While 24 MPG combined won’t break any records for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L 4-cyl, it’s an acceptable trade-off for buyers who value space, practicality, and European driving more than saving fuel. This generation Tiguan is much larger than the previous one, and that extra interior space means slightly lower MPG. Most buyers in this segment likely knew the fuel efficiency expectations and accepted them.
City and highway performance
The EPA estimates the 2018 Tiguan gets 22 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. These numbers are based on real-world driving, including stop-and-go traffic, consistent speeds, and some acceleration. The city MPG reflects the Tiguan’s weight and the limitations of a regular automatic transmission when starting and stopping frequently. The highway MPG shows how the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine becomes more efficient at steady speeds. Remember that these are just estimates, and your MPG will depend on how you drive, the terrain, and the weather. Some drivers might consistently get better mileage, while others get worse, especially with heavy traffic or aggressive driving.
Annual fuel cost
The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0L 4-cyl to be $1,800. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the average national gas price at the time. The EPA gets this number by dividing 15,000 miles by the vehicle’s combined MPG (24 MPG) to estimate the yearly gas consumption, and then multiplies that by the average gas price. This $1,800 is a good number to compare fuel costs between the Tiguan and other vehicles, helping buyers factor in fuel costs to their budget. Think of it as a starting point, and adjust it based on how you drive and local gas prices.
Real-world expectations
While the EPA estimates are a benchmark, real-world MPG often varies. Drivers who accelerate quickly or drive mainly in city traffic might see closer to 20 MPG combined, while those mainly using the Tiguan for highway driving could get closer to 30 MPG on long trips. The all-wheel-drive version of the Tiguan will also have slightly lower fuel economy compared to the front-wheel-drive model, though the difference isn’t usually big. Other things such as tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and even the type of gas can also affect fuel efficiency. Driving efficiently can help you get closer to the EPA estimates, or even better.
How it compares
The 2018 Tiguan’s fuel economy is average for the compact SUV class. For example, the Honda CR-V with its 1.5L turbo engine gets 30 MPG combined, and it’s a popular choice for buyers who want the best fuel economy. The Toyota RAV4, another popular vehicle, gets 26 MPG combined in its standard gasoline version, a little better than the Tiguan. Some competitors, like the Mazda CX-5 with its optional 2.5L turbo engine, have similar performance but a little worse fuel economy at around 25 MPG combined, depending on the configuration. The Subaru Forester, with standard all-wheel drive, usually gets around 29 MPG combined. These small differences can add up, affecting the overall cost of driving.
Anyone considering the Tiguan should compare its fuel economy with its size, features, and driving when deciding. You can also compare TIGUAN MPG across all years to understand how its fuel efficiency has changed. For a wider view, check out all Volkswagen fuel economy data across their entire lineup.
Tips to maximize efficiency
Drive smoothly. The Tiguan’s turbocharged engine is more efficient with gentle acceleration and consistent speeds. Avoid speeding up fast and braking hard, since those use more fuel. Watch the traffic and keep a steady speed to avoid unnecessary accelerating and decelerating. Smooth driving minimizes the fuel wasted when stopping and going often.
Keep your tires inflated correctly. Tires with low air pressure create more resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, about every few weeks, and inflate them to the pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual. Proper tire pressure helps both fuel economy and safety.
Reduce weight. The more weight the Tiguan carries, the more fuel it uses. Remove things from the trunk and passenger area that you don’t need. Extra weight adds stress to the engine. A few pounds might not seem like much, but they add up and can affect fuel efficiency. Removing clutter can improve gas mileage.
Don’t idle. Letting the car idle uses fuel without going anywhere. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, like at a long light or waiting for someone, turn off the engine. Modern engines start quickly and efficiently, and you can save a lot of fuel by not idling. This is helpful in cities.
Maintain your vehicle. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, changing air filters, and replacing spark plugs, keeps the engine running efficiently. Follow the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual to keep the Tiguan working its best. A vehicle that’s well-maintained is more reliable and also more fuel-efficient.