1.9 TDI (ALH) vs EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI)
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH)
BEST
92/100
+10 points over EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI)
0
/ 100
BEST
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Volkswagen
0
/ 100
BUY
EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI)
Volkswagen
Specifications
1.9 TDI (ALH)
EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
BEST
BUY
Reliability
92
82
Years
1996--2006
2020--present
Displacement
1896 cc
1984 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Diesel
Petrol Turbo
Power
90 hp
190--320 hp
Known Issues
3
0
Total Risk Cost
€1,150--€2,900
€0--€0
Character
1.9 TDI (ALH)
"The legendary ALH. 500k+ miles documented. Simple mechanical injection. Nearly unkillable. Belt-driven."
EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI)
"Latest evolution. Golf 8 GTI/R. Improved over Gen 3 in most areas."
Issues Comparison
1.9 TDI (ALH) 3
▲ HIGH
Timing belt replacement — interference engine
○ MINOR
Injection pump wear (very high mileage)
○ MINOR
Turbo wear at very high mileage
EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI) 0
No documented issues.
Models
1.9 TDI (ALH) 2
EA888 Gen 4 (2.0 TSI) 68
Kodiaq
Golf
Leon
Q5
A4
Kodiaq
A3
Q5
Polo
Polo
Octavia
Q3
Golf
Tarraco
T-Roc
Tarraco
Leon
Octavia
A6
A4
Tiguan
Ateca
Karoq
Arteon
Formentor
Formentor
Golf
Ateca
Ateca
Arteon
Leon
A3
Golf
T-Roc
T-Roc
Octavia
A4
A6
Golf
Tarraco
Q5
Getz
Picanto
i10
Picanto
Santa Fe
Sorento
Niro
Niro
Niro
Niro
Niro
Niro
Ioniq
Ioniq
XCeed
Niro
Niro
XCeed
Pro Ceed
i30
Ceed
Optima
Optima/K5
i20
Golf GTI 2.0 TSI
Golf R 2.0 TSI
Passat 2.0 TSI