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Subaru Forester vs VW T-Cross comparison

Compare performance (136 HP vs 150 HP), boot space and price (35,100 £ vs 21,400 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Forester or VW T-Cross?

Subaru Forester vs VW T-Cross: Key differences

Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • somewhat more trunk space
details

VW T-Cross

3.9 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • barely more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • noticeably lighter
details

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

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

Forester

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

VW T-Cross is substantially cheaper – starting at 21,400 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 35,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 13,740 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW T-Cross uses 5.4 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 2.7 L/100km.

T-Cross

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 T-Cross offers barely more power – delivering 150 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 14 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW T-Cross is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 8.4 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 3.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW T-Cross delivers clearly more torque with 250 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 68 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 T-Cross is noticeably lighter – 1,267 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 426 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers somewhat more boot space – 508 L compared to 455 L. That’s a difference of about 53 L.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Forester carries only slightly more – 492 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 12 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW T-Cross 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 £21,400
T-Cross

VW T-Cross

  • Engine Type Petrol
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 95 - 150 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.4 - 6 L/100km
details

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VW T-Cross
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The SEAT Arona and the VW T-Cross are closely matched compact crossovers aimed at buyers who want city-friendly dimensions, practical interiors and a touch of SUV style. This comparison focuses on space, fuel economy, driving feel, safety and running costs to help you decide which suits your …
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Subaru Forester
VW T-Cross

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

3.8 (3 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 T-Cross

The VW T-Cross is a small, city-friendly crossover that blends practical packaging with easygoing driving manners and a high seating position for good visibility. It’s a sensible, comfortable choice for buyers who want the convenience and style of an SUV without big compromises.

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Reviews VW T-Cross

3.9 (6 Reviews)
rate
Arturo
27 May 2026, 04:19:26

In terms of interior space and driving, the T‑Cross is far superior.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Monika
12 Feb 2026, 07:34:19

I chose the T‑Cross — more comfortable and roomier inside, especially for adult passengers; bought on the model‑year clearance — running costs work out cheaper even taking into account fuel savings from the Toyota hybrid (planned over five years); I like the space and the VW suited me better — I prefer the view through the front windshield.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Erasmo Paone
21 Oct 2025, 21:49:59

Very practical, interior space is excellent. Lacks charm, fuel consumption is a bit high.

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Subaru Forester
VW T-Cross

Costs and Consumption
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Price
21,400 - 32,000 £
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.4 - 6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
183 g/km
co2
124 - 136 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Curb weight
1,267 - 1,338 kg
Trunk capacity
508 L
Trunk capacity
455 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,830 mm
Width
1,784 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
446 - 492 kg
Payload
463 - 480 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 HP
Power HP
95 - 150 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.4 - 11.3 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
182 Nm
Torque
175 - 250 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
100 kW
Power kW
70 - 110 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,498 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
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.