Volkswagen Tiguan Fuel Consumption: What Owners Should Know

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a popular family SUV, and fuel consumption is one of the first things buyers compare. Below is a factual, source-backed overview of Tiguan fuel consumption figures from reputable international tests and specifications. Use these as a guideline; real‑world results will depend on driving style, traffic, load, fuel quality and maintenance.

Official Fuel Consumption Figures

1. Current VW Tiguan (Second Generation & Facelift – Global Data)

Most current data is based on the second-generation Tiguan (launched globally in 2016, facelifted around 2020). Official test cycles differ by region, so figures will vary slightly.

European WLTP & NEDC Figures

Volkswagen publishes official WLTP and (in some cases) older NEDC values for the Tiguan in Europe:

VW Germany lists combined fuel consumption for various Tiguan engines (2023 model year) approximately in the following ranges:
- Petrol (TSI) engines:
  Around 6.6–7.4 l/100 km combined (WLTP), depending on engine and drive configuration.
  Source: Volkswagen Germany model data for Tiguan (accessed via “Technische Daten” on the Tiguan page):
  https://www.volkswagen.de/de/modelle-und-konfigurator/tiguan.html
- Diesel (TDI) engines:
  Around 5.3–6.3 l/100 km combined (WLTP), again varying by power output and 2WD/4Motion.
  Same source as above:
  https://www.volkswagen.de/de/modelle-und-konfigurator/tiguan.html

These figures are based on WLTP, which is designed to be closer to real‑world driving than the older NEDC cycle, but actual consumption can still be higher in heavy traffic or at high speeds.

UK WLTP Examples

The UK market publishes detailed WLTP data by variant:

For a 2023 Tiguan 1.5 TSI 150 PS DSG (front‑wheel drive), the official combined WLTP consumption is listed at up to 42.8–44.8 mpg (UK), which converts to roughly 6.3–6.6 l/100 km.
Source: Volkswagen UK new Tiguan brochure / technical data (downloadable PDF from the Tiguan page):
https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/new/tiguan.html
For a 2.0 TDI 150 PS DSG (4Motion), WLTP combined is typically in the region of 40–45 mpg (UK) depending on trim, equivalent to roughly 6.3–7.1 l/100 km.
Same source:
https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/new/tiguan.html

These official figures give a realistic benchmark for “best case” mixed driving.

North American EPA Fuel Economy Data (Petrol)

In North America, the Tiguan is sold with petrol (gasoline) engines and tested by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA figures are often closer to real‑world use than older lab tests.

2023 Volkswagen Tiguan (US‑spec, 2.0 TSI)

According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s official fuel economy site, FuelEconomy.gov:

2023 VW Tiguan FWD (2.0L turbo, 8‑speed auto)
- City: 23 mpg
- Highway: 30 mpg
- Combined: 26 mpg
  Source: U.S. DOE / EPA Fuel Economy for 2023 Tiguan FWD:
  https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=45736
2023 VW Tiguan AWD (4MOTION, 2.0L turbo, 8‑speed auto)
- City: 22 mpg
- Highway: 29 mpg
- Combined: 25 mpg
  Source: U.S. DOE / EPA Fuel Economy for 2023 Tiguan AWD:
  https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=45737

Converted to litres per 100 km (using standard conversion: 235.21 ÷ mpg):

26 mpg (combined, FWD) ≈ 9.0 l/100 km
25 mpg (combined, AWD) ≈ 9.4 l/100 km

These values reflect U.S. driving conditions and fuel standards, but they give a helpful reference for what many owners experience in mixed driving.

Older Tiguan Generations and Engines

First-Generation Tiguan (Approx. 2007–2016, EU Data)

The first‑generation Tiguan was offered with a wide range of TSI (petrol) and TDI (diesel) engines. Official data from the European Commission’s vehicle database and manufacturer specifications show:

A 2015 Tiguan 2.0 TDI 140 with manual gearbox commonly had a combined NEDC figure around 5.3–5.7 l/100 km, depending on drive system and tuning.
Example reference: European Commission “CO2 emissions from passenger cars” data (2015 vintage) where similar VW 2.0 TDI models are listed in this range:
https://co2cars.apps.eea.europa.eu/
A 2015 Tiguan 1.4 TSI petrol typically showed combined NEDC figures in the region of 6.5–7.5 l/100 km.
Comparable VW 1.4 TSI models with similar weight and drivetrain can be checked in the same EU database:
https://co2cars.apps.eea.europa.eu/

NEDC tends to be optimistic compared with real‑world usage. Owners usually report results 10–30% higher than NEDC depending on driving style and route.

Real‑World vs Official Tiguan Fuel Consumption

Official numbers are obtained on standard test cycles (NEDC, WLTP, or EPA). Real‑world consumption can differ due to:

Driving style – Aggressive acceleration, high cruising speeds and frequent short trips raise consumption.
The European Commission’s explanation of test procedures notes that user behaviour can substantially alter fuel use relative to NEDC/WLTP results:
https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/transport/road-transport-reducing-co2-emissions-vehicles_en
Traffic and route – City congestion increases idle time and stop‑start driving, pushing actual consumption above official “combined” figures.
Vehicle load – Extra passengers, luggage, roof boxes or towing increase aerodynamic drag and weight.
Tyre choice and pressure – Low-rolling-resistance tyres and correct tyre pressures can improve fuel efficiency; under‑inflation has the opposite effect.
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that proper tyre inflation can improve fuel economy by about 0.6% on average, up to 3%:
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.jsp

As a rule of thumb, many Tiguan owners see:

Petrol (TSI) real‑world figures typically 10–25% higher (worse) than official EU WLTP or NEDC numbers.
Diesel (TDI) real‑world figures often closer to official numbers, especially on longer highway commutes.

Factors that Influence Tiguan Fuel Consumption

While the core engine and drivetrain set the baseline, driver choices can significantly change actual fuel use.

1. Engine & Drivetrain Choice

Smaller petrol engines with turbo (e.g., 1.4/1.5 TSI) are efficient at steady speeds but can consume more if constantly pushed hard or used mainly in short urban trips.
VW’s reference technical data for 1.5 TSI engines highlight cylinder deactivation (ACT) to improve efficiency under light load:
https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/en/engines-3893
Diesel (TDI) engines generally offer better fuel economy on long distances, especially at constant highway speeds, which is reflected in lower l/100 km WLTP figures on VW’s European site:
https://www.volkswagen.de/de/modelle-und-konfigurator/tiguan.html
All‑wheel drive (4MOTION) adds weight and drivetrain losses, increasing fuel consumption compared with front‑wheel‑drive variants in both EPA and WLTP data (e.g., 25 vs 26 mpg combined FWD/AWD in the U.S.):
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=45736

2. Transmission

Automatic gearboxes can be optimised for fuel economy, but depending on generation and calibration, manuals can still be slightly more efficient in some cycles, especially in older models. U.S. EPA and EU data show small, but sometimes noticeable, differences between manual and automatic variants of similar VW engines:
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byclass/Sport_Utility_Vehicle_Small_2wd2023.shtml

3. Driving Conditions

Mostly urban / stop‑start driving pushes consumption higher than the “combined” cycle suggests.
Mostly highway cruising at moderate speeds can approach or even slightly beat official figures for diesel models, while petrol engines are more speed‑sensitive.

Tips to Improve Your Tiguan’s Fuel Consumption

These tips are grounded in general fuel‑economy guidance from the U.S. Department of Energy and European authorities and apply to SUVs like the Tiguan:

Smooth Acceleration and Braking
The U.S. DOE notes that aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) can lower fuel economy by about 15–30% at highway speeds and 10–40% in stop‑and‑go traffic:
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.jsp
Observe Speed Limits
Driving at very high speeds dramatically increases aerodynamic drag. FuelEconomy.gov shows that for many cars, each 5 mph over 50 mph (80 km/h) acts like paying an additional $0.18 per gallon of fuel because of higher consumption:
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.jsp
Maintain Tyre Pressure and Service Intervals
Properly inflated tyres and timely engine servicing preserve efficiency and performance:
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.jsp
Reduce Excess Weight and Drag
Removing unused roof racks, boxes, bike carriers and heavy cargo can lower aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance, improving fuel consumption.
The DOE highlights that an extra 100 pounds (≈45 kg) in a vehicle can reduce mpg by about 1%:
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.jsp
Use Eco Driving Modes Where Available
Many modern Tiguans offer drive‑mode selection. Eco modes adjust throttle response and shift points to prioritise lower fuel use, especially in city driving (documented in VW’s technical brochures for the Tiguan):
https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/new/tiguan.html

How Tiguan Fuel Consumption Compares in its Class

To understand whether Tiguan fuel consumption is competitive, it helps to compare with similar compact SUVs using the same official test regime.

Using the U.S. EPA 2023 data for small SUVs with petrol engines:

VW Tiguan FWD: 26 mpg combined
Honda CR‑V 1.5T FWD: 30 mpg combined
Toyota RAV4 FWD (2.5 petrol): 30 mpg combined

Source: U.S. DOE comparative listing for small SUVs (2WD, 2023):
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byclass/Small_Sport_Utility_Vehicle_2WD2023.shtml

This shows that, in the U.S. petrol market, the Tiguan’s fuel economy is slightly lower (higher consumption) than top competitors, largely because it is often heavier and sometimes geared more towards performance and refinement.

In Europe, WLTP results indicate that diesel Tiguans are competitive with similarly powered diesel SUVs; petrol versions are comparable but not class‑leading. You can verify this by comparing official WLTP data on manufacturers’ sites (e.g., VW Tiguan vs Honda CR‑V or Toyota RAV4) in your region.

Key Takeaways on Tiguan Fuel Consumption

Modern Tiguan petrol (TSI) models typically use around 6.3–7.4 l/100 km (WLTP combined) in European official tests, and around 9–9.4 l/100 km in U.S. EPA combined ratings, depending on drive type and conditions.
Sources:
- VW Germany Tiguan technical data: https://www.volkswagen.de/de/modelle-und-konfigurator/tiguan.html
- U.S. EPA FuelEconomy.gov 2023 Tiguan: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=45736
Diesel (TDI) Tiguans generally achieve better official figures, commonly 5.3–6.3 l/100 km combined in WLTP testing, making them attractive for high‑mileage drivers.
Source: VW Germany Tiguan TDI data:
https://www.volkswagen.de/de/modelle-und-konfigurator/tiguan.html
Real‑world Tiguan fuel consumption is often 10–25% higher than official EU numbers for petrol engines and somewhat closer for diesels, depending on use.

By understanding official data and the factors that influence consumption, Tiguan owners and buyers can set realistic expectations and adopt driving habits that keep fuel costs under control.

Tiguan Fuel Consumption