VS
At a Glance
Power
180hp @ 5800
201hp @ 5000
Torque
178lb-ft @ 3700
221lb-ft @ 1500
Fuel
26 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
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 201hp @ 5000. On fuel, the Forester returns 26 mpg est. while the Tiguan uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $38,385 for the Forester 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.
Specification
Subaru ForesterWilderness CVT 2026 - From $38,385
Volkswagen Tiguan2.0T SE R-Line Black 4MOTION 2026 - From $38,745
Performance
Power Output (hp)
180hp @ 5800
201hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 3700
221lb-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.)
26 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
24mpg
22mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
28mpg
30mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.6gal
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
182.9in
184.4in
Width (in)
72.4in
73in
Height (in)
69.3in
66.5in
Wheelbase (in)
104.9in
109.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3675lbs
3801lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
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
Tiguan
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Tied
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price ($38,385)
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Volkswagen Tiguan
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Forester or Tiguan?
The Forester gets 26 mpg est. and the Tiguan gets 26 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 Forester or Tiguan?
The Forester produces 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque while the Tiguan delivers 201hp @ 5000 and 221lb-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 $38,385 and the Tiguan from $38,745, a difference of just $360, 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 Forester or Tiguan?
The Forester has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs 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.