2025 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$30,245 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The big question facing many buyers is whether to prioritize upfront savings or standard rugged capability. If budget is king, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan starts at a sharp $30,245, significantly undercutting the 2026 Subaru Outback's $34,995 price tag. However, that extra cost buys you Subaru's standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which the base Tiguan lacks (it's FWD). Interestingly, the Tiguan offers a slight edge in efficiency, boasting 29 MPG combined versus the Outback's 27 MPG combined. Power delivery also favors VW, as the Tiguan pumps out 201 hp compared to the Outback's 180 hp. But the Outback retaliates strongly in utility, offering a cavernous 34.6 cu ft of cargo space against the Tiguan's 26.5 cu ft. This comparison pits German efficiency and power against Japanese ruggedness and capacity.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the Outback's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback is better for families needing maximum gear hauling, offering a massive 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Tiguan's 26.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

Enthusiasts seeking more pep will favor the Tiguan's 201 hp engine output over the Outback's 180 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

With an MSRP that is $4,750 lower, the base Tiguan provides better initial value for budget-conscious shoppers.

Choose the Volkswagen Tiguan if...

Your primary concern is saving money upfront, as the Tiguan starts $4,750 cheaper.
You live in an area that rarely sees severe weather, making the FWD setup acceptable.
You want a slight advantage in power, with the Tiguan delivering 201 hp.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

You need true all-weather confidence, as the Outback includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
Maximum cargo space is critical, where the Outback leads with 34.6 cu ft.
You prefer a slightly larger vehicle footprint (191.7 inches long) for road presence.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volkswagen Tiguan	Subaru Outback
Length	184.4"	191.7"
Width	73.0"	74.0"
Height	66.1"	67.5"
Wheelbase	109.9"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	201 hp @ 5250 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	207 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	Volkswagen	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/34 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	377.0/493.0 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.9 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	7	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.2 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.0 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.4 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.2 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.3 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/65R H	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Volkswagen	Subaru
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited 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 Volkswagen Tiguan and 2026 Subaru Outback.

Is the 2026 Subaru Outback worth the extra $4,750 over the 2025 VW Tiguan?

That depends entirely on your needs; the price difference buys you standard All-Wheel Drive and significantly more utility. If you frequently travel on unpaved roads or deal with snow, the Outback’s AWD system justifies the cost over the FWD Tiguan.

Which crossover is better for highway driving efficiency?

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan edges out the Subaru in fuel economy. The Tiguan achieves 34 MPG on the highway versus the Outback’s 31 MPG highway rating, which adds up over many miles.

How much more cargo space does the Outback really offer?

The 2026 Subaru Outback offers substantially more space with 34.6 cubic feet, compared to the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan’s 26.5 cubic feet. That’s nearly an 8 cubic foot advantage for packing luggage or gear.

Does the base Tiguan have less horsepower than the Outback?

No, surprisingly the Tiguan feels punchier, offering 201 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. This is noticeably more power than the Outback, which is rated at 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

Are these vehicles similar in size for city parking?

They are quite similar, though the Outback is longer by about 7.3 inches (191.7 inches total). The Tiguan is slightly narrower and shorter, which might make squeezing into tight spots a little easier.