Subaru Forester vs Volkswagen Tiguan

The Subaru Forester starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Tiguan opens at $44,990. That makes the Volkswagen Tiguan the more affordable entry point by $1,000.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $50,589 and $49,489 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Subaru Forester and Volkswagen Tiguan hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Forester and 83% for the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Volkswagen Tiguan, against 4 on the Subaru Forester.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Forester and 9 in the Volkswagen Tiguan.

The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Tiguan gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Volkswagen Tiguan counters with wireless charging and power tailgate that the Subaru Forester does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Subaru Forester uses a Petrol producing 136kW and 247Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout.

The Volkswagen Tiguan responds with a 1.4 litre TSI making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a 7-speed dsg driving the front wheels.

The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Subaru Forester measures 4,655mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 116mm longer than the Volkswagen Tiguan at 4,539mm (2,681mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Tiguan generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 496L in the Subaru Forester and 652L in the Volkswagen Tiguan, giving the Volkswagen Tiguan a 156L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1174L vs 1650L.

For towing, the Volkswagen Tiguan leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester and $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tiguan. That is a $86 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Estimated annual total: $2,252 (Subaru Forester) vs $2,166 (Volkswagen Tiguan). The Volkswagen Tiguan saves you roughly $86 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tiguan). Both match on warranty length.