The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan and the 2024 Subaru Forester compete in the compact SUV class but have distinct differences. The Tiguan has the unique strength of available 3-row seating, while the Forester is a rugged off-roader with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and competitive pricing.
Let’s compare the 2024 Subaru Forester and 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan to find the right SUV for you.
2024 Subaru Forester
More and more people are looking to get into off-road capable small SUVs. These vehicles are great at pulling double-duty. They’re good commuter cars — snowstorm? It can get to the office and ensure you can escape the daily grind and enjoy the outdoors.
One of the leading vehicles in that segment is the 2024 Subaru Forester. The Forester comes with standard AWD, higher ground clearance than others in its class, and a lower-than-average sticker price. It’s captured our Lowest 5-Year Cost to Own Award and Best Resale Value Award. Its impressive trophy case includes the IIHS Top Safety Pick award and a 5-Star overall crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Pricing begins at $28,440, including the destination charge.
Subaru Forester Highlights
Nothing precious: The Forester’s cabin is a spacious, comfortable place. It’s available with Subaru’s StarTex water-repellent upholstery in its Wilderness trim package, which is comfortable and durable.
Plenty safe: Subaru’s standard EyeSight safety tech suite bundles driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and lane-departure alert. Very helpful in a small SUV.
All four wheels: All but the base trim of the Forester comes with X-Mode, which optimizes the transmission and AWD system for better traction off-road or in slippery road conditions. The upper trims use a more advanced dual-mode X-Mode system with a Deep Snow/Mud setting.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Forester models for sale near you.
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
One of the reasons larger SUVs are popular these days is that everyone wants more space. Space for cargo and space for people. The Volkswagen Tiguan provides 3-row seating with a compact SUV’s size and price tag.
The Tiguan offers plenty of interior room, making seating for seven passengers possible. Advisable? Not so much, but possible. The third row is designed to handle children or small adults for short trips. The upside is when that seat is down, there is a lot more cargo space available behind the second row.
The only downside to the third row is that you must give up AWD if you want it. Pricing for the Tiguan starts at $30,305, including the destination charge.
Volkswagen Tiguan Highlights
Tech forward: Laden with technology, including VW Car-Net, which allows your smartphone to talk to your car and adds remote lock/unlock, automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle location, and fuel-level information.
4Motion: Normally a front-wheel drive (FWD) offering, the Tiguan can be equipped with Volkswagen’s 4Motion AWD system. FWD models come with driving modes like Normal, Sport, and Eco, but 4Motion adds Snow and Offroad modes, making it ready to handle various situations.
Comfort and room: In this vehicle, there is plenty of space. More importantly, it’s a comfortable ride. Rather than the engaging performance associated with Volkswagen sedans and hatchbacks, the Tiguan offers a secure, almost cozy feel as the vehicle trundles along.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Tiguan models for sale near you.
Similarities
These SUVs are attractive on the outside and comfortable on the inside. They’re also similarly equipped with modern safety and infotainment tech features.
Conclusion
Both are fine SUVs, but they are not the same. The VW Tiguan has an off-road setting, as does the Subaru Forester. However, the Forester will be your choice to head off-road with, while the Tiguan will be a competent vehicle to handle your daily errands and other traffic annoyances.
| 2024 Subaru Forester | 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Starting Price | $28,440 | $30,305 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 184 hp @ 4,400 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm | 221 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT automatic/AWD | 8-speed automatic/FWD |
| Fuel Economy | 26 city/33 highway/29 combined | 24 city/31 highway/27 combined |
| Also Available | AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 4 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 inches | 109.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 182.7 inches | 186.1 inches |
| Width | 71.5 inches | 72.4 inches |
| Height | 67.5 inches | 68.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.4 feet | 37.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.2 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 38.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 43.3 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.4 inches | 38.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 58.1 inches | 57.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 57.1 inches | 58.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 28.9/74.2 cubic feet | 37.6/73.4 cubic feet |
