Subaru Forester vs Volkswagen Tiguan
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
Overview
| Spec | Subaru ForesterForester SUV | Volkswagen TiguanS |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Forester SUV | S |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Subaru ForesterForester SUV | Volkswagen TiguanS |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $29,995 (best) | $30,805 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $14,799 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $14,799 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $14,799 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 1 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Subaru ForesterForester SUV | Volkswagen TiguanS |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG | 29 MPG |
| City MPG | 26 MPG | 26 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 33 MPG | 34 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 16.6 gal (best) | 14.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Subaru ForesterForester SUV | Volkswagen TiguanS |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 201 hp (best) |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | flat 4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Subaru ForesterForester SUV | Volkswagen TiguanS |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 74.4 cu ft (best) | 69.8 cu ft |
| Towing capacity | — | 1,500 lbs (best) |
| Payload | — | 959 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,510 lbs (best) | 3,563 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in (best) | 6.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 109.9 in (best) |
| Length | 183.3 in | 184.4 in (best) |
| Width | 72 in | 73 in (best) |
| Height | 68.1 in (best) | 66.1 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Subaru ForesterForester SUV | Volkswagen TiguanS |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Subaru Forester | Volkswagen Tiguan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forester SUV $29,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) | S $30,805 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium $33,385 MSRP | S $32,305 MSRP |
| 3 | Premium Hybrid $34,730 MSRP | SE $33,605 MSRP |
| 4 | Sport $36,105 MSRP | SE $35,105 MSRP |
| 5 | Limited $37,695 MSRP | SE R-Line Black $37,245 MSRP |
| 6 | Sport Hybrid $37,930 MSRP | SE R-Line Black $38,745 MSRP |
| 7 | Wilderness $38,385 MSRP | SEL R-Line Turbo $43,085 MSRP |
| 8 | Limited Hybrid $38,995 MSRP | — |
| 9 | Touring Hybrid $41,545 MSRP | — |
| 10 | Touring $41,595 MSRP | — |
