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Subaru Forester vs VW Tiguan comparison

Compare performance (136 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (35,100 £ vs 33,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Forester or VW Tiguan?

Subaru Forester vs VW Tiguan: Key differences

Subaru Forester

3.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
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VW Tiguan

4.2 (11 Reviews)
rate
  • marginally cheaper
  • significantly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • only slightly lighter
  • clearly more trunk space
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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:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

VW Tiguan is marginally cheaper – starting at 33,600 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 35,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,556 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Tiguan uses 1.4 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 6.7 L/100km.

Tiguan

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Tiguan offers significantly more power – delivering 272 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 136 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Tiguan is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 5.9 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 6.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Tiguan delivers clearly more torque with 400 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 218 Nm more.

Forester

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Tiguan is only slightly lighter – 1,599 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 94 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Tiguan offers clearly more boot space – 652 L compared to 508 L. That’s a difference of about 144 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Tiguan carries moderately more – 556 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 64 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Tiguan stands well ahead of its rival 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 £33,600
Tiguan

VW Tiguan

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 130 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.4 - 8.4 L/100km
  • Electric Range 118 - 126 km
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Frequently compared as well

VW Tiguan
VW Touran
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Deciding between the VW Tiguan and the VW Touran comes down to whether you prefer SUV style and road presence or MPV practicality for family life. The Tiguan delivers a higher driving position, sharper styling and more versatile on-road performance, while the Touran focuses on flexible seating, …
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Subaru Forester
VW Tiguan

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 (4 Reviews)
rate
Marie-Sophie
6 Jul 2026, 15:22:11

Unfortunately Citroën isn't sold here in the Americas, otherwise I would have chosen the C5.X!

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
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 Tiguan

The VW Tiguan is a well-rounded compact SUV that delivers a comfortable cabin, composed ride and practical space suited to everyday family life. Its straightforward tech and clever storage make it easy to live with, leaning toward sensible refinement rather than flash.

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Reviews VW Tiguan

4.2 (11 Reviews)
rate
Jerzy
7 Jun 2026, 15:17:21

It competes on price and cheaper servicing, but well‑equipped examples also offer plenty of comfort.

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
Peter
21 Feb 2026, 14:53:54

My Tiguan 2.0 TSI is flawless after eight years and still looks great. I really can't complain.

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
Thomas
21 Nov 2025, 21:33:38

What counts is longevity... and on that front VW doesn't convince.

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Nissan X-Trail
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In the battle of compact SUVs, the Nissan X-Trail and Subaru Forester offer compelling choices for adventure enthusiasts and family travelers alike. The Nissan X-Trail boasts a suave design and innovative safety technologies, making it a favorite for style-conscious drivers. On the other hand, the …
Subaru Forester
VW Tiguan

Costs and Consumption
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Price
33,600 - 54,600 £
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.4 - 8.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
118 - 126 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
183 g/km
co2
32 - 190 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
1,599 - 1,879 kg
Trunk capacity
508 L
Trunk capacity
490 - 652 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,830 mm
Width
1,842 - 1,859 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
446 - 492 kg
Payload
499 - 556 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 HP
Power HP
130 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.9 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
182 Nm
Torque
220 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 kW
Power kW
96 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, B, G
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.