Subaru Forester vs Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
2025 Subaru Forester for Sale
2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen for Sale
Overview | |
Years produced1998-Present | Years produced2015-2019 |
MSRP$29,695 | MSRP$21,895 |
Average price$20,395 | Average price$13,662 |
Listings8848 | Listings669 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
Reviews SummaryThe Forester is one of Subaru's top sellers and one of the more popular compact crossovers in its segment as well, so it's hard to blame the automaker for not wanting to mess with a working formula. They seem to have focused more on refining an already popular car than creating a new car. In fact, the most obvious updates are to the vehicle's looks, which many would argue are inconsequential-but that's not a criticism. Verdict: The 2025 Subaru Forester improves on the outgoing version with a better-equipped base model, more advanced tech and safety offerings, and a blessedly quieter cabin. If it's not the most beautiful crossover we've ever seen, well, at least that's authentic to the Forester brand. | |
Reviews SummaryWhat defines a “Sport Utility Vehicle”? Common knowledge dictates what an SUV is supposed to look like, but SUVs and crossovers don't hold a monopoly on the vehicular attribute of utility. Case in point: the station wagon. Truthfully, most modern crossovers are just high-riding wagons and hatchbacks. The only real advantages they offer are a higher ride height, higher seating position, and all-wheel drive (and even that isn’t always a given). Cars like the Nissan Kicks and Toyota C-HR are available with only front-wheel-drive, and when compared to a vehicle like the 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, you have to wonder what added utility those cars really offer. VW calls the SportWagen the “Sportier Utility Vehicle.” It's hard to argue with that point, and the SportWagen is a serious alternative to your typical crossover—especially if you care about driving dynamics. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 180 hp H4 | Engine1.4L 147 hp I4 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower147 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City26 | MPG City29 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway37 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 180 hp H4 | Engine Name1.4L 147 hp I4 |
Torque | Torque184 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower147 hp @ 5000 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City26 | MPG City29 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway37 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space29.6 cu ft | Cargo Space30.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight3510 lbs | Curb Weight3053 lbs |
Height68.1 in | Height58.3 in |
Length183.3 in | Length179.8 in |
Width81.2 in | Width70.8 in |
Wheelbase105.1 in | Wheelbase103.5 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload970 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity |
2025 Subaru Forester for Sale
Shop Now2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen for Sale
Shop NowOverview | ||
Years produced | 1998-Present | 2015-2019 |
MSRP | $29,695 | $21,895 |
Average price | $20,395 | $13,662 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.4 | 4.7 |
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | The Forester is one of Subaru's top sellers and one of the more popular compact crossovers in its segment as well, so it's hard to blame the automaker for not wanting to mess with a working formula. They seem to have focused more on refining an already popular car than creating a new car. In fact, the most obvious updates are to the vehicle's looks, which many would argue are inconsequential-but that's not a criticism. Verdict: The 2025 Subaru Forester improves on the outgoing version with a better-equipped base model, more advanced tech and safety offerings, and a blessedly quieter cabin. If it's not the most beautiful crossover we've ever seen, well, at least that's authentic to the Forester brand. | What defines a “Sport Utility Vehicle”? Common knowledge dictates what an SUV is supposed to look like, but SUVs and crossovers don't hold a monopoly on the vehicular attribute of utility. Case in point: the station wagon. Truthfully, most modern crossovers are just high-riding wagons and hatchbacks. The only real advantages they offer are a higher ride height, higher seating position, and all-wheel drive (and even that isn’t always a given). Cars like the Nissan Kicks and Toyota C-HR are available with only front-wheel-drive, and when compared to a vehicle like the 2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, you have to wonder what added utility those cars really offer. VW calls the SportWagen the “Sportier Utility Vehicle.” It's hard to argue with that point, and the SportWagen is a serious alternative to your typical crossover—especially if you care about driving dynamics. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 180 hp H4 | 1.4L 147 hp I4 |
Drive Train | AWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm | |
MPG City | 26 | 29 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 37 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 180 hp H4 | 1.4L 147 hp I4 |
Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | 29 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 37 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 29.6 cu ft | 30.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3510 lbs | 3053 lbs |
Height | 68.1 in | 58.3 in |
Length | 183.3 in | 179.8 in |
Width | 81.2 in | 70.8 in |
Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 103.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 970 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3000 lbs | |
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