In the world of midsize SUVs, two names that often come up are the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Subaru Outback. Both of these vehicles are loved for their reliable performance, spacious interiors, and range of safety features.
But when it comes down to choosing between the two, which one takes the trophy?
Let’s dive deep into their features, performance, and reputation to answer this question.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Features | Volkswagen Tiguan | Subaru Outback |
| Base Price | Approximately $26,000 | Approximately $27,000 |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder | 2.5L 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 182 hp |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | Continuously Variable (CVT) |
| Fuel Economy (city/hwy) | 23/29 mpg | 26/33 mpg |
| Cargo Space | 65.7 cubic feet | 75.7 cubic feet |
| Passenger Volume | 123.9 cubic feet | 109 cubic feet |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 pounds | 2,700 pounds |
| All-Wheel Drive | Available | Standard |
| Safety Features | Forward Collision Warning, Automated Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring | Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision Braking |
Volkswagen Tiguan: The German Marvel
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a midsize SUV with a twist of German engineering that guarantees reliability and robustness. Here’s what sets the Tiguan apart:
Pros
- Engine Performance: The Tiguan stands out with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 184 horsepower. This power gives the Tiguan a lively feel on the road and can easily handle both city driving and highway cruising.
- Tech Features: Volkswagen has never compromised on tech. The Tiguan boasts a user-friendly infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an optional Digital Cockpit that transforms the dashboard into a customizable digital display.
- Cargo Space: The Tiguan provides more cargo space compared to many of its rivals, which is a considerable advantage for long trips and shopping excursions.
Cons
- Fuel Efficiency: The Tiguan’s strong engine performance takes a toll on fuel efficiency, which is slightly lower than what you might expect from a midsize SUV.
- Price: While the Tiguan offers a lot, it also comes at a higher price point compared to the Subaru Outback.
Also Read: Differences Between Subaru Outback Wilderness And Touring XT.
Subaru Outback: The Adventure Companion
The Subaru Outback is the SUV for adventure enthusiasts. With its superior off-road capabilities and safety features, it’s designed for the rugged.
Pros
- Off-Road Performance: The Outback is built with a standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE, making it an ideal choice for off-road adventures.
- Safety Features: Subaru has always been at the forefront of safety, and the Outback is no exception. It comes with standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Outback offers better fuel efficiency compared to the Tiguan, making it a more economical choice for daily commuting and long trips.
Cons
- Interior Quality: While the Outback offers a comfortable ride, some of the interior materials may feel less premium compared to the Tiguan.
- Acceleration: The Outback’s standard engine is a bit lackluster when it comes to acceleration, especially when compared to the Tiguan.
Key Differences Between Volkswagen Tiguan and Subaru Outback
While both the Volkswagen Tiguan and Subaru Outback are highly regarded, several key differences set them apart. Understanding these differences will help you choose the vehicle that best suits your needs.
- Performance
The Tiguan boasts a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
This powerhouse engine produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, giving the Tiguan a spirited driving experience.
The Outback comes standard with a 2.5-liter flat-four engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), generating 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
For more power, there’s an optional turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four that produces 260 horsepower.
The Outback is not as quick as the Tiguan, but it offers a smooth and steady ride.
- Fuel Efficiency
Volkswagen Tiguan: The Tiguan’s fuel efficiency is not its strongest feature. It offers around 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, which is slightly lower than average for a midsize SUV.
Subaru Outback: The Outback shines when it comes to fuel efficiency. The standard 2.5-liter engine achieves approximately 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. This better gas mileage makes the Outback a more cost-effective option for regular commuting.
- Interior and Comfort
Volkswagen Tiguan: The Tiguan’s interior has a premium feel with high-quality materials and excellent build quality. Its cabin is spacious, with ample legroom for all passengers. The Tiguan also has an optional third row, which is a rarity among compact SUVs.
Subaru Outback: The Outback has a comfortable interior, but some materials may not feel as premium as the Tiguan. However, its high seating position, spacious interiors, and large windows make for an airy and comfortable ride.
- Technology
Volkswagen Tiguan: The Tiguan shines with its tech offerings. It comes standard with a 6.5-inch touch screen, but you can upgrade to an 8-inch screen. Other notable tech features include the Digital Cockpit, wireless charging, and a premium Fender sound system.
Subaru Outback: The Outback’s infotainment system features a standard 7-inch touchscreen or an optional 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen. It also includes standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. While its tech offerings are robust, they might not feel as premium as the Tiguan’s.
Also Read: Differences Between BMW X7 And Cadillac Escalade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Whether Volkswagen or Subaru is better largely depends on your needs. If you’re seeking a premium feel, advanced tech, and higher engine performance, then the Volkswagen Tiguan might be your vehicle of choice. However, if your priorities lean towards fuel efficiency, off-road performance, and safety features, the Subaru Outback would be a better fit.
Yes, the Volkswagen Tiguan is known for its reliability. It offers a robust engine, sophisticated tech features, and a comfortable ride. It’s crucial, however, to keep up with regular maintenance to extend its longevity.
The Volkswagen Tiguan often gets compared to other midsize SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and of course, the Subaru Outback due to their similar size and features.
There were no announcements about Volkswagen discontinuing the Tiguan. However, automakers frequently update their vehicle lineups, so it’s always good to check the latest from Volkswagen for any changes.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Volkswagen Tiguan and Subaru Outback each offer a distinctive set of features and capabilities, catering to different user preferences.
It ultimately boils down to individual needs, be it off-road capabilities, tech features, or engine performance, that will determine which vehicle holds the edge.
