Compare

Subaru Forester vs Volkswagen Tiguan

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

Subaru Forester

2026 Subaru Forester

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS4 – 3Subaru Forester wins 4 of 7 categories
Volkswagen Tiguan

2026 Volkswagen Tiguan

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WD

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The short version

The Subaru Forester is more fuel-efficient: 35 vs 29 MPG combined in its best version.

That works out to about $400 a year less in fuel for the Subaru Forester (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

Across all model years since 2005, the Volkswagen Tiguan has had fewer recall campaigns (38 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 Tiguan is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 184 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,810 lb.

Buying used? The 2024 Forester and the 2023 Tiguan have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 Forester and the 2018 Tiguan.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
2.5L 4-cyl
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

35 MPG
Best combined MPG
29 MPG
35 city
City / highway MPG (best)
26 city
$1,900
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$2,300

Performance & space

180 hp
Horsepower (most powerful)
268 hp
5
Seats (most)
5
183.5 in
Length
184.3 in
72 in
Width
72.8 in
68.1 in
Height
66.5 in
3,580 lb
Curb weight (lightest)
3,810 lb

Safety & reliability

14
Driver-assist features standard
13
4
Recalls (2026)
0
39
Recalls, all years since 2005
38
32
Owner complaints (latest year)
37

Interest

21,870
Wikipedia views, 30 days
18,200

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2023
2019
Year to avoid
2018

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

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Subaru Forester if…

  • You want lower fuel bills (35 vs 29 MPG)
  • You want a hybrid or electric option

Choose the Volkswagen Tiguan if…

  • You want more power (up to 268 vs 180 hp)

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 Tiguan

  • Strong performanceUp to 268 hp, versus about 190 hp for similar 2026 models.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

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