Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Subaru Outback
In comparing the Volkswagen Tiguan's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and base engine power. The Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Tiguan's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Outback is a better car than the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Subaru Outback Pricing
A used 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan ranges from $29,751 to $38,039 while a used 2024 Subaru Outback is priced between $32,529 to $43,927. For a new model, the Volkswagen Tiguan's price is between $30,476 and $40,828, with the Subaru Outback priced between $32,906 and $45,079.
Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Subaru Outback Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Tiguan loses 44.1 percent of its value and the Subaru Outback loses 39.5 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Outback retains 4.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Subaru Outback Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Tiguan is 8.1 out of 10 while the Subaru Outback's quality rating is 8.9 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Tiguan being ranked 12 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Subaru Outback being ranked 4 out of 19. Out of 56 Best 5-seater SUVs, the Volkswagen Tiguan is ranked 26 and the Subaru Outback is ranked 5. The Volkswagen Tiguan is also ranked 29 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Subaru Outback is ranked 4 out of 66.
Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Subaru Outback Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.0 out of 10. For the Subaru Outback the reliability rating is 8.8 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Outback an advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Volkswagen Tiguan’s base engine makes 184 horsepower, and the Subaru Outback base engine makes 182 horsepower. The Tiguan is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 459 miles. The Outback is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. This gives the Subaru Outback the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Volkswagen Tiguan. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Subaru Outback has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Volkswagen Tiguan and Subaru Outback are comparable in regards to rear head room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Subaru Outback has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Tiguan, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.79 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
30476 - 40828
Used Asking Price:
29751 - 38039
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.441198
Pricing
New Asking Price:
32906 - 45079
Used Asking Price:
32529 - 43927
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.395466
Volkswagen Tiguan Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.096667 / 10
Reliability:
7.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.8 / 10
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.933592 / 10
Reliability:
8.800776 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Volkswagen Tiguan Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
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5 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
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14 out of / 30Ranking
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16 out of / 22Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 56Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
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20 out of / 30Ranking
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23 out of / 49Ranking
23 out of / 30Ranking
24 out of / 58Ranking
26 out of / 56Ranking
26 out of / 30Ranking
27 out of / 30Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 30Ranking
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29 out of / 66Ranking
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29 out of / 30Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 56Ranking
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38 out of / 66Ranking
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44 out of / 66Ranking
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53 out of / 56Ranking
62 out of / 66Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
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3 out of / 19Ranking
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3 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
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4 out of / 27Ranking
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4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 56Ranking
5 out of / 21Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 56Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 56Ranking
16 out of / 56Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 56Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 49Ranking
27 out of / 58Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 56Summary 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.
Summary Review
The Subaru Outback has been a staple on American roads since its inception in 1994. Two different Subaru models, sold side-by-side, bore the Outback name: the wagon-style crossover-SUV we associate with the name today, and the Outback Sport, which eventually became the Crosstrek. The Outback is best known for its standard all-wheel drive, excellent utility, and all-weather capability. New models of the Outback average $36,354 and 3-year-old models average $25,939.
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
Pros and Cons
- Utilitarian with easy entry and exit and highly function cargo space
- Comfortable ride quality with an upscale interior
- Excellent all-weather and light off-road capability
- Not always fast or inspirational for driving enthusiasts
- Similarly-sized SUVs often have more cargo and passenger room
- Fuel economy can be less than expected
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Volkswagen Tiguan Trim Levels
S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE R-Line Black, SE R-Line Black 4Motion, SEL R-Line 4Motion
Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT, Wilderness
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.79 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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):
23 / 30 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
352 / 459 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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 / 32 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
481 / 592 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
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:
36.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
12 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
65.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
32.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3732 lbs
Width:
82.6 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
186.1 inches
Wheelbase:
109.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3641 lbs
Width:
82 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P215/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17