Volkswagen Tiguan vs Subaru Forester: Which Suv Reigns?
Choosing the right compact SUV can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options available, it’s easy to get lost in the details. Today, we’re putting two popular contenders head-to-head: the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Subaru Forester.
Both the Tiguan and Forester offer a compelling blend of practicality, safety, and modern features. They’re designed to handle daily commutes, weekend adventures, and everything in between. But which one comes out on top?
This in-depth comparison will explore their strengths and weaknesses, covering everything from performance and fuel efficiency to interior comfort and technology. We’ll help you decide whether the Volkswagen Tiguan or the Subaru Forester is the better fit for your lifestyle and budget. Get ready to discover which SUV is the ultimate champion!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Tiguan | Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.0L I4 | 2.5L 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 182 hp |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/31 mpg (FWD) | 26/33 mpg |
| Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats) | 37.6 cu. ft. | 28.9 cu. ft. |
| Infotainment System | 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen | 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen |
| Standard Safety Features | Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitor | EyeSight Driver Assist Technology |
| Ground Clearance | 7.4 inches | 8.7 inches |
| Warranty (Basic) | 4 years/50,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Seating Capacity | 5 or 7 | 5 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Engine & Performance
- Volkswagen Tiguan: Typically offers a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine, providing a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. Acceleration is decent, but can feel slightly sluggish compared to some competitors. Fuel economy is competitive within its class.
- Subaru Forester: Usually features a 2.5L naturally aspirated flat-4 engine known for its reliability. Offers adequate power and a smooth driving experience, but acceleration isn’t a strong suit. Fuel economy is generally good.
- Winner: Tiguan
Fuel Efficiency
- Volkswagen Tiguan: Offers competitive fuel economy with its turbocharged engine. Highway MPG is often slightly better than the Forester. Real-world fuel economy can vary depending on driving habits.
- Subaru Forester: Provides good fuel economy for its class, often aided by its standard all-wheel drive. City MPG is often slightly better than the Tiguan. Fuel efficiency is a key selling point.
- Winner: Forester
Interior Space & Comfort
- Volkswagen Tiguan: Provides a comfortable and well-designed interior. Offers available third-row seating, making it a more versatile option for larger families. Cargo space is competitive, especially with the rear seats folded.
- Subaru Forester: Known for its spacious and airy cabin. Offers excellent headroom and legroom, particularly for rear passengers. Cargo space is generous, and the boxy design maximizes usability.
- Winner: Forester
Technology & Infotainment
- Volkswagen Tiguan: Features a modern infotainment system with a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and available digital instrument cluster. Offers advanced driver-assistance features. Infotainment system can sometimes be less intuitive than competitors.
- Subaru Forester: Equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system, often including a large touchscreen and smartphone integration. Offers a comprehensive suite of safety features. Infotainment interface may feel dated compared to some rivals.
- Winner: Tiguan
Safety Features
- Volkswagen Tiguan: Offers a strong suite of standard and available safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Earns good safety ratings from major organizations.
- Subaru Forester: Comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, a comprehensive package of safety features. Consistently receives top safety ratings and is known for its safety performance.
- Winner: Forester
Driving Experience
- Volkswagen Tiguan: Provides a composed ride and responsive handling. Steering is precise, and the turbocharged engine offers good low-end torque. Ride can feel slightly firmer than the Forester.
- Subaru Forester: Offers a comfortable and capable driving experience, with a focus on practicality. Features standard all-wheel drive, providing excellent traction in various conditions. Handling is competent, but not as sporty as the Tiguan.
- Winner: Tiguan
Off-Road Capability
- Volkswagen Tiguan: While available with all-wheel drive, the Tiguan is not primarily designed for off-road adventures. Ground clearance is moderate. It is more suited for on-road driving.
- Subaru Forester: Excels in off-road scenarios, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive, higher ground clearance, and available X-MODE system. Offers impressive capability on unpaved roads and light trails.
- Winner: Forester
Price & Value
- Volkswagen Tiguan: Pricing is competitive within its class. Offers a good balance of features and value. Depreciation can be a factor to consider.
- Subaru Forester: Typically has a slightly lower starting price compared to the Tiguan. Offers excellent value for its features, reliability, and standard all-wheel drive. Retains its value well over time.
- Winner: Forester
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Engine Performance | Volkswagen Tiguan |
| Standard Safety Features | Subaru Forester |
| Fuel Economy | Subaru Forester |
| Cargo Space | Volkswagen Tiguan |
| Off-Road Capability | Subaru Forester |
| Interior Quality | Volkswagen Tiguan |
What They Have in Common
- Seating Capacity: Both SUVs comfortably seat five passengers, though the Tiguan offers an optional third row. This makes them suitable for families or groups needing versatile transportation options.
- Infotainment Systems: Both vehicles come equipped with modern infotainment systems, including touchscreen displays and smartphone integration, ensuring connectivity and entertainment on the go.
- Safety Features: Both the Tiguan and Forester prioritize safety, offering a range of standard and available safety features to assist drivers and protect occupants.
- Fuel Efficiency: While the specifics vary, both SUVs offer competitive fuel economy ratings within their class, making them relatively economical for daily driving.
- All-Wheel Drive Availability: Both models offer all-wheel drive, providing enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions, including inclement weather or off-road situations.
Volkswagen Tiguan Vs Subaru Forester Buying Guide
Performance and Handling
The Volkswagen Tiguan offers a more refined driving experience with its turbocharged engine, providing quicker acceleration and a generally smoother ride. Its handling is more responsive, making it feel sportier than the Forester. The Forester, on the other hand, prioritizes off-road capability and provides standard all-wheel drive, making it suitable for various terrains. While the Tiguan’s AWD system is also capable, the Forester’s is more robust for challenging conditions. The choice depends on your driving preferences and the type of terrain you frequently encounter.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
Both the Tiguan and the Forester offer competitive fuel economy, but the Forester often edges out the Tiguan in real-world driving scenarios. Subaru’s boxer engine design contributes to efficiency, particularly on the highway. Running costs, including maintenance, can vary. Volkswagen parts might be slightly more expensive. Subaru vehicles are known for their reliability, potentially leading to lower long-term maintenance costs. Consider your typical driving distance and the price of fuel in your area when evaluating this aspect.
Interior Comfort and Features
The Tiguan often boasts a more upscale interior with higher-quality materials and a more modern design aesthetic. It provides a comfortable and quiet cabin, making it ideal for daily commuting. The Forester prioritizes practicality and space, offering a more upright seating position and generous headroom and legroom. Both offer a range of modern features, including infotainment systems, driver-assistance technologies, and connectivity options. Consider your preferences for interior style and passenger comfort when making your decision.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Technology
Both the Tiguan and the Forester excel in safety, earning high marks in crash tests. The Forester typically comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance suite, which includes features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Tiguan also offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, often including similar technologies. Consider the specific features offered in each model’s trim levels and your personal preferences for driver-assistance systems when making your choice.
Cargo Space and Practicality
The Forester generally provides more cargo space and a more versatile interior layout than the Tiguan. Its boxier shape allows for easier loading and unloading of cargo. The Tiguan offers a decent amount of cargo space, but it might be slightly less practical for carrying large items. Both vehicles offer folding rear seats to expand cargo capacity. Consider your typical cargo needs and the overall practicality of the interior when evaluating this aspect.
Value for Money and Trim Levels
The Tiguan and the Forester are competitively priced, with various trim levels offering different features and price points. The Tiguan might offer a slightly more premium feel for a similar price, depending on the trim level. The Forester typically provides excellent value for its standard features, particularly its all-wheel-drive system and advanced safety technologies. Research the different trim levels available for each model and compare the features offered at each price point to determine which one provides the best value for your needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Volkswagen Tiguan If…
- You prefer a more refined interior with a premium feel.
- You need the option of a third-row seat for extra passengers.
- You value a more engaging driving experience.
Buy Subaru Forester If…
- You prioritize standard all-wheel drive and off-road capability.
- You want a vehicle known for its reliability and resale value.
- You value a spacious cargo area and good outward visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference in engine performance?
The Tiguan’s turbocharged engine generally provides quicker acceleration and a more responsive feel, suitable for those who prioritize sporty driving. The Forester’s engine, while capable, focuses more on fuel efficiency and consistent performance, particularly in various driving conditions, including off-road environments. The choice depends on your preference for acceleration and driving dynamics.
Which car offers better fuel efficiency?
The Subaru Forester often achieves slightly better fuel economy, especially on the highway. Its engine design and focus on efficiency contribute to its favorable ratings. However, fuel economy can vary depending on driving habits and conditions. Both models offer respectable fuel efficiency for their class, but the Forester tends to have the edge in real-world scenarios.
Which SUV provides a more spacious interior?
The Subaru Forester is known for its spacious interior, offering more headroom and legroom, particularly in the rear seats. Its boxier shape contributes to its generous cargo capacity, making it a practical choice for families and those who frequently transport cargo. The Tiguan offers a comfortable interior, but the Forester generally provides more overall space.
Which model has more standard safety features?
The Subaru Forester typically includes a more comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance technology. This system often includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. The Tiguan also offers a strong set of safety features, but the specific features and packages might vary depending on the trim level.
Which vehicle is better for off-road driving?
The Subaru Forester is generally considered better for off-road driving due to its standard all-wheel-drive system and higher ground clearance. Its design and engineering prioritize off-road capability, making it well-suited for tackling various terrains. While the Tiguan offers all-wheel drive, the Forester’s system is typically more robust for challenging conditions.
How do the infotainment systems compare?
Both vehicles offer modern infotainment systems, including touchscreen displays, smartphone integration, and various connectivity options. The Tiguan often features a more user-friendly interface and a more modern design. The Forester’s system is generally intuitive and provides all the necessary features. The specific features and user experience can vary depending on the model year and trim level.
Which car is better for long-term ownership?
Both the Tiguan and the Forester are generally reliable vehicles. Subaru vehicles are known for their dependability, potentially leading to lower long-term maintenance costs. Volkswagen’s reliability has improved, but maintenance costs could be slightly higher. Consider factors like warranty coverage, maintenance schedules, and the availability of service centers in your area.
Final Verdict
The Volkswagen Tiguan offers a more refined driving experience and a more upscale interior, appealing to those seeking a sporty and stylish compact SUV. The Subaru Forester excels in practicality, off-road capability, and standard safety features, making it a great choice for adventurous drivers and families. The best choice depends on your priorities.
Winner: Subaru Forester