The New 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan vs. 2025 Subaru Forester

Compact SUVs are becoming increasingly popular because of their versatility. Their small dimensions enable them to navigate city streets with ease, while their expansive passenger and cargo space makes them a great choice for families and adventurers. They’re also more affordable and fuel-efficient than larger SUVs.

If you’re planning to get the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan, you may want to compare it with similar models before making a final decision. When you compare cars, you can find out how the two models match up in different areas and choose the right one for your specific needs. The Tiguan competes in the crowded compact SUV segment that includes many formidable entries — one of which is the Subaru Forester. Our team at Kalispell Volkswagen has prepared this car comparison review to help you decide on your next SUV.

The Battle of the Compact SUVs: Vehicle Updates in 2025

For the 2025 model year, the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Subaru Forester each sharpen their competitive edge by undergoing a major refresh. For the Tiguan, 2025 brings a new exterior design, improved interior quality and materials, a longer wheelbase, more power, and a larger infotainment display. The Forester, on the other hand, receives exterior and interior updates, a stiffer chassis, more advanced standard driver-assistance features, and additional infotainment options. Overall, choosing between the Volkswagen Tiguan and Subaru Forester can be a challenge; both of them are well-rounded and offer excellent value for money.

Detailed Comparison: Performance, Efficiency, and Capability

In a car comparison, specs are essential to consider to differentiate two models. In terms of performance specs, the 2025 Tiguan has an advantage in the Subaru vs. Volkswagen compact SUV showdown.

As part of the 2025 redesign, the Volkswagen Tiguan’s 2.0-liter turbo-four engine is now rated at 201 horsepower. It receives an overall weight reduction due to an increased use of aluminum in its suspension components. With these updates, you can expect the new model to provide quicker acceleration and better gas mileage than its 2024 predecessor, which offers a solid 24/31 mpg (city/highway). Additionally, the 2025 Tiguan’s longer wheelbase may make it more stable around corners, which can contribute to a more confident driving experience.

According to a U.S. News & World Report cars comparison review, the 2025 Subaru Forester offers “subpar power” compared to other compact SUVs. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder has been updated to improve its fuel economy rating to an impressive 26/33 mpg, but its horsepower rating has dropped slightly to just 180. As such, it isn’t particularly quick off the line and requires significant effort for highway merging and passing. However, when it comes to the Subaru Forester vs. Volkswagen Tiguan for off-roading, the Subaru comes out on top with its high ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive.

In-Depth Look: Interior Space, Comfort, and Technology

For 2025, the interior of the Volkswagen Tiguan is much improved compared to the previous year’s model. It features a cleaner and more elegant design, higher-quality materials, and a more upscale atmosphere. Higher trims approach luxury territory with genuine leather upholstery, real wood accents, massaging seats, and tri-zone automatic climate control.

After a significant refresh, the 2025 Subaru Forester interior has become more aesthetically pleasing than before. Each trim comes with unique accents, such as bronze trim in the Sport and suede in the Touring. Overall, the cabin boasts a thoughtful design and quality materials.

Seating Capacity, Legroom, and Cargo Space

With the added length, the new Volkswagen Tiguan becomes more spacious and practical than before, resulting in increased cargo space. However, it loses the optional third row, reducing its maximum seating capacity to five. While Volkswagen hasn’t announced the specific dimensions of the 2025 Tiguan interior, we know that the second row now offers a significant amount of legroom. Maximum cargo capacity should also be higher than the 2024 model’s 65.3 cubic feet.

The Forester also accommodates five passengers in two rows. The front seats offer a generous amount of legroom and headroom, and the rear seats are roomy enough for most adults. This Subaru crossover also has an expansive cargo area, which maxes out at 74.4 cubic feet in the base model and 69.1 cubic feet in higher trims.

Infotainment and Connectivity Features

When you compare car features, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan has an upper hand over the 2025 Subaru Forester. One of the most notable updates to the Tiguan is the introduction of a new standard 12.9-inch touch-screen infotainment display and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. An even larger 15-inch touch screen is available. Other than that, the Volkswagen SUV is expected to continue offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and a Wi-Fi hot spot as standard equipment.

In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Forester comes standard with a dual 7-inch touch-screen display, but you can upgrade to a single 11.6-inch display. Every model is fitted with smartphone connectivity, satellite radio, and HD radio, but a Wi-Fi hot spot is optional.

Safety First: Advanced Safety Features and Ratings

Both the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan and the 2025 Subaru Forester have yet to undergo crash safety tests with the National Highway Traffic Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Still, the two compact crossovers boast an extensive list of driver-assistance features to deliver a stress-free and safe driving experience.

All Tiguan and Forester models are equipped with forward-collision alert, pedestrian monitoring, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance. However, the Volkswagen has many other standard driver aids that are either optional or unavailable on the Subaru, including rear cross-traffic warning, emergency assistance, parking-distance control, light assistance, and a semiautonomous driving system.

Which Compact SUV Takes the Crown in 2025?

With its advantage in power, handling, technology, and safety, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan appears to be an overall better option than the 2025 Subaru Forester. However, the Forester’s off-road capabilities and large cargo space may make it more appealing to adventure lovers. If you’re interested in getting the 2025 Tiguan in Kalispell, Montana, you can stop by Kalispell Volkswagen to get a first-hand experience of this impressive SUV. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive.