VS
At a Glance
Power
136 kW
147kW@5100
Torque
247 Nm
280Nm@1700
Fuel
7.9 l/100km
8.9
Towing
1500 Kg
2500
0-100 km/h
—
7.9
Engine
2498 cc
1984
Choosing between the Subaru Forester and the VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Subaru Forester delivers 136 kW while the VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN produces 147kW@5100. On fuel, the Forester returns 7.9 l/100km while the TIGUAN uses 8.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R740 000 for the Forester and R424 015 for the TIGUAN. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
136 kW
147kW@5100
Torque
247 Nm
280Nm@1700
0-100 kph
—
7.9
Top Speed
—
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2498 cc
1984
Engine Layout
boxer
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.9 l/100km
8.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
12.1
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.1
Fuel Tank Capacity
63 l
64
CO2 Emissions
180 g/km
213
Dimensions
Length
4655 mm
4457
Width
1830 mm
1809
Height
1730 mm
1686
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2604
Ground Clearance
220 mm
200
Kerb Weight
1609 Kg
1587
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
496-1174 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
2500
Load Capacity
—
1510
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
9
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
—
Optional
Park Distance Front
—
Optional
Sunroof
—
Optional
Heated Seats
—
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
120000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Forester
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
TIGUAN
Practicality
TIGUAN
Pros & Cons
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
Lower starting price (R424 015)
Higher towing capacity (2500)
Higher fuel consumption (8.9)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Forester or TIGUAN?
The Forester uses 7.9 l/100km and the TIGUAN uses 8.9 on the combined cycle. The Forester is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Forester or TIGUAN?
The Forester produces 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque while the TIGUAN delivers 147kW@5100 and 280Nm@1700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Forester and TIGUAN?
The Forester starts from R740 000 and the TIGUAN from R424 015. The TIGUAN is cheaper by R315 985 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Forester or TIGUAN?
The Forester has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the TIGUAN can tow 2500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Forester or the TIGUAN?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.