen rolling resistance, enabling the Tiguan to roll more easily. Check your tire pressure consistently, and inflate them to the recommended level, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. This simple step can improve fuel economy and extend tire life.

Extra weight increases the load on the engine. Remove any unnecessary items from the Tiguan, like sporting goods or tools, to reduce the weight. A lighter vehicle needs less energy to accelerate and maintain speed, increasing fuel efficiency.

Consider cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed can help you avoid unintentional acceleration, which uses more fuel. Cruise control allows the engine to operate more efficiently, especially on long, flat roads. Pay attention to traffic and disengage cruise control when needed for safety.