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2020 Subaru Forester vs. 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Subaru Forester and 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2020 Subaru Forester and the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan.

When comparing the 2020 Subaru Forester's and the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Subaru Forester's and the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Subaru Forester is a better car than the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan.

Pricing: A used 2020 Subaru Forester ranges from $19,471 to $29,298 while a used 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is priced between $17,228 to $26,989.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Subaru Forester loses 34.5 percent of its value and the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan loses 41.3 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Subaru Forester retains 6.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Tiguan's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Forester being ranked 6 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Volkswagen Tiguan being ranked 8 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Subaru Forester is ranked 17 and the Volkswagen Tiguan is ranked 24.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.3 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Tiguan the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2020 Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan base engine makes 184 horsepower. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles. The Tiguan is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 444 miles. This gives the 2020 Subaru Forester the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2020 Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2020 Subaru Forester has higher safety ratings than the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.65 out of 5 Stars.

Overview

The Forester and Tiguan are similarly-sized small crossover SUVs. The Forester has a larger back seat and better fuel economy while the Tiguan provides a sportier driving experience and a higher-quality cabin. The Tiguan is available with a third row of seating for those who need added passenger room, and has a longer warranty than the Forester, but the Forester offers more off-road capability, particularly in “Wilderness” trim that adds ground clearance and protective lower body cladding. Engine power is nearly identical in both models, but the Subaru’s more relaxed driving demeanor translates into superior fuel efficiency. Deciding between the two is pretty simple – if you’re going off-road and want a lower fuel bill, the Forester is the clear winner. If you want a European driving experience on pavement, and higher-grade interior materials, the Tiguan delivers.

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Model & Pricing
2020 Subaru Forester
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

2020 Subaru Forester
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2020 Subaru Forester for Sale

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
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2020 Volkswagen Tiguan for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$24,495

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

$24,855

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$22,995 - $26,645

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

$24,945

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

$24,855

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$22,995 - $26,645

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$24,684

Price Range:

$19,471 - $29,298

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$22,143

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$18,125 - $26,362

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

583

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

58,767

# Good or Great Deals:

153

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$21,778

Price Range:

$17,228 - $26,989

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

$22,143

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

$18,125 - $26,362

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

635

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

57,861

# Good or Great Deals:

272

Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.6 / 10

Reliability:

8.3 / 10

Retained Value:

8.4 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10

Volkswagen Tiguan Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.2 / 10

Reliability:

7.4 / 10

Retained Value:

7.9 / 10

Safety:

9.3 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Subaru Forester

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

7.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

6.8

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

5.9 - 9.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

10.1%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

6.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

6.8

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

5.9 - 9.4

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.8%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

3.6

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

3.5

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.2 - 21

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

3.5

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

3.5

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.2 - 21

Subaru Forester Rankings

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

1 / 19

Best Off-road Small SUVs

2 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

2 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for Teens

2 / 7

Best Small SUVs for Teens

2 / 6

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

3 / 67

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

4 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs

4 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

5 / 20

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

5 / 19

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

5 / 14

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

6 / 67

Best Small SUVs

6 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Towing

6 / 19

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

7 / 19

Best Family Small SUVs

7 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

8 / 13

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

10 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

10 / 30

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

11 / 19

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

12 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

12 / 67

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

14 / 19

Most Affordable Small SUVs

15 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs

17 / 67

Best Family Crossover SUVs

17 / 67

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

19 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

24 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

26 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

28 / 59

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

32 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

33 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

49 / 67

Volkswagen Tiguan Rankings

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $30k

2 / 4

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 34

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

7 / 20

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

7 / 14

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

8 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

8 / 21

Best Small SUVs

8 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

8 / 19

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

9 / 19

Most Affordable Small SUVs

12 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

12 / 19

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 39

Most Reliable Small SUVs

13 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

13 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

13 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

13 / 13

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

15 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Towing

15 / 19

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

16 / 39

Best Off-road Small SUVs

18 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

18 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

20 / 30

Best Crossover SUVs

24 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

24 / 59

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

25 / 39

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

27 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

27 / 39

Safest Crossover SUVs

28 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

30 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

31 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

32 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

32 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

32 / 39

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

32 / 39

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

33 / 67

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

33 / 39

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

35 / 39

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

37 / 39

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

45 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

46 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

47 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

47 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

63 / 67

Summary Review

The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.

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Summary Review

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact sport utility vehicle with a reputation for engaging driving dynamics and upscale interior materials. The Tiguan has become VW’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. and is currently in its second generation, with new models averaging $30,442 and 3-year-old models averaging $22,319.

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Pros and Cons

  • All-wheel drive is standard
  • Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
  • Large cargo area

  • Engine power could be stronger
  • Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
  • Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking

Pros and Cons

  • New generation is roomier and more fuel efficient
  • Optional three-row seating is occasionally useful
  • Driving dynamics are engaging

  • Acceleration not as strong as some competitors
  • Fuel efficiency could be better
  • First-generation’s cargo space was limited

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2020 Subaru Forester Trim Levels

Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Trim Levels

S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE R-Line Black, SE R-Line Black 4Motion, SEL, SEL 4Motion, SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.65 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

182 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.053 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

184 hp @ 4400 rpm

Torque:

221 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.049 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Flat/Horizontally Opposed

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


26 / 33 / 29

Range (city/hwy):

432 / 548 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


22 / 29 / 25

Range (city/hwy):

337 / 444 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Wifi:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Internet Radio:

N/A

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Power outlet:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Satellite radio:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Available

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roof Rack:

N/A

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Standard

Wifi:

Standard

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Available

Lane Keeping Assist:

Available

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41.2 inches

Front Leg Room:

43.3 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

58.2 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.6 inches

Rear Leg Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

57.2 inches

Cargo Space:

35.4 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

76.1 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

147.3 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.6 inches

Front Leg Room:

40.2 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.1 inches

Rear Leg Room:

36.5 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.9 inches

Cargo Space:

12 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

65.7 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

135.9 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3449 lbs

Width:

80.9 inches

Height:

67.5 inches

Length:

182.1 inches

Wheelbase:

105.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

8.7 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3757 lbs

Width:

72.4 inches

Height:

66.3 inches

Length:

185.1 inches

Wheelbase:

109.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.9 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

steel

Tire Size:

225/60R17

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

215/65R17

Exterior Colors

Black

Crystal Black Silica

Blue

Horizon Blue Pearl

Gray

Magnetite Gray Metallic

Green

Jasper Green Metallic

Silver

Ice Silver Metallic

White

Crystal White Pearl

Exterior Colors

Black

Deep Black Pearl

Blue

Silk Blue Metallic

Gray

Platinum Gray Metallic

Green

Not available

Silver

Pyrite Silver Metallic

White

Pure White

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

Interior Colors

Black

Titan Black

Gray

Storm Gray

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