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Subaru Forester vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (136 HP vs 333 HP), boot space and price (34,700 £ vs 25,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Forester or VW Golf?

Subaru Forester vs VW Golf: Key differences

Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more trunk space

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly cheaper
  • significantly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly lighter

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Forester

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

VW Golf is visibly cheaper – starting at 25,200 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 34,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,510 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf uses 1.1 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 7 L/100km.

Golf

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf offers significantly more power – delivering 333 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 197 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.6 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 7.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf delivers considerably more torque with 420 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 238 Nm more.

Forester

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf is markedly lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 386 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers visibly more boot space – 508 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 127 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf carries barely more – 508 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 16 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £25,200
Golf

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 8.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km
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Frequently compared as well

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Subaru Forester
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

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Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Subaru Forester
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Price
25,200 - 47,600 £
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
co2
183 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Trunk capacity
508 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
-
Length
4,282 - 4,296 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
1,454 - 1,483 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,129 - 1,237 L
Payload
446 - 492 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
203 - 270 km/h
Torque
182 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
Subaru
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Subaru Forester have?

The Subaru Forester is offered with All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.