2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

$39,995 · Crossover

$30,245 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru Ascent roars in as the powerhouse, boasting 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, promising genuine pull for snowy passes or steep climbs, even if its 22 combined MPG trails the competition. In stark contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan charms with efficiency, achieving 29 combined MPG from its smaller 201 hp engine, all while maintaining superior cargo volume at 26.5 cubic feet versus the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet. The financial gap is significant; the Tiguan undercuts the Ascent's $39,995 MSRP by a substantial $9,750. While the Ascent commands respect with its standard All-Wheel Drive and brawnier performance figures, the Tiguan presents a highly efficient, value-oriented package that stretches every drop of fuel and dollar further across its smaller 184.4-inch frame.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan wins for daily commuting due to its superior 29 combined MPG and lower operational costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent offers a more substantial physical presence (196.8 inches long) and likely greater inherent stability for family transport with standard AWD.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent clearly appeals to driving enthusiasts with 59 more horsepower and 70 lb-ft more torque than the Tiguan.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan offers undeniable value by saving the buyer $9,750 upfront while delivering better fuel economy.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You need the confident traction of standard All-Wheel Drive for challenging weather conditions.
Performance is paramount, as the 260 hp engine provides significantly more immediate power.
You prefer the sheer physical presence of a larger vehicle, measuring 196.8 inches in length.

Choose the Volkswagen Tiguan if...

Maximizing fuel budget is critical, given its 29 combined MPG versus the Ascent's 22.
You prioritize raw cargo space, as the Tiguan offers 26.5 cubic feet compared to 17.8.
You want to save $9,750 on the initial purchase price of the vehicle.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Volkswagen Tiguan
Length	196.8"	184.4"
Width	76.0"	73.0"
Height	71.6"	66.1"
Wheelbase	113.8"	109.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	201 hp @ 5250 rpm
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	207 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	26/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	377.0/493.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	12.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	7
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
One-Touch Power Windows	2	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	40.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	57.0 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	54.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	6-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	53.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	215/65R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Volkswagen
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 20000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan.

Which vehicle is more affordable to purchase initially?

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan holds a significant upfront advantage, with an MSRP of $30,245, which is $9,750 less than the 2025 Subaru Ascent's starting price of $39,995.

How does the fuel economy compare between the two crossovers?

The Tiguan is substantially more efficient, delivering 29 combined MPG (26 city/34 highway) compared to the Ascent's 22 combined MPG (20 city/26 highway).

Is the Subaru Ascent much more powerful than the VW Tiguan?

Yes, the Ascent packs considerably more punch, generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Tiguan produces 201 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque.

Which crossover provides more usable storage space?

Despite being the smaller overall vehicle, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan boasts a superior cargo capacity of 26.5 cubic feet, dwarfing the Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet in the configuration provided.