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VW Tiguan vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (272 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (33,600 £ vs 34,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW Tiguan or Subaru Forester?

VW Tiguan vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

VW Tiguan

3.9 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • barely cheaper
  • substantially more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • very slightly lighter
  • markedly more trunk space

Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

Tiguan

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW Tiguan is barely cheaper – starting at 33,600 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 34,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,127 £.

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

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Tiguan offers substantially 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 clearly 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 substantially more torque with 400 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 218 Nm more.

Tiguan

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

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

Looking at boot space, the VW Tiguan offers markedly 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 barely more – 533 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 41 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Tiguan 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 £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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Pick the Tiguan if you want SUV presence, a higher driving position and sharper styling — it’s the more grown-up, weekend-ready choice with modern tech and a bit of attitude. The Touran, by contrast, is the pragmatic family hero: lower, roomier and endlessly adaptable, with clever seating and …
Volvo XC60
VW Tiguan
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Volvo XC60 feels like a Scandinavian living room on wheels — plush, impeccably safe and polished — while the VW Tiguan is the sensible all-rounder: practical, cheaper to run and surprisingly sprightly in town. Choose the XC60 if you want refinement and tech-laden comfort; pick the Tiguan if you …
VW Tiguan
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

VW Tiguan

The VW Tiguan blends sensible family practicality with a dash of German polish, delivering a calm, reassuring ride and a cabin that never feels like an afterthought. For buyers who want an SUV that’s easy to live with yet still nicely dressed, the Tiguan is the grown‑up choice that keeps a cheeky wink in reserve.

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Reviews VW Tiguan

3.9 (7 Reviews)
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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.

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)
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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.

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VW Tiguan
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Choosing between the VW Tiguan and its China-born cousin, the VW Tayron, is a decision between proven versatility and slightly more presence: the Tiguan is the familiar all-rounder with sharper handling and broader global support, while the Tayron trades a bit of that universality for bolder …
SEAT Tarraco
VW Tiguan
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In the battle of family SUVs, the SEAT Tarraco and VW Tiguan offer compelling choices, each with its unique appeal. The Tarraco boasts a striking design and a slightly more competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Meanwhile, the Tiguan stands out with its …
Volvo XC40
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In the competitive compact SUV segment, the Volvo XC40 stands out with its striking Scandinavian design and premium interior that prioritizes safety and comfort. In contrast, the VW Tiguan offers a spacious cabin and user-friendly technology, making it a practical choice for families. Both models …
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In the competitive SUV market, the Nissan X-Trail and VW Tiguan stand out with their distinct strengths. The X-Trail boasts a spacious interior and versatile cargo space, making it ideal for family adventures, while the Tiguan impresses with its premium interior quality and advanced tech features. …
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If you crave sharp handling, athletic styling and a near-premium cabin the Cupra Terramar brings the excitement — and the price — delivering compact-SUV thrills with a sporty edge. The VW Tiguan, by contrast, is the sensible choice: spacious, comfortable and cheaper to run, perfect for families who …
Nissan X-Trail
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VW Tiguan
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Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
33,600 - 54,600 £
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Consumption L/100km
1.4 - 8.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
118 - 126 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
19.7 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
32 - 190 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
45 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,599 - 1,879 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
490 - 652 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
4,539 mm
Length
-
Width
1,842 - 1,859 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
1,658 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,486 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
460 - 533 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
130 - 272 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.9 - 10.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
210 - 215 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
220 - 400 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
96 - 200 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
Model Year
2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
VW
Brand
Subaru
What drive types are available for the VW Tiguan?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive or 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.