The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan S, with its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, gets a combined fuel economy rating of 27 MPG. This won’t win any hypermiling contests or make headlines for its eco-friendliness, but it’s perfectly acceptable for what the Tiguan S is: a practical, comfortable, and reasonably spacious compact SUV designed for families, commuters, and anyone who needs a versatile vehicle without breaking the bank. The Tiguan buyer prioritizes usable space and European driving sensibilities over saving money at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Tiguan S at 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the 2.0L engine and eight-speed automatic transmission work to manage fuel consumption as best they can. The turbocharger helps provide adequate low-end torque for confident acceleration from a standstill.

On the highway, the Tiguan settles into a more efficient cruise, benefiting from the transmission’s ability to select the best gear for the speed. Achieving or even exceeding 31 MPG on long highway stretches is realistic with careful driving, while aggressive acceleration and frequent braking in the city will almost certainly drop you below 24 MPG.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan S is $1,600. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and local fuel prices. Someone who drives primarily in the city will likely exceed this estimate, whereas someone who mostly does highway miles should come in below it. Understanding how this $1,600 figure is derived provides a comparison point for the Tiguan’s fuel costs against other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

EPA ratings are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy can be different. Tiguan owners often report figures close to the EPA estimates, but driving style is important. A lead foot will impact your MPG, as will carrying a heavy load or frequently using the air conditioning, particularly in stop-and-go conditions. Proper tire inflation and regular maintenance are also critical for maintaining fuel efficiency. Treat the EPA numbers as a target, and adjust your driving habits accordingly to get the most out of each gallon of fuel.

How it compares

The Tiguan S isn’t the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class, but it holds its own against key competitors. The Toyota RAV4 LE, for example, gets an EPA combined rating of 30 MPG, offering a notable advantage. The Honda CR-V LX achieves a combined 28 MPG. These figures matter to buyers looking for maximum MPG in this class. But you have to compare the vehicles’ mission: the Tiguan offers slightly more passenger and cargo space, and its driving experience might suit buyers who prefer a more European feel.

The Mazda CX-5, known for its sporty driving dynamics, achieves a combined 26 MPG. While the Mazda lags the Tiguan by only 1 MPG, these small differences can add up over time. For those particularly interested in saving fuel, exploring all Volkswagen fuel economy data will help. Buyers should weigh these MPG figures against other factors like price, features, and overall driving experience to determine the best fit for their needs. You can also compare the TIGUAN MPG across all years on our site.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One of the most effective ways to improve fuel economy in the Tiguan S is to adopt a smoother driving style. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. The Tiguan’s turbocharger delivers ample torque, so there’s no need to floor the accelerator to get up to speed.

Proper tire inflation is significant for fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure it matches the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and the fuel saved by avoiding idling can add up, especially in city driving.

Reduce the weight you carry in your vehicle. The less weight the engine has to move, the better your fuel economy will be. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk or cargo area. This is if you routinely carry heavy items that you don’t need daily.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy. However, be mindful of hilly terrain, as cruise control may downshift aggressively to maintain speed, which can reduce fuel efficiency. Use cruise control strategically, disengaging it on steep inclines or declines.