Home > New VW Tiguan Inventory > VW Tiguan vs. Subaru Forester
If you’re in search of a new compact SUV, it’s common to compare the Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Forester. In our guide, we’ll look at various specs of both models side by side, such as performance, engine size, horsepower, torque, drivetrain options, and estimated fuel economy. You will quickly find that the Volkswagen Tiguan surpasses the Forester with turbocharged performance but also with other perks such as seating capacity and standard amenities like heated front seats and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
In our Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Subaru Forester comparison, we’ll also look at the differences in size, including cargo room and overall length and width. After you read our review of the new VW Tiguan for sale, we’re confident you’ll want to schedule your test drive at Gunther Volkswagen to experience what this versatile SUV has to offer.
Before we dive into our Tiguan vs. Forester comparison page headfirst, let’s start by taking stock of any changes for the 2024 model year. How does the 2024 Tiguan measure up against the 2024 Forester?
While the 2024 Subaru Forest arrived with virtually zero changes from the 2023 model year, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced an exciting update: The advanced VW suite of driver assistance features, IQ.DRIVE, is now standard for the SUV. Unlike the 2023 VW Tiguan, the entry-level 2024 trim now includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a faux leather-trimmed steering wheel.
Do you want an adventure-ready SUV that offers the performance and capability you need to load up and hit the lake or the mountains? Let’s compare the Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Subaru Forester specs for performance and see which gives you the power to conquer your next getaway.
VW Tiguan vs. Subaru Forester: Performance |
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2024 VW Tiguan S | 2024 Subaru Forester Base | |
Engine | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl |
Horsepower | 184 | 182 |
Torque | 221 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft |
Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs1 | 1,500 lbs2 |
While both vehicles deliver similar performance numbers from comparably sized engines, only one of these new SUVs for sale gives you turbocharged acceleration and the torque you need for getting out of the mud. It’s the 2024 VW Tiguan.
When you have gear and people to load, you need an SUV that offers flexible seating configurations and cargo room while still being maneuverable in the city and easy to park. The VW Tiguan has three rows with space for up to seven people when you choose one with FWD, and it is slightly longer and wider for a total of 124 cubic feet of passenger volume. This same three-row configuration has 12 cubic feet behind the third row and allows you to fold the rear seats down for over 65 cubic feet of cargo room. The two-row AWD configuration can have a maximum of 73.4 cubic feet of storage room with the second row down.
The Subaru Forester has two rows in all configurations and has a maximum of 111.6 cubic feet of passenger volume and 74.2 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats lowered. Therefore, if you have a larger family, we strongly recommend the VW Tiguan.
2024 VW Tiguan S | 2024 Subaru Forester Base | |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Passenger Volume | 124 cu ft | 111.6 cu ft |
Length | 186.1 in | 182.7 in |
Width (w/out mirrors) | 72.4 in | 71.5 in |
Height | 66.4 in | 67.5 in (w/out roof rails) |
At this point in our 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Subaru Forester comparison, you’ve seen how the Tiguan outperforms the Forester in horsepower and torque and provides an increase in comfort with its overall size and passenger volume – but what if those things aren’t vitally important to you? What if you want to know which has the most features between the Tiguan vs. Forester? Let’s climb inside the cabins of both vehicles and tour their amenities.
When it comes to comparing the VW Tiguan vs. Subaru Forester comforts, conveniences, and entertainment offerings, the Tiguan arrives with heated front seats, the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit on an 8-inch screen, a 6.5-inch touch-screen radio with a USB input, and driver-assistance features like a Blind-Spot Monitor and Front Assist.
The entry-level Subaru Forester is similarly equipped with a 6.5-inch screen and smartphone integration applications but only has one smaller 4.2-inch LCD monitor in the front and no heated seats. When looking for an SUV with advanced standard features, it’s clear that a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan for sale can bring those to the table.
If you’re still reading our 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Subaru Forester comparison and aren’t on your way to our VW dealership to test-drive the new Tiguan, you might be holding off until you hear about new Volkswagen specials and Tiguan lease offers.
You’ll be glad to know that our dealership offers custom lease offers on new cars for sale. Here is the 2024 trim lineup:
If you’re interested in a particular trim model and color combination, our finance department can answer any of your questions about how leasing compares to financing and review our current lease offers on Tiguan SUVs. We may also carry a selection of VW Tiguan lease turn-ins and off-lease vehicles.
After drivers end their leases at our dealership, we subject every vehicle to a multipoint inspection. Many of those vehicles join our certified pre-owned Volkswagen inventory or become a part of our used cars for sale if they live up to our standards.
Thank you for taking the time to read our 2024 Tiguan vs. 2024 Forester comparison and review. We hope we’ve answered any questions you had about which compact SUV is better for your lifestyle.
If there’s anything we’ve missed, or if you’d like to hear more about the new VW Tiguan for sale, please contact our dealership. Our sales team and finance department are here to review your options so you can make an informed decision and take home a new VW SUV you love.
If you’re looking for a competitively priced, compact SUV, you’ve probably narrowed it down to the VW Tiguan vs. Subaru Forester. The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan for sale gives drivers an attractive design, the option of three rows, more passenger volume, and better standard features, making it a better recommendation for families. It also offers more horsepower and torque if that’s what you’re after in an SUV.
When it comes to the overall length, width, and passenger space, the Volkswagen Tiguan is bigger than the Subaru Forester. At the same time, it provides plenty of cargo room for your gear. If you’re looking for a compact SUV that is comfortable for large families while still being maneuverable, you can set up a test drive for the new VW Tiguan at our dealership today.
When comparing the cost of ownership of the VW Tiguan to that of the Subaru Forester, both compact SUVs have average annual maintenance costs and are fairly comparable to each other. To help you save on factory-scheduled oil changes and brake jobs, our VW service department offers monthly service specials, discounts on auto repair, and coupons on VW auto parts.
One of the most apparent differences between the 2024 Tiguan and 2024 Forester is that the Tiguan can be configured with seating for up to seven, depending on your drivetrain. The Volkswagen model has a smaller engine compared to the Subaru model, but it is turbocharged and produces more horsepower and torque. It is the ideal compact SUV for drivers with large families.
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1Maximum tow rating when equipped with 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner’s Manual for details.
2Maximum towing capacity varies by trim level. Trailer brakes may be needed. See your retailer for details.