New in 2022: The Volkswagen Tiguan vs Subaru Forester

April 15, 2022

Compact SUVs are some of the most popular models on the market, offering the benefit of additional space without the drawback of lower fuel economy. With such a large variety of compact SUVs out there, it can be difficult to sort through all your options and find the latest and greatest model with everything you've been searching for. We've matched the sought-after 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan directly against the well-liked 2022 Subaru Forester to see how they stack up against each other. Find a vehicle that is the total package across brand lines and checks all of your boxes. From interior space to performance and the newest technology 2022 can offer, we've got the complete breakdown for you of these two SUVs. With Byers Volkswagen we believe that keeping you informed on all your great vehicle options is another way to ensure a uniquely satisfactory customer experience.

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Subaru Forester: Exterior & Interior Features

Both the 2022 VW Tiguan and the Subaru Forester come standard with 17-inch wheels, over 7.5 inches of ground clearance, and raised roof rails. The 2022 Tiguan comes with the Volkswagen exclusive R-Line Black upgrade, featuring up to 20-inch black rims and enhancing trim accents to the exterior of your vehicle for that extra standout effect. The inside of the Tiguan features an optional third row of seating, unavailable in the Forester and many other compact SUV models. This allows up to 7 passengers, above the standard 5 person seating configuration with the Tiguan, while the Forester has a max seating capacity of 5. Both vehicles host a similar max cargo volume, with the Forester standard model just edging out the Tiguan at 74.2 cubic feet compared to the 65.3 cubic feet, but you're missing out on that third row. Like any of the deluxe Volkswagen models out on the road, the Tiguan features luxurious interior amenities including 15-color ambient lighting, 8-way power driver's seat, the available V-Tex leatherette seating, Climatronic^reg; dual-zone automatic climate control and with the R-Line a heated, multi-function touch steering wheel.

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Subaru Forester: Technology

With today's technological advances, drivers have come to expect features like  Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto™ to be standard to most models, and both the 2022 Tiguan and the 2022 Forester are no exception. The Tiguan features the Volkswagen MIB touchscreen infotainment systems, offering easy access to MirrorLink^® as well as Apple and Android connectivity. With the Tiguan, experience the unique Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. This high-tech configuration features a high resolution standard 6.5-inch screen that displays features like route-guidance, assistance systems, speed and more, replacing the traditional instrument cluster like the one the Forester utilizes. Available with the Tiguan is the Volkswagen Car-Net feature, giving you command access through an app on your smartphone, a feature you won't find on the Forester.

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Subaru Forester: Performance

The 2022 Tiguan steps up its performance game with the finely-tuned 2.0-liter Turbo 8-speed automatic engine, producing a powerful 184 horsepower and 221 lb/ft of torque. The 2022 Forester falls just behind offering 182 horsepower and only 176 lb/ft of torque. Only the Tiguan has the available 4MOTION^® all-wheel drive option featuring Active Control and four different drive modes for drivers to select from. Drive modes include Snow and Off-Road Custom mode to tackle any terrain. The Forester has the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with available X-Mode, which only offers a mud/deep snow setting that cannot outlast the Volkswagen 4MOTION^® system.

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Subaru Forester: Safety

Safety is a top concern across manufacturers, and both Volkswagen and Subaru take your safety seriously. Safety-savvy features like forward-collision warning and brake assist are standard to both models. With the 2022 Tiguan blind-spot monitoring, post-collision braking system and the intelligent crash response system are standard features on all models, and are only available as upgrades with the 2022 Forester. The Tiguan features I.Q. DRIVE^® assist standard to all trim levels, a feature that is a step above the Subaru EyeSight ^® suite, including lane assist, front assist, rear traffic assist, and so much more. Both SUVs feature adaptive cruise control. The Intelligent Crash Response System  is only available with the VW Tiguan, adding an extra layer of safety to your everyday ride.

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Subaru Forester: Value

Both the 2022 Tiguan and the 2022 Forester offer a multitude of newly upgraded features for compact SUVs. For an SUV that offers more seating, luxury German features, and a showcase of the latest technology, give the VW Tiguan a try. The Tiguan has a starting MSRP of $26,490 while the Forester has a starting MSRP of $25,395. Although the Forester comes in with a lower starting MSRP, you'll miss out on Volkswagen exclusive amenities like the R-Line Black upgrade, the VW Digital Cockpit and Car-Net, and several safety features that come completely standard to the VW Tiguan and are unavailable with the Forester. Get your money's worth with VW, the leader in premier German engineering. Here at Byers Volkswagen we're invested in your car-buying experience from start to finish, and we want to help you find the compact SUV of your dreams without forfeiting the features and amenities you deserve. Contact us in Columbus, OH to learn more or to schedule a test drive and experience Volkswagen engineering yourself.

	2022 Volkswagen Tiguan	2022 Subaru Forester
Starting MSRP*	$25,995	$36,395
Max Cargo Capacity	73.4 Cubic Feet	74.2 Cubic Feet
Passenger Volume	124 Cubic Feet	116 Cubic Feet
Seating Capacity	7 Passengers	5 Passengers
Fuel Economy (MPG)	30 Highway - 23 City	33 Highway - 26 City
Heated Windshield Washer Nozzles	Standard	Not Available
Heated Mirrors	Standard	Available Upgrade
Heated Front Seats	Standard	Available Upgrade
Blind Spot Monitor	Standard	Available Upgrade
Keyless Access	Standard	Standard

*Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Excludes options; taxes; title; registration; delivery, processing and handling fee; dealer charges. Dealer sets actual selling price.

Related Pages

• Learn All About the VW Tiguan
• The Xpress Service
• Why you Should Trust Us at Byers VW