2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Subaru Forester

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among its competitors with a design that was both creased and symmetrical, leaning towards a conservative aesthetic. This approach, while not overly emotional, aged well and appealed to fans of simplicity and minimalism. The refreshed front styling aligned the Tiguan with Volkswagen’s larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The SUV came in various trims, including the sportier R-Line models, with prices ranging from $25,995 to $36,995. The SEL R-Line test vehicle, priced at $37,970, showcased a rich interior with leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting, though the hard plastic lower cabin hinted at its mass-market status.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Forester, despite a redesign in 2019, retained a styling that felt older due to its carryover design. Its boxy, upright shape appealed to SUV shoppers looking for practicality. The Forester Sport model added orange striping, a rear spoiler, and black 18-inch alloy wheels, which made a significant visual impact. The Forester shared its platform with other Subaru models, maintaining a rugged SUV image. Inside, the Forester featured a no-nonsense mix of materials designed for durability, with the Sport trim adding orange accents. The interior offered cloth upholstery in lower trims and leather in higher trims, with an All-Weather Package available for added comfort.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the option of VW’s 4Motion AWD system. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, with additional Offroad settings for AWD models. Despite its 7.6 inches of ground clearance, the Tiguan was best suited for well-traveled paths. The SUV’s suspension and steering provided a nimble and responsive feel in normal driving situations, though it lacked the power and performance some might expect from a turbocharged engine. Fuel economy was modest, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined for the R-Line with 4Motion.

The 2021 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The engine’s boxer configuration provided a lower center of gravity, contributing to stability. However, the lack of a turbocharged option meant the Forester’s power felt adequate but not thrilling, especially during highway merges or overtakes. The suspension was tuned for comfort, resulting in a soft ride with noticeable body roll and bounce on uneven surfaces. The Forester’s AWD system, standard across all trims, included X-Mode for different surfaces and hill-descent control. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Forester handled mud and dirt better than many competitors, though it wasn’t designed for serious off-roading.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. FWD models included a standard third-row seat, though this was not available with 4Motion. The SEL R-Line trim provided leather-wrapped, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, excellent outward visibility, and a panoramic sunroof. The second row was roomy and comfortable for adults, with rear air conditioning vents and a USB charging port. Cargo space was generous, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down in AWD models. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in interior space, offering above-average headroom and legroom in both rows, thanks to its tall, flat roof. This design also provided excellent outward visibility and a roomy feel. Cargo space was ample, with 35.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. While it lacked a sliding second-row bench, a power liftgate was available on higher trims. The Forester’s interior featured practical storage solutions, though the phone-storage cubby was small, and wireless charging was not available. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs for audio and climate control, though the screen was slow to boot up.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on all but the base trim, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, and smartphone mirroring. The SEL R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender audio system. However, the natural voice recognition feature required an additional subscription, which was not active during testing. Car-Net offered various plans, including Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot, with additional features available for a fee. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2021 Subaru Forester’s Starlink infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. Higher trims added an 8-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and additional USB ports. The system was easy to use, with well-designed graphics and physical shortcut buttons, though the screen was slow to start. The Forester also featured a secondary screen in the dashboard and a small screen in the instrument cluster, displaying secondary information like fuel economy and tire pressure. While the setup was somewhat complex, it provided useful information for drivers.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard Front Assist and Side Assist on the base trim. The IQ Drive system added Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and Emergency Assist, which could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model’s new features aimed to improve this score.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning a “Top Safety Pick+” award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The standard EyeSight suite included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lead-vehicle start alert. The Forester also featured a driver-monitoring system, unique among mainstream brands. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and reverse automatic braking.