Volkswagen Tiguan
28 MPG The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan is EPA-rated at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 32 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 536 gallons, $1714 a year in fuel, or $0.114 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2009–2026 run it averages 23.9 MPG, improving by 7 MPG over 18 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.089 | $893 | $1339 | $1786 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.107 | $1071 | $1607 | $2143 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.114 | $1143 | $1714 | $2286 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.161 | $1607 | $2411 | $3214 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.179 | $1786 | $2679 | $3571 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 MPG | 25 | 32 | $2200 | 320 | 1 |
| 2025 | 28 MPG | 25 | 32 | $2200 | 320 | 1 |
| 2024 | 26 MPG | 23 | 30 | $2400 | 345 | 1 |
| 2023 | 26 MPG | 23 | 30 | $2400 | 343 | 1 |
| 2022 | 26 MPG | 23 | 30 | $2400 | 346 | 1 |
| 2021 | 25 MPG | 23 | 29 | $2500 | 353 | 1 |
| 2020 | 25 MPG | 22 | 29 | $2500 | 356 | 1 |
| 2019 | 25 MPG | 22 | 29 | $2500 | 355 | 1 |
| 2018 | 24 MPG | 22 | 27 | $2600 | 368 | 1 |
| 2017 | 22 MPG | 20 | 24 | $3500 | 412 | 1 |
| 2016 | 23 MPG | 21 | 26 | $3350 | 393 | 1 |
| 2015 | 23 MPG | 21 | 26 | $3350 | 393 | 1 |
| 2014 | 22 MPG | 19.5 | 26 | $3500 | 405 | 2 |
| 2013 | 22 MPG | 19.5 | 26 | $3500 | 404 | 2 |
| 2012 | 22.5 MPG | 20 | 26 | $3425 | 397 | 2 |
| 2011 | 21.5 MPG | 19 | 25.5 | $3575 | 414 | 2 |
| 2010 | 21 MPG | 18.5 | 25 | $3650 | 423 | 2 |
| 2009 | 21 MPG | 18.5 | 25 | $3650 | 423 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 74 small sport utility vehicle 2wd models tracked here, the Volkswagen Tiguan ranks 28 on current figures, against a class average of 34.7 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Trax (29), Mercedes-Benz GLA250 (29), Hyundai Kona FWD (29.5), Buick Encore GX FWD (30), Ford Escape FWD (30).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 320 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.8 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Volkswagen Tiguan get?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan is rated at 28 MPG combined by the EPA — 25 city and 32 highway. Across all 18 model years in the database it averages 23.9 MPG, ranging from 21 to 28 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Volkswagen Tiguan cost in fuel per year?
At 28 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 536 gallons — roughly $1714 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.114 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2200.
Has the Volkswagen Tiguan become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 21 MPG in 2009 to 28 in 2026 — an improvement of 7 MPG, or 33% across 18 model years.
Is the Volkswagen Tiguan efficient for its class?
It ranks 28 of 74 in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 34.7 MPG. That is 6.7 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.