Subaru Forester 79·Volkswagen Tiguan 73on the MotiveGrid Score·Subaru Forester about $5,981 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Subaru Forester is the cheaper one to own — roughly $5,981 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Subaru Forester is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
Subaru Forester vs. Volkswagen Tiguan
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Subaru Forester versus 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Metric
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan
MotiveGrid Score
79
73
Cost of Ownership
88
75
Powertrain
66
52
Driver Assistance
32
49
Livability
65
42
Safety
79
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$41,462
$47,443
Depreciation (5-yr)
$11,038
$15,248
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,546
$11,610
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,545
$9,840
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,175
$3,500
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,700
Financing (5-yr)
$4,513
$4,635
Registration (5-yr)
$895
$910
Starting Price
$29,995
$30,805
Horsepower
180 hp
201 hp
MPG (combined)
29 mpg
29 mpg
Cargo volume
28.9 cu ft
26.9 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
1,500 lbs
—
Drivetrain
AWD
FWD
Gas
2026$29,995
MSRP
$29,995
Mo · 5yr
$691
$41,462 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$30,805
MSRP
$30,805
Mo · 5yr
$791
$47,443 / 5 years
Best for families
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Subaru Forester scores higher overall.
Subaru Forester
0
/ 100
Volkswagen Tiguan
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Forester
88
Tiguan
75
Winner: Forester
$5,981 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Forester
66
Tiguan
52
Winner: Forester
+14 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Forester
32
Tiguan
49
Winner: Tiguan
+17 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Forester
65
Tiguan
42
Winner: Forester
+23 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Subaru Forester is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $5,981 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Volkswagen Tiguan still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Subaru Forester
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Subaru Forester
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Volkswagen Tiguan
Much stronger safety
Highway driver
Volkswagen Tiguan
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Subaru Forester
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Subaru Forester
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$691
$41,462 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$691/mo
Volkswagen Tiguan
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$791
$47,443 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$791/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Subaru Forester comes out about $5,981 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
