VS
At a Glance
Power
180hp @ 5800
268hp @ 5000
Torque
178lb-ft @ 3700
258lb-ft @ 1500
Fuel
30 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
1500lbs
1800lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.0 L/121ci
Choosing between the Subaru Forester and the Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Subaru Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 while the Volkswagen Tiguan produces 268hp @ 5000. On fuel, the Forester returns 30 mpg est. while the Tiguan uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $33,385 for the Forester and $43,085 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 ForesterPremium AWD 2026 - From $33,385
Volkswagen Tiguan2.0T SEL R-Line Turbo 4MOTION 2026 - From $43,085
Performance
Power Output (hp)
180hp @ 5800
268hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 3700
258lb-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
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
30 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
22mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
33mpg
29mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.6gal
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.3in
184.4in
Width (in)
72in
73in
Height (in)
68.1in
66.5in
Wheelbase (in)
105.1in
109.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3569lbs
7811lbs
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
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tiguan
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Forester
Practicality
Tiguan
Pros & Cons
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($33,385)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Tiguan
Higher towing capacity (1800lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Forester or Tiguan?
The Forester gets 30 mpg est. and the Tiguan gets 26 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Forester 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 Forester or Tiguan?
The Forester produces 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque while the Tiguan delivers 268hp @ 5000 and 258lb-ft @ 1500 of torque. The Tiguan is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Forester and Tiguan?
The Forester starts from $33,385 and the Tiguan from $43,085. The Forester is cheaper by $9,700 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 1500lbs and the Tiguan can tow 1800lbs. 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 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.