VW Tiguan MPG, gas tank size, towing capacity, and tire pressure
The EPA rates the 2025–2026 Volkswagen Tiguan at 28 to 29 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 25 mpg with 4Motion all-wheel drive. A 2018–2024 Tiguan gets 23 to 27 mpg, and the 2009–2017 Tiguan 20 to 24. The 2018–2024 Tiguan holds 15.3 gallons (FWD) or 15.9 gallons (4Motion), runs on regular gas, and can tow 1,500 lb.
On this page (10 sections)
Tiguan generations at a glance
- 2009–2017 (1st generation): a compact SUV with a 2.0L TSI turbo, a 6-speed automatic or (through 2014) a 6-speed manual, and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. For 2018 it was sold alongside the new model as the Tiguan Limited.
- 2018–2024 (2nd generation): a longer US-market body, the 2.0L TSI, and an 8-speed automatic. Refreshed for 2022.
- 2025–2026 (3rd generation): a new two-row Tiguan with an updated 2.0L turbo and an 8-speed automatic. The 2026 SEL R-Line Turbo has a stronger version of the engine.
Tiguan gas mileage by year
Each Tiguan generation gained about 2 to 3 mpg. Front-wheel drive is the thriftier choice: on the 2025–2026 Tiguan it is rated 28 mpg combined against 25 for 4Motion, and the base S trim 29. Choose a year to see every EPA version, with city and highway numbers:
202625–29 mpg combined · 4 versions
| Version | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiguan2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD | 28 | 25 | 32 |
| Tiguan 4motion2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), AWD | 25 | 22 | 30 |
| Tiguan S2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD | 29 | 26 | 34 |
| Tiguan SEL 4Motion2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), AWD | 25 | 22 | 29 |
202525–29 mpg combined · 3 versions
| Version | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiguan2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD | 28 | 25 | 32 |
| Tiguan 4motion2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), AWD | 25 | 22 | 30 |
| Tiguan S2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD | 29 | 26 | 34 |
202424–27 mpg combined · 4 versions
| Version | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiguan2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD | 26 | 23 | 30 |
| Tiguan 4motion2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), AWD | 25 | 22 | 29 |
| Tiguan R-Line 4motion2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), AWD | 24 | 22 | 29 |
| Tiguan S2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD | 27 | 24 | 31 |
202324–27 mpg combined · 4 versions
| Version | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiguan2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD | 26 | 23 | 30 |
| Tiguan 4motion2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), AWD | 25 | 22 | 29 |
| Tiguan R-Line 4motion2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), AWD | 24 | 21 | 28 |
| Tiguan S2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD | 27 | 24 | 31 |
202224–26 mpg combined · 3 versions
| Version | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiguan2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD | 26 | 23 | 30 |
| Tiguan 4motion2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), AWD | 25 | 22 | 29 |
| Tiguan R-Line 4motion2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), AWD | 24 | 21 | 28 |
202124–25 mpg combined · 2 versions
| Version | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiguan2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD | 25 | 23 | 29 |
| Tiguan 4motion2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), AWD | 24 | 21 | 27 |
202023–25 mpg combined · 2 versions
| Version | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiguan2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD | 25 | 22 | 29 |
| Tiguan 4motion2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), AWD | 23 | 20 | 27 |
201924–25 mpg combined · 2 versions
| Version | Combined | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiguan2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), FWD | 25 | 22 | 29 |
| Tiguan 4motion2.0L 4-cyl, Auto (S8), AWD | 24 | 21 | 29 |
2010–2018ranges by year · details on fueleconomy.gov
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 22–24 | 19–22 | 25–27 | 4 |
| 2017 | 21–22 | 20 | 23–24 | 2 |
| 2016 | 22–23 | 20–21 | 26 | 2 |
| 2015 | 22–23 | 20–21 | 26 | 2 |
| 2014 | 21–23 | 18–21 | 26 | 3 |
| 2013 | 21–23 | 18–21 | 26 | 3 |
| 2012 | 21–24 | 18–22 | 26 | 3 |
| 2011 | 21–22 | 18–20 | 25–26 | 3 |
| 2010 | 20–21 | 18–19 | 24–26 | 3 |
EPA estimates for new vehicles from fueleconomy.gov (U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE), data retrieved November 12, 2026. Your mileage will vary with how and where you drive. EPA data on this site starts with the 2010 model year.
A Tiguan with 4Motion and larger wheels sits at the low end of each year’s range. To judge the numbers: what is good gas mileage.
Tiguan gas tank size and range
A 2018–2024 Tiguan holds 15.3 gallons with front-wheel drive and 15.9 gallons with 4Motion, according to VW spec sheets (VW’s 2021 press kit lists different numbers, so we leave 2021 blank). The 2014–2017 Tiguan holds about 16.8 to 16.9 gallons. VW did not publish a tank size we could confirm for 2009–2013 or 2025–2026; your owner’s manual lists it.
Fuel: VW recommends premium for the 2014–2017 Tiguan. The 2018–2024 Tiguan runs on regular. See premium vs regular gas for what “recommended” means.
| Years | Engine | Fuel tank | EPA combined | Range on a full tank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI) | Check your owner’s manual | 25–29 mpg | Check your owner’s manual |
| 2018–2020 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI), FWD | 15.3 gal18 | 24–25 mpg | about 370–380 miles |
| 2018–2020 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI), 4Motion AWD | 15.9 gal18 | 23–24 mpg | about 370–380 miles |
| 2021 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI), FWD | Check your owner’s manual | 25 mpg | Check your owner’s manual |
| 2021 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI), 4Motion AWD | Check your owner’s manual | 24 mpg | Check your owner’s manual |
| 2022–2024 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI), FWD | 15.3 gal19 | 26–27 mpg | about 400–410 miles |
| 2022–2024 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI), 4Motion AWD | 15.9 gal19 | 24–25 mpg | about 380–400 miles |
| 2009–2011 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI) | Check your owner’s manual | 20–22 mpg | Check your owner’s manual |
| 2012–2013 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI) | Check your owner’s manual | 21–24 mpg | Check your owner’s manual |
| 2014 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI) | 16.8 gal15 | 21–23 mpg | about 350–390 miles |
| 2015–2016 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI) | 16.9 gal16 | 22–23 mpg | about 370–390 miles |
| 2017 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI) | 16.9 gal17 | 21–22 mpg | about 350–370 miles |
| 2018 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI), Tiguan Limited | Check your owner’s manual | 22–23 mpg | Check your owner’s manual |
Plan a long drive with the trip gas cost calculator.
Tiguan tire pressure
Tiguan tire pressure depends on the tire size and load, and we did not find a public VW source for it by trim. Use the tire pressure label, usually on the driver’s door jamb, or your owner’s manual. Set the pressure with the tires cold, before driving.
Check your owner’s manual, or the tire and loading information label on the driver’s door jamb.
Some Volkswagen manuals list a normal pressure and a higher full-load pressure; use the one that matches the load you carry. If the warning light comes on, see tire pressure light.
Oil at a glance
The 2009–2018 Tiguan takes synthetic oil that meets VW 502 00 (5W-40 or 5W-30), about 4.9 quarts with the filter. The 2018–2021 Tiguan takes 0W-20 that meets VW 508 00, 6.0 quarts. For 2022 and newer, check the oil label under the hood. Details by year: Tiguan oil page.
| Years | Engine | Oil | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI) | Check your owner’s manual | Check your owner’s manual |
| 2018–2020 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI), FWD | 0W-2013 | 6 qt (5.7 L) with filter |
| 2018–2020 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI), 4Motion AWD | 0W-2013 | 6 qt (5.7 L) with filter |
| 2021 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI), FWD | 0W-2014 | 6 qt (5.7 L) with filter |
| 2021 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI), 4Motion AWD | 0W-2014 | 6 qt (5.7 L) with filter |
| 2022–2024 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI), FWD | Check your owner’s manual | Check your owner’s manual |
| 2022–2024 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI), 4Motion AWD | Check your owner’s manual | Check your owner’s manual |
| 2009–2011 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI) | 5W-40, 5W-30 or 0W-408 | 4.9 qt (4.6 L) with filter |
| 2012–2013 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI) | 5W-40, 5W-30 or 0W-409 | 4.9 qt (4.6 L) with filter |
| 2014 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI) | 5W-40, 5W-30 or 0W-409 | 4.9 qt (4.6 L) with filter |
| 2015–2016 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI) | 5W-40, 5W-30 or 0W-4010 | 4.9 qt (4.6 L) with filter |
| 2017 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI) | 5W-40 or 5W-3011 | 4.9 qt (4.6 L) with filter |
| 2018 | 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder (TSI), Tiguan Limited | 5W-40 or 5W-3012 | 4.9 qt (4.6 L) with filter |
Tiguan towing capacity
A 2018–2024 Tiguan can tow 1,500 lb, and a 2009–2018 1st-generation Tiguan 2,200 lb, when properly equipped. For the 2026 Tiguan, vw.com lists 1,800 lb for a trailer with brakes. We did not find a VW figure for 2025.
- 3rd generation (2025–2026): Check your owner’s manual
- 2nd generation (long wheelbase) (2018–2024): up to 1,500 lb19
- 1st generation (5N) (2009–2018): up to 2,200 lb21
VW sent a letter to owners of 2015–2016 Tiguans correcting the towing table in the owner’s manual, so check that your manual matches VW’s current figure. Trailer weight, tongue weight, and cargo all count against the load limit.
Recalls: check by VIN
Recalls are issued for build ranges, so check your exact car. Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The VIN is on the dashboard at the base of the windshield, driver’s side, and on your registration. Volkswagen dealers repair recalls at no cost.
What to record in your log
A turbocharged Tiguan rewards a careful record:
- Each fill-up with date, odometer, gallons, and octane. If you switch between premium and regular on a 2014–2017 model, the log shows whether your mpg changes; the MPG calculator does the math.
- Oil added between changes, with the VW spec on the bottle.
- Date-based jobs: brake fluid and the 4Motion clutch fluid go by years, not miles, so a low-mileage Tiguan still needs them.
Keep a fuel log and a car maintenance log. Intervals are on the Tiguan maintenance schedule page, and VW’s system on the Volkswagen maintenance schedule page.
FAQ
What is the gas mileage of a VW Tiguan?
The EPA rates the 2025–2026 Tiguan at 28 to 29 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 25 mpg with 4Motion. 2018–2024 models get 23 to 27 mpg, and 2009–2017 models 20 to 24.
Does the Tiguan need premium gas?
VW recommends premium for the 2014–2017 Tiguan. The 2018–2024 Tiguan runs on regular gas. For other years, check your owner’s manual.
How much can a VW Tiguan tow?
1,500 lb for 2018–2024 models, 2,200 lb for 2009–2018 1st-generation models, and 1,800 lb for the 2026 Tiguan with a braked trailer, according to VW.
What tire pressure does a Tiguan take?
It depends on the tire size and load. Read the tire pressure label, usually on the driver’s door jamb, and set the pressure with the tires cold.
Milealot is an independent site, not affiliated with or endorsed by Volkswagen Group of America. Volkswagen, VW, Tiguan, 4Motion, and TSI are trademarks of their owner and are used here only to name the vehicles.
Sources
- 2012 VW Service: Volkswagen of America maintenance schedule (covers Tiguan 5N) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2009 VW Service: Volkswagen of America USA maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2018 VW Service: Volkswagen of America maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2019 VW Maintenance Schedule, all models except e-Golf (Volkswagen of America, filed with NHTSA) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2024 VW Service: Volkswagen of America maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2025 VW Service: Volkswagen of America maintenance schedule (Tiguan RM1) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2026 VW Service: Volkswagen of America maintenance schedule (Tiguan RM1) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2009–2011 Tiguan Service Express sheet, oil and filters (Volkswagen of America, filed with NHTSA) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2012–2014 Tiguan Service Express sheet, oil and filters (Volkswagen of America, filed with NHTSA) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2015 Tiguan Service Express sheet, oil and filters (Volkswagen of America, filed with NHTSA) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2017 Tiguan Service Express sheet, oil and filters (Volkswagen of America, filed with NHTSA) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2018 Tiguan Limited Service Express sheet, oil and filters (Volkswagen of America, filed with NHTSA) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2020 Tiguan Service Express sheet, oil and filters (Volkswagen of America, filed with NHTSA) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2021 Tiguan Service Express sheet, oil and filters, revised 6/22/2021 (Volkswagen of America, filed with NHTSA) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan Technical Specifications (media.vw.com, archived copy) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan Specifications (media.vw.com, archived copy) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Technical Specifications (media.vw.com, archived copy) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Technical Specifications (VW US media site, archived copy) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Technical Specifications (media.vw.com, archived copy) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan press kit (media.vw.com, archived copy) (checked November 12, 2026)
- Trailer Towing Quick Tip: Atlas, Touareg and Tiguan, version 1.0, 06/2017 (Volkswagen of America, filed with NHTSA) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan press kit (media.vw.com, archived copy) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan press kit (media.vw.com, archived copy) (checked November 12, 2026)
- 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan model page, vw.com (checked November 12, 2026)
- Owner’s Manual Correction: Maximum Permissible Trailer Weights, certain 2015–2016 Tiguan (Volkswagen of America owner letter, filed with NHTSA) (checked November 12, 2026)
- U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE, fueleconomy.gov vehicle data (MPG; retrieved November 12, 2026)
- NHTSA, Check for recalls (checked November 2026): nhtsa.gov/recalls