VS
At a Glance
Power
169kW@5200
147kW@5100
Torque
320Nm@2800
280Nm@1700
Fuel
10.5
9.9
Towing
2000
2500
0-100 km/h
7.9
8.5
Engine
2457
1984
Choosing between the SUBARU FORESTER and the VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The SUBARU FORESTER delivers 169kW@5200 while the VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN produces 147kW@5100. On fuel, the FORESTER returns 10.5 while the TIGUAN uses 9.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R452 000 for the FORESTER and R438 310 for the TIGUAN. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
169kW@5200
147kW@5100
Torque
320Nm@2800
280Nm@1700
0-100 kph
7.9
8.5
Top Speed
207
207
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2457
1984
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
4
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.5
9.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
14.5
13.5
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.2
7.7
Fuel Tank Capacity
60
64
CO2 Emissions
248
234
Dimensions
Length
4560
4457
Width
1780
1809
Height
1700
1686
Wheelbase
2615
2604
Ground Clearance
215
200
Kerb Weight
1525
1609
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
2500
Load Capacity
1660
1510
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✗
✗
Satellite Navigation
✗
Optional
Park Distance Rear
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Front
✗
Optional
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✗
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
36
Warranty Distance
100000
120000
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
12500
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
TIGUAN
Value
TIGUAN
Practicality
TIGUAN
Pros & Cons
SUBARU FORESTER
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.9s)
Higher fuel consumption (10.5)
Higher starting price
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
Better fuel economy (9.9)
Lower starting price (R438 310)
Higher towing capacity (2500)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the FORESTER or TIGUAN?
The FORESTER uses 10.5 and the TIGUAN uses 9.9 on the combined cycle. The TIGUAN is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the FORESTER or TIGUAN?
The FORESTER produces 169kW@5200 and 320Nm@2800 of torque while the TIGUAN delivers 147kW@5100 and 280Nm@1700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the FORESTER and TIGUAN?
The FORESTER starts from R452 000 and the TIGUAN from R438 310. The TIGUAN is cheaper by R13 690 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the FORESTER or TIGUAN?
The FORESTER has a braked towing capacity of 2000 and the TIGUAN can tow 2500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the FORESTER or the TIGUAN?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.