The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover that rises to the top of the pack, thanks to its smooth and refined ride, exceptional handling and long list of standard technology features. Buyers at dealers like the San Bernardino area Volkswagen dealership appreciate the Tiguan’s combination of performance and fuel-efficiency. And the 2020 Tiguan is one of the only compact crossovers that have an optional third-row seat.
The 2020 Subaru Forester is another compact crossover that competes with the Volkswagen Tiguan. We’ll compare these two models and discover which one brings more to the table.
Performance
According to the Volkswagen dealer near San Bernardino, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The 2020 Subaru Forester is equipped with a 2.5-liter flat-four engine that only produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.
The Tiguan’s engine is teamed to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while the Forester gets a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While CVTs have gotten better in the last few years, most automotive enthusiasts would choose an automatic transmission over a CVT.
Motor Trend tested the two models and found the Tiguan is faster than the Forester. The Tiguan sprinted to 60 mph from a standstill in 8.6 seconds. The Forester made the trip in 9.6 seconds.
Passenger Space
The 2020 Tiguan has an optional third-row seat that provides seating for seven passengers. The Forester has a seating capacity of five. Passengers in the Tiguan will have more room to stay comfortable. The VW Tiguan has a total passenger volume of 123.9 cubic feet, while the Subaru Forester only gets 111.9 cubic feet.
Cargo Space
If you’re looking for a compact crossover with plenty of cargo space, the Tiguan is your best bet. The 2020 VW Tiguan has a total of 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2020 Subaru Forester only provides 35.4 cubic feet.
The Tiguan makes it easy to load groceries and other items when your hands are full. The Tiguan’s range-topping SEL Premium R-Line trim has a hands-free liftgate that can be opened and closed by kicking your foot under the rear bumper. The Forester’s power liftgate isn’t hands-free, which means you’ll have to put your groceries down to use it.
Safety
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan comes with a standard automatic post-collision braking system, which automatically applies the brakes if it senses a collision is imminent. The 2020 Forester doesn’t offer a post-collision braking system.
The Tiguan SEL Premium R-Line gets a standard overhead view camera, which allows the driver to see objects surrounding the vehicle on a display. The Forester only has a rear monitor and parking sensors that beep or flash. There’s no way to see objects on the side of the vehicle.
Our Take
When you compare the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan with the 2020 Subaru Forester, the Tiguan pulls ahead. The Tiguan has a more powerful engine, greater seating capacity, more room for passengers and cargo, and exclusive safety features.