Subaru Forester vs Volkswagen Tiguan

The all-new 2025 Subaru Forester has just hit the streets and is already earning praise from journalists and customers alike. Compared to other SUVs in its class, the Forester shines with its standard all-wheel drive and lower base price. A recent comparison by The Car Connection saw the all-new Forester take on the Volkswagen Tiguan.  

Price and Fuel Economy Comparison 

Spoiler alert: The Forester was given the win, but that isn’t surprising given that the Subaru was engineered to offer customers lots of features for not much money. The Forester’s base MSRP is just $31,090, compared to the Tiguan’s $31,805 with optional all-wheel drive. The 2024 VW Tiguan gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the new Forester gets 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. So, the Subaru costs less to own and drivers less to fill up with gas. 

Engine and Towing 

With a 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer 4-cylinder, the 2025 Forester produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This allows the Forester to get excellent fuel mileage without sacrificing usability and reliability. The 2025 model can also tow up to 3,000 lbs when properly equipped.  

Standard All-Wheel Drive and Amazing Tech Features 

The new Forester, like all Subaru vehicles outside of the BRZ, features standard Subaru Symmetrical all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and the latest updates to the renowned Eyesight Driver Assist Technology. The Forester also features X-MODE for extra traction and stability when driving on all types of surfaces. With Hill Descent Control, the vehicle will also hold the SUV at a crawling pace when going down steep and potentially uncertain terrain.  

Safety Is Most Important 

When it comes to Safety, The Car Connection said, “One of the safest crossovers on the market, the Subaru Forester should score a perfect ten here.” While the latest 2025 model has not yet been crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Forester has been an IIHS Top Safety Pick (TSP) or Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) every year since 2007, so expect the all-new model to do quite well.  

Interior Volume and Space 

Both vehicles offer good space to passengers, the Forester, however, offers a little more that can make a difference for families. With the rear seats folded, the Subaru has a storage capacity of 74.4 cu.ft. and 29.6 cu.ft. behind the rear seats when they are up. This is where The Car Connection also heaped a lot of praise on the Forester, saying, “… the storage and cubby spaces are smarter, with wide door pockets and console cupholders, though the available wireless smartphone charger at the base of the centerstrack could use more grip to keep phones on charge. The good cargo space, ample rear legroom of 39.4 inches, supportive power front seats on most models all earn a point here, but for what seems like the first time, Subaru fits the Forester in nicer materials that better blend soft-touch comforts with durable molded plastics. It’s a 9.” 

In conclusion, The Car Connection said, “These models are both great values, but Subaru packages more equipment, standard all-wheel drive, and a stellar safety record, in addition to genuine off-road capability … the Forester is the better overall package.” 

At Ewing Subaru of Plano, we have some of the best deals on new and used vehicles. With hundreds of vehicles to choose from, our sales team and finance department will work hard to get you the best price. Our service department will work tirelessly to ensure your vehicle is in the best possible shape to keep your travels safe and enjoyable.  

We look forward to serving you soon!