2026 Subaru Forester Premium vs 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE
$1,720 less and 4 mpg better vs 21 more hp and 43 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $1,720 price gap, 180 vs 201 hp, 29 vs 25 MPG.
The Forester Premium leads on $1,720 less, 4 MPG better. The Tiguan SE leads on 21 more hp, 43 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2026 Subaru Forester Premium | 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $33,385 | $35,105 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L flat 4 | 2.0L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 221 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 26 | 22 |
| Highway MPG | 33 | 30 |
| Combined MPG | 29 | 25 |
| Fuel Tank | 16.6 gal | 15.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $1,750/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,569 lbs | 3,801 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 109.9" |
| Length | 183.3" | 184.4" |
| Width | 72.0" | 73.0" |
| Height | 68.1" | 66.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 4yr/50k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium and 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?
The 2026 Subaru Forester Premium starts at $33,385, $1,720 less than the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE at $35,105. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $30/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium?
The 2026 Subaru Forester Premium is the stronger pick when you want to keep $1,720 in your pocket and the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $232/year less on fuel.
Who should choose the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE is the stronger pick when you prefer the Volkswagen approach to the compact SUV segment.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium or 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?
The 2026 Subaru Forester Premium rates 29 combined MPG, 4 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium or 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE produces 201 hp, 21 more than the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium at 180 hp. The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE also leads in torque at 221 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2026 Subaru Forester Premium runs a 2.5L flat 4; the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo.
Is the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium bigger than the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?
The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE is 1.1″ longer at 184.4″ vs 183.3″. The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE has a 4.8″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Subaru Forester comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Volkswagen Tiguan offers 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Subaru trims, Subaru Forester trims, Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Tiguan trims
The Forester–Tiguan Decision
Cross-shopping compact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Forester and Tiguan compare. The $1,720 gap is about $30/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2026 Subaru Forester Premium runs a 2.5L flat 4; the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo. The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE has 21 more hp (201 vs 180), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE adds 43 more lb-ft of torque (221 vs 178), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
The Ownership Math
The 2026 Subaru Forester Premium saves roughly $232/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,160. The 2026 Subaru Forester Premium wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
The Decision
Choose the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium when you want to keep $1,720 in your pocket and the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SE when you prefer the Volkswagen approach to the compact SUV segment. At $30/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Subaru or Volkswagen or any dealership.