VS
At a Glance
Power
180hp @ 5800
201hp @ 5000
Torque
178lb-ft @ 3700
207lb-ft @ 1500
Fuel
26 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
1500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/121ci
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. On fuel, the Crosstrek returns 26 mpg est. while the Tiguan uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $33,795 for the Crosstrek and $33,605 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.
Specification
Subaru CrosstrekWilderness AWD 2026 - From $33,795
Volkswagen Tiguan2.0T SE FWD 2026 - From $33,605
Performance
Power Output (hp)
180hp @ 5800
201hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 3700
207lb-ft @ 1500
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/121ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
32mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.6gal
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
176.4in
184.4in
Width (in)
71.7in
73in
Height (in)
63.6in
66.4in
Wheelbase (in)
104.9in
109.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3369lbs
3605lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
1500lbs
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
Volkswagen Tiguan
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tiguan
Fuel Economy
Tiguan
Value
Tied
Practicality
Crosstrek
Pros & Cons
Subaru Crosstrek
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Tiguan
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($33,605)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Crosstrek or Tiguan?
The Crosstrek gets 26 mpg est. and the Tiguan gets 28 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Tiguan is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
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 207lb-ft @ 1500 of torque. The Tiguan is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Crosstrek and Tiguan?
The Crosstrek starts from $33,795 and the Tiguan from $33,605, a difference of just $190, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. 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 3500lbs and the Tiguan can tow 1500lbs. 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.