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Subaru Forester vs Volkswagen ID.4

2026 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Volkswagen ID.4 — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

Subaru Forester

2026 Subaru Forester

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS0 – 4Volkswagen ID.4 wins 4 of 4 categories
Volkswagen ID.4

2026 Volkswagen ID.4

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

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The short version

That works out to about $1,250 a year less in fuel for the Volkswagen ID.4 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

The Subaru Forester is the bigger car, about 3 inches longer.

Across all model years since 2005, the Volkswagen ID.4 has had fewer recall campaigns (27 vs 39).

The two cars

The 2026 Subaru Forester is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 184 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,580 lb.

The 2026 Volkswagen ID.4 is a small SUV powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 180 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,339 lb (4dr SUV Base).

Buying used? The 2024 Forester and the 2024 ID.4 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 Forester and the 2023 ID.4.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
Fuel
EV
2.5L 4-cyl
Engines
EV
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

35 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
35 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
–
EV range
291 mi
$1,900
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$650

Performance & space

180 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
–
5
Seats (most)
–
183.5 in
Length
180.3 in
72 in
Width
72.8 in
68.1 in
Height
64.6 in
3,580 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
4,339 lb

Safety & reliability

14
Driver-assist features standard
–
4
Recalls (2026)
2
39
Recalls, all years since 2005
27
32
Owner complaints (latest year)
0

Interest

21,870
Wikipedia views, 30 days
9,238

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2024
2019
Year to avoid
2023

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Subaru Forester if…

  • You want more room (3 in longer)

Choose the Volkswagen ID.4 if…

  • You want an EV with more range (291 miles)
  • You want something easier to park (3 in shorter)
  • You put reliability history first (27 vs 39 recalls since 2005)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Subaru Forester

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 35% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

2026 Volkswagen ID.4

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Full 2026 Subaru Forester specs →Full 2026 Volkswagen ID.4 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →