Subaru vs. Volkswagen

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of cars from Subaru and Volkswagen contrasts the two brands across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which one is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of vehicle models, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and projected lifetime recalls based on recall history. This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which brand represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both Subaru and Volkswagen cars.

When comparing the Subaru brand to the Volkswagen brand, Subaru has the advantage in the areas of depreciation, towing capacity, overall quality, safety, retained value, vehicle rankings and variety of models offered. Volkswagen has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, used car pricing, horsepower, fuel efficiency and reliability.

Subaru versus Volkswagen: Pricing and Value: Analyzing Subaru versus Volkswagen pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Volkswagen in 8 out of 9 vehicle comparisons. Volkswagen also has a lower used vehicle starting price in 2 out of 3 comparisons. Subaru models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 10 out of 10 comparisons.

Subaru versus Volkswagen: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Volkswagen vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 5 out of 10 model comparisons, with Subaru offering more horsepower in 5 comparisons. Volkswagen offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 4 out of 4 comparisons. Subaru offers a longer driving range in 1 out of 1 model comparisons. Subaru offers a greater towing capacity in 2 out of 4 comparisons. In 2 comparisons, Subaru and Volkswagen have the same towing capacity.

Subaru versus Volkswagen: Quality, Reliability, Safety, and Value Retention Ratings: A comparison of Subaru versus Volkswagen overall quality ratings shows Subaru with higher quality ratings in 3 out of 4 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Volkswagen has the advantage in 2 out of 4 comparisons. Subaru has better safety ratings in 4 out of 10 comparisons while Volkswagen has better safety ratings in 2 out of 10 comparisons. Subaru and Volkswagen tie for safety in 4 comparisons. Subaru shows higher ratings for retained value in 10 out of 10 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: Subaru has better car rankings in 5 categories: Subaru Forester in Best 5-seater SUVs, Subaru Impreza in Best Compact Cars, Subaru Forester in Best Crossover SUVs, Subaru Impreza in Best Small Cars, and Subaru Forester in Best Small SUVs. Volkswagen has the better car ranking in 1 category: Passat in Best Midsize Cars.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: Subaru has better car rankings in 3 categories: Subaru Outback (suv) in Most Reliable Crossover SUVs, Subaru Legacy in Most Reliable Midsize Cars, and Subaru Outback (suv) in Most Reliable Small SUVs. Volkswagen has the better car ranking in 1 category: Golf in Most Reliable Small Cars.

Safest Car Rankings: Subaru has better car rankings in 5 categories: Subaru Ascent in Safest Crossover SUVs, Subaru Solterra in Safest Electric SUVs, Subaru Ascent in Safest Midsize SUVs, Subaru Impreza in Safest Small Cars, and Subaru Ascent in Safest SUVs with 3 Rows. Volkswagen has better car rankings in 2 categories: Volkswagen Passat in Safest Midsize Cars and Volkswagen Golf Alltrack in Safest Wagons.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Subaru has better car rankings in 2 categories: Subaru Forester in Best Crossover SUVs for the Money and Subaru Forester in Best Small SUVs for the Money.

Available Body Styles: Subaru offers 6 SUVs, 1 wagon, 3 sedans, and 1 coupe. In comparison, Volkswagen offers 5 SUVs, 3 sedans, and 2 hatchbacks.

Drivetrain Options: Subaru offers 8 gasoline vehicles, 1 plug-in hybrid, and 1 electric vehicle. Volkswagen offers 9 gasoline vehicles and 1 electric vehicle.

Subaru offers 8 all-wheel-drive models and 1 rear-wheel-drive model. Volkswagen offers 7 all-wheel-drive models, 8 front-wheel-drive models, and 1 rear-wheel-drive model.