VS
At a Glance
Power
180hp @ 5800
201hp @ 5000
Torque
178lb-ft @ 3700
221lb-ft @ 1500
Towing
1500lbs
1800lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152cc
2.0 L/121cc
Choosing between the Subaru Crosstrek and the Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Subaru Crosstrek delivers 180hp @ 5800 while the Volkswagen Tiguan produces 201hp @ 5000. Pricing starts at $32,995 for the Crosstrek and $38,745 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 (hp)
180hp @ 5800
201hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 3700
221lb-ft @ 1500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152cc
2.0 L/121cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
22mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
33mpg
30mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.6gal
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
176.4in
184.4in
Width (in)
70.9in
73in
Height (in)
63in
66.5in
Wheelbase (in)
105.1in
109.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3349lbs
3801lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
1800lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Crosstrek
Practicality
Tiguan
Pros & Cons
Subaru Crosstrek
Lower starting price ($32,995)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Tiguan
Higher towing capacity (1800lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Crosstrek or Tiguan?
The Crosstrek produces 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque while the Tiguan delivers 201hp @ 5000 and 221lb-ft @ 1500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Crosstrek and Tiguan?
The Crosstrek starts from $32,995 and the Tiguan from $38,745. The Crosstrek is cheaper by $5,750 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Crosstrek or Tiguan?
The Crosstrek has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the Tiguan can tow 1800lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Crosstrek or the Tiguan?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - 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.