22 MPG combined won’t win any fuel economy awards, but that’s what owners of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited 4Motion get with the 2.0L four-cylinder engine. This Tiguan suits a specific buyer: someone who wants the surefootedness of all-wheel drive and the practicality of a compact SUV, and who may be prioritizing a price point over the latest technology and flashiest styling. Fuel costs are considered, but not the *primary* reason for buying it. These buyers accept the Tiguan Limited 4Motion’s fuel consumption as a trade-off for its capabilities.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 19 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway for the 2018 Tiguan Limited 4Motion. The city figure reflects the additional drag and stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the engine idles more and accelerates from a standstill. The highway figure represents more consistent cruising speeds, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently. The six-speed automatic transmission is adequate but not particularly advanced. Newer eight- or nine-speed units in competitors help keep engines in their optimal power band more often, improving fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Limited 4Motion to be $2,650. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. This is only an estimate. Your actual fuel costs can vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and local fuel prices in your area. Someone who drives primarily in stop-and-go traffic will likely spend more than $2,650. Someone who mostly drives on the highway may spend less.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy often differs from EPA estimates. The Tiguan Limited 4Motion’s real-world MPG will depend heavily on driving style and conditions. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and carrying heavy loads will all hurt fuel efficiency. On the other hand, gentle acceleration, anticipating traffic flow, and proper tire inflation can help drivers get closer to the EPA estimates. Pay attention to your MPG readout in the instrument panel to better understand your personal fuel consumption.

How it compares

Compared to other compact SUVs with all-wheel drive from 2018, the Tiguan Limited 4Motion’s fuel economy is average. A 2018 Honda CR-V with AWD, for example, achieves 27 MPG combined, a noticeable improvement. The 2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, while more expensive, boasts 32 MPG combined with standard all-wheel drive, making it significantly more fuel-efficient. A similarly equipped 2018 Mazda CX-5 with AWD gets around 24 MPG combined. The fuel economy of the Tiguan Limited 4Motion is similar to other compact models like the 2018 Jeep Compass 4×4 which also hits around 22 MPG combined. The VW’s competition offers all-wheel drive and similar utility, but with varying degrees of fuel efficiency, which is an important consideration for some buyers. Before making a decision, review TIGUAN MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Minimize idling. The 2.0L engine consumes fuel even when the vehicle is stationary, so avoid unnecessary idling, especially in stop-and-go traffic. Turn off the engine if you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute or two.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Avoid aggressive driving. Rapid acceleration and hard braking consume significantly more fuel than smooth, gradual driving. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Consider using cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed.

Lighten the load. Carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need, such as sports equipment or tools, from the trunk or cargo area. Regularly clearing out unnecessary items can add up to noticeable savings over time.

Consider the drive mode, if equipped. If your vehicle offers different drive modes (e.g., Eco, Normal, Sport), experiment with the Eco mode. It typically adjusts engine mapping and transmission shift points to prioritize fuel efficiency. Consider reviewing all Volkswagen fuel economy data to better understand the brand’s fuel-saving technologies.