The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 4motion, with its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, gets 23 MPG combined. It’s not the most fuel-efficient SUV, but this is the trade-off for the Tiguan’s practicality, available all-wheel drive, and roomy interior. Tiguan buyers often care more about cargo space and passenger room than maximizing gas mileage.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2020 Tiguan 4motion at 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The city MPG is lower because of stop-and-go driving, where the engine works harder and the all-wheel-drive system may be engaged more often. The highway MPG is better, suggesting the Tiguan is adequate for road trips but still slightly below some competitors. Remember that how you drive affects these numbers. Hard acceleration and braking will worsen your fuel economy, particularly in cities.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 4motion at $1,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Prices change, and your mileage may vary. If you drive more or less than 15,000 miles per year, or if local fuel prices are higher, your costs will be different. This $1,900 serves as a baseline for comparing the Tiguan’s running costs to other SUVs.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good start, but real-world gas mileage can vary. Some drivers report different numbers than the official figures, based on driving habits, traffic, and terrain. Expect lower fuel economy in hilly areas compared to flat roads. The Tiguan’s all-wheel-drive system adds weight and can reduce fuel economy, especially when used.

How it compares

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 4motion’s fuel economy is average for its class. The Honda CR-V gets 28 MPG combined with all-wheel drive, which is better than the Tiguan. Similarly, the Toyota RAV4 gets 30 MPG combined in its hybrid models, a good option for those wanting less gas. However, the Mazda CX-5 with its standard 2.5L engine and all-wheel drive comes in around 24 MPG placing it very similar to the Tiguan. The Subaru Forester gets you 29 MPG on the highway. While the Tiguan isn’t the most fuel-efficient, it often has more passenger and cargo space, which some buyers prefer. Check out the TIGUAN MPG across all years for a full view.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid driving hard. The Tiguan’s turbocharged engine is responsive, but flooring it often lowers fuel economy. Gentle acceleration and braking improve gas mileage and extend the life of your brakes and tires.

Check your tire pressure often. Underinflated tires raise rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Inflate your tires to the recommended pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Avoid idling. If you will be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling wastes fuel, especially in the city.

Use cruise control on the highway. Keeping a steady speed helps maximize fuel mileage. Cruise control reduces unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, helping the engine work better. Also, consider using the Tiguan’s “Eco” driving mode when you can.

Keep up with maintenance. Regular work, like oil changes and air filter replacements, makes sure the engine runs well. A neglected engine uses more fuel and creates more pollution. For all Volkswagen fuel economy data, remember servicing is critical for keeping the running at its best.