VW Tiguan 2 engines

Since its market launch in 2016, the VW Tiguan 2 has established itself as a technological milestone in the compact SUV segment and offers a sophisticated VW Tiguan 2 engine range with significant improvements over the previous generation. This second generation is characterized by a balanced combination of efficiency, performance and increased reliability, using both traditional combustion engines and innovative hybrid drives.

VW Tiguan 2 engines (2016-2023)

The second VW Tiguan generation marked a decisive turning point in Volkswagen's engine development and is now considered the most balanced and reliable of all Tiguan generations. With proper maintenance, most VW Tiguan 2 engines easily achieve mileages of between 280,000 and 380,000 kilometers, whereby the proven 2.0 TDI engines with 150 hp are considered to be particularly durable and low-maintenance. Major repairs are typically only required after 200,000 to 250,000 kilometers, mainly for wearing parts such as turbochargers or injection pumps. The absolute top engine of this generation was undoubtedly the 2.0 TDI Bi-Turbo with 240 hp - an engineering masterpiece that offered both impressive driving performance and astonishing efficiency thanks to its sequential turbocharging. Technologically, this generation brought a breakthrough in exhaust gas aftertreatment with SCR catalytic converters and optimized particulate filters, while in a market comparison the Tiguan 2 clearly outperformed its competitors such as the BMW X3 or Audi Q5 in terms of price-performance ratio.

VW Tiguan 2 petrol engines (2016-2023)

The VW Tiguan 2 petrol engine range started with the tried-and-tested 1.4 TSI in two output levels of 92 kW (125 PS) and 110 kW (150 PS), which was replaced in 2019 by the technologically more advanced 1.5 TSI evo with 96 kW (130 PS) and 110 kW (150 PS). These smaller VW Tiguan 2 TSI units proved to be significantly more reliable than their first-generation predecessors, with only occasional problems with valve coking on short journeys. The engine codes CZEA (1.4 TSI) and DADA (1.5 TSI evo) represent the most successful development of small-volume turbo petrol engines at Volkswagen. For power-hungry drivers, the VW Tiguan 2 offered the 2.0 TSI with various expansion stages from 132 kW (180 PS) to an impressive 235 kW (320 PS) in the sporty Tiguan R. However, the VW Tiguan 2.0 TSI (EA888 Generation 3) developed into the most problematic petrol engine in this model series, with recurring reports of increased oil consumption due to wear-prone piston rings, turbocharger damage during intensive use and occasional problems with the high-pressure pump.

VW Tiguan 2 diesel engines (2016-2023)

The VW Tiguan 2 diesel engine range was mainly based on the ultra-modern EA288 engine, which was offered as a 2.0 TDI in power levels from 85 kW (115 PS) to an impressive 176 kW (240 PS). A compact 1.6 TDI with 85 kW (115 PS) was also available for a time, but this was withdrawn from the range in 2020 due to a lack of demand. All VW Tiguan 2 diesels were equipped with the latest fourth-generation common-rail injection, SCR catalytic converter with AdBlue injection and particulate filter with active regeneration as standard. The VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI with 110 kW (150 PS) established itself as the most reliable and efficient engine of the entire generation, with practical fuel consumption of just 4.8 to 5.4 liters per 100 kilometers and outstanding suitability for trailer operation up to 2,500 kg. Particularly noteworthy is the technically sophisticated 2.0 TDI Bi-Turbo with 240 hp, which offered both spontaneous response and high output thanks to its sequential turbocharging with a small and a large turbocharger - albeit at the expense of complexity and maintenance costs.

VW Tiguan 2 hybrid drive (2016-2023)

From 2020, Volkswagen expanded the VW Tiguan 2 engine family to include the innovative 1.4 eHybrid with a system output of 180 kW (245 PS). This plug-in hybrid combined a 1.4 TSI petrol engine with an 85 kW (115 PS) electric motor and a 13 kWh lithium-ion battery for an electric range of up to 50 kilometers. The VW Tiguan 2 eHybrid offered impressive driving performance with a standard fuel consumption of just 1.1 to 1.8 liters per 100 kilometers, albeit with limitations in terms of trunk volume (150 liters less) and occasionally sluggish tuning of the DSG transmission when switching between electric and combustion engine operation.

Conclusion: The VW Tiguan 2 engines at a glance

The VW Tiguan 2 engines represent a significant leap in quality compared to the previous generation and now offer one of the most balanced drive ranges in the compact SUV segment. While the VW Tiguan 2 diesel engines consistently impress with outstanding reliability and efficiency, the small-volume TSI petrol engines show a significant improvement over the problematic engines of the first generation. The introduction of hybrid technology also marks the successful entry into electrification, even if there is still potential for optimization in system integration.

• Best VW Tiguan 2 gasoline engine:

The 1.5 TSI evo with 150 PS offers the optimum balance of performance, efficiency and reliability in the gasoline engines.

• Best VW Tiguan 2 diesel engine:

The 2.0 TDI with 150 PS is considered the reference for long-distance and frequent drivers with an excellent combination of economy and reliability.

• Best VW Tiguan 2 hybrid engine:

The 1.4 eHybrid with 245 hp system output impresses with low operating costs and high suitability for everyday use despite minor weaknesses.

For the maintenance and servicing of all VW Tiguan 2 engines, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of high-quality spare parts, operating materials and maintenance components with fast and reliable delivery direct to your home.