2024 Subaru Forester vs. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
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The Subaru Forester vs. Volkswagen Tiguan has long been a battle of the SUVs. These two models are top sellers for their respective brands and offer something for families, road trip enthusiasts, and drivers wanting more bang for their buck at the pump.Â
This article compares the Subaru Forester and Volkswagen Tiguan for this model year, covering categories like performance, safety, comfort, and more. Stay tuned to see which 2024 model is better for you!
2024 Subaru Forester
This year's Subaru Forester sees no changes from the 2023 nameplate. It still has a 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine that makes 182 horsepower and a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. The 2024 Forester also offers up to 26 MPG in the city and hits 33 MPG on highways, continuing its legacy as a fuel-efficient model. All this for under $30,000 starting MSRP is a great deal to those needing space for five and plenty of amenities.
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
Moving onto the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, this SUV sees a few add-ons for the most recent generation, including VW's IQ. The DRIVE driver-assistance system is now standard on the base S trim. The S trim also sees auto high beam lighting, rain-sensing wipers, faux leather steering, an upgraded infotainment display, and wireless charging. The SE R-Line and SEL R-Line Black trims also get minor cosmetic upgrades.
Tiguan sees the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, 184 horsepower, and a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. All of this comes in at under $30,000 to start as well.
Engine and Performance
When it comes to the 2024 Subaru Forester vs. Volkswagen Tiguan engine and performance differences, you can expect a bit more pep from Volkswagen. As we mentioned, the Tiguan for 2024 has 184 horsepower, while the Subaru Forester sees 182. However, that isn't enough difference to throw the ball in Volkswagen's court. You will find better fuel economy, efficiency in the Forester, and smooth handling between the two models.
Either SUV is responsive and perky when it needs to be, although you're working with a slightly smaller, more aerodynamic vehicle when shopping the 2024 Subaru Forester. After all, the Forester has a BOXER® engine, which has proven capable and reliable for the series over the past few years. You will see a bit more speed in the Tiguan, although it and the Subaru Forester for 2024 are fully prepared to exceed the 180 HP mark.
- 2024 Subaru Forester specs: 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 182 HP, 176 pound-feet of torque
- 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan specs: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 184 HP, 221 pound-feet of torque
Interior and Comfort
Moving into the 2024 Subaru Forester vs. Volkswagen Tiguan, this year is competitive concerning interior and comfort features. Inside the Subaru Forester, you see:Â
- Room for five people
- 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats down
- Subaru Starlink Multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- 6.5-inch Multimedia system with a high-resolution touchscreen
- Premium materials for seating and trim across the trim levels
Inside the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, features include:
- Space for 5-7 passengers with an optional third row
- An upgraded infotainment system with a 12.9-inch touchscreen monitor
- A faux leather steering wheel
- Wireless charging is available near the driver and front passenger seats
The Subaru Forester offers greater total cargo space, even though its dimensions are smaller. The 2024 Tiguan has 73.4 cubic feet of cargo room in the two-row and a total cargo capacity of 65.3 cubic feet in the three-row. In contrast, the 2024 Forester boasts 74.2 cubic feet across its trim levels.
- Better space/cargo room: 2024 Forester
- Better interior features: 2024 Tiguan
Exterior
On the outside of the 2024 Subaru Forester vs. Volkswagen Tiguan, you have pretty different aesthetics between both SUVs. For this year's Subaru Forester, it has an adventure-ready, rounded four-door model with a distinctive color palette and styling.
- Signature hexagonal front grille
- LED headlights
- Roof rails for additional cargo space
- Functional styling with higher ground clearance and lower body cladding
For the 2024 Tiguan, you'll have features, including a sleek, modern body with a rounded hood and tiered grille in higher trims. The Volkswagen Tiguan is stylish and feels up to trend, although it lacks the same adventurous spirit of Forester. To summarize Tiguan:
- Modern and sporty exterior design with clean lines
- Distinctive front grille with chrome accents and LED headlights
- Roof rails for outdoor gear or luggage
- Prominent shoulder line for added visual appeal
Between the two, we would say the Tiguan looks and feels bigger on the road and has a more modern aesthetic. The 2024 Forester, however, still feels spacious and has more visual distinction.
Fuel Economy
For the fuel economy of the 2024 Subaru Forester vs. Volkswagen Tiguan, this is where Subaru shines brightest. Although either vehicle will get you from point A to B using less gas, you have better overall MPGs with the 2024 Forester SUV. According to the EPA, here are the city/highway and combined MPG estimates for either model:
2024 Subaru Forester- 2024 Subaru Forester AWD: 26/33 city/highway (29 combined)
- 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness AWD: 25/28 city/highway (26 combined)
- 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan: 23/30 city/highway (26 combined)
- 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan S: 24/31 city/highway (27 combined)
- 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan 4motion: 22/29 city/highway (25 combined)
- 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line 4motion: 22/29 city/highway (24 combined)
Between the two, you see more configurations with the 2024 Tiguan, although the Subaru Forester sees better averages for MPGs across its two engine options.
Safety and Technology
When it comes to the safety and tech inside the 2024 Subaru Forester vs. Volkswagen Tiguan, you see quite a bit of standard and upgradable features across the board. For this year, the Volkswagen Tiguan has added more base safety specs to its entry trim, including IQ.DRIVE driver-assistance system with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering feature.You also have the following safety and tech features:
- Standard safety features with optional 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive
- Available Snow and Off-Road driving modes
- Remote lock/unlock and automatic crash notification with VW Car-Net
Moving to the 2024 Subaru Forester SUV:
- Standard Eyesight safety tech suite with driver assistance features
- IIHS Top Safety Pick award
- 5-Star overall crash rating from NHTSA
- Blind-spot detection and automatic braking
It's worth noting that Subaru has received higher safety scores and awards between these models. Subaru continues to lead the industry as a brand, so you have peace of mind each time you hop behind the wheel.
Get The All-New 2024 Subaru Forester At Granite Subaru Today
With this comparison fresh in your mind, there is no better time to test drive a 2024 Subaru Forester. Our dealer, Granite Subaru, is located in beautiful Hudson, NH, and we'll be happy to show you around our Forester models. See you soon!
