VS
At a Glance
Power
169kW@5200
140 kW
Torque
320Nm@2800
350 Nm
Fuel
10.5
8.3 l/100km
Towing
2000
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.9
6.5 s
Engine
2457
1968 cc
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 140 kW. On fuel, the FORESTER returns 10.5 while the Tiguan uses 8.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R420 000 for the FORESTER and R856 200 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
140 kW
Torque
320Nm@2800
350 Nm
0-100 kph
7.9
6.5 s
Top Speed
207
225 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2457
1968 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
4
7
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.5
8.3 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
14.5
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.2
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
60
58 l
CO2 Emissions
248
189 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4560
4539 mm
Width
1780
1843 mm
Height
1700
1635 mm
Wheelbase
2615
2676 mm
Ground Clearance
215
201 mm
Kerb Weight
1525
1599 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
652 / 1650 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
1660
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
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
Optional
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
Optional
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
Optional
Heated Seats
✗
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
3
Warranty Distance
100000
120000 Km
Service Plan
M
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
12500
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tiguan
Fuel Economy
Tiguan
Value
FORESTER
Practicality
FORESTER
Pros & Cons
SUBARU FORESTER
Lower starting price (R420 000)
Higher towing capacity (2000)
Higher fuel consumption (10.5)
No factory service plan
Volkswagen Tiguan
Better fuel economy (8.3 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.5 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the FORESTER or Tiguan?
The FORESTER uses 10.5 and the Tiguan uses 8.3 l/100km 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 140 kW and 350 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the FORESTER and Tiguan?
The FORESTER starts from R420 000 and the Tiguan from R856 200. The FORESTER is cheaper by R436 200 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 1800 Kg. 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.