SUV Comparison Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Forester
June 29, 2008 by Paul Maric
2008 Honda CR-V – David Twomey:
Despite its polarising styling the Honda CR-V is enormously popular with those people at whom it is directly aimed – young families with active lifestyles. Why you may ask given that this is a market segment where buyers are spoiled for choice, well the answer we believe comes back to Honda’s solid reputation and reliability.
That and the fact that this little lugger can swallow a mountain of family orientated stuff, like strollers, sports gear and shopping.
And Honda isn’t confused about where the CR-V fits into our marketplace either, the company’s marketers will tell you “want to find the natural place for the CR-V, go to the parking lot of any childcare centre, you’ll find plenty of them and plenty of the people the car is aimed at.”
Despite falling away in the market a little this year it is currently selling at number three behind the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru’s new Forester, it still a strong value proposition for most buyers with the well equipped base model, tested here, costing just $31,990 , plus $2000 for the five-speed automatic in our test car.
It’s no secret that this current version of the CR-V is a better vehicle than the one it replaced, while adhering to the recipe that made it a success.
Coming from a factory in Thailand, so it’s pricing can exploit a Free Trade Agreement with that country, it’s well built, has tight tolerances and uses quality materials and production methods to ensure you’re getting value from every last cent of your purchase.
To us the appearance of the CR-V is a little polarising, but the marketplace doesn’t seem to agree and many people actually like the double split grille and the arched side windows that sweep rearward to an all new top hinged tailgate.
The tailgate provides excellent access to the voluminous rear load area, which was by far the largest of the three cars on test and certainly scores the Honda many brownie points with its buyers. We heard criticism of the Tiguan, particularly, from families who said it couldn’t take a baby-stroller in the rear, but no such problems with the CR-V.
The obligatory 12V outlet has not been forgotten, for those planning on taking the fridge, and as if all that cargo space isn’t enough, CR-V can tow up to 1500kg (braked).
Getting in and out of the CR-V is also made easier by a lower seat height than the previous model, and while none of these cars were a challenge to enter the Honda was certainly amongst the easiest. The seating is remarkably comfortable and supportive, and the driving position is easily adaptable thanks to an excellent range of adjustment, and a steering wheel that’s adjustable for reach and rake.
The leather wrapped wheel also has cruise and audio controls within a thumbs reach, and to grip feels both elegant and sporty at the same time.
The dashboard is clean, functional and upmarket, both texturally and aesthetically with a blue/white backlit instrument cluster lending even more sophistication to what’s already a purposeful and presentable cluster of stylish yet easily read displays.
Visibility is good, despite the slightly odd shaped third rear window, although we feel that all vehicles of this type should be fitted with rear park sensors and a reversing camera.
Another big plus with the CR-V is its excellent safety credentials with a five-star ANCAP rating, plus four airbags, anti-lock brakes and, commendably, VSC stability control in the base model.
Both ABS and ESP allow a reasonable margin for error and even driving on loose gravel bush tracks they are up to the job, while not being too intrusive. As a part-time 4WD the CR-V is a reasonable compromise for anyone who wants the added confidence of grip at all four corners when the conditions are less than ideal.
The CR-V defies the usual concept of four-wheel drive handling and ride with a well-judged compromise, lower centre of gravity and retention of hydraulic power steering that despite being a bit slow-reacting and light for keen drivers, delivers better weight and feel than most of its competitors.
Although it’s a dedicated understeerer through corners, the CR-V nevertheless grips surprisingly well, leans a lot less than you might imagine, and turns in with surprising eagerness.
The 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrol engine, is slightly more powerful at 125kW than its predecessor, and with a broader spread of torque, provides sufficient rather than exciting performance. Uphill or overtaking manoeuvres do require some careful thought, as the smooth-revving engine needs to build up power.
It’s satisfactorily frugal in theses fuel sensitive days and although Honda quotes an official combined ADR figure of 10.0L/100km we actually achieved slightly better, over a wide ranging driving from country and city to bush tracks, with an average consumption of 9.43L/100km.
After a week experience all three of these vehicles I was more convinced of the Honda’s competence at the end, than at the beginning. The Tiguan is the new kid on the block, has European glamour and has the added cache of diesel power, but the Honda wins hands down when it comes to doing the job –providing reliable performance with family sized space and load lugging.
- Engine: 2.4-litre, DOHC, i-VTEC, 4-cylinder
- Power: 125kW@5800rpm
- Torque: 218Nm@4200rpm
- Transmission: optional five-speed auto
- Brakes: Ventilated discs front/rear
- Driven Wheels: part-time four-wheel drive
- Final Drive: 4.500
- Top Speed:
- 0-100km/h:
- Fuel Type: 91RON ULP
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 58 litres
- Fuel Consumption: 9.43L/100km* actual
- NCAP Rating: 5 Star
- Safety: 4 airbags, ABS, EBD, VSA(stability control), active head restraints
- Spare Wheel: 17×6.5J steel
- Turning Circle: 11.8m
- Towing Capacity: 1500kg (braked)
- Weight: 1570kg
- Wheels: 17×6.5J steel
- Warranty: 3 years/100,000km
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What a crap review!
Here are the facts (after shopping around in person and having driven the Forester and the Tiguan.
The Forester is a great $33,000 (on road) car.
The Tiguan is a great $43,000 (on road) car. Yes, an extra $10,000.
The Honda was too weird looking to give a try.
The Forester is packed full of features for its price and in my opinion cannot be beaten when considered for price.
The Tiguan is a damn fine car to drive, however the actual on-road price is a rip compared to the rivals and this review certainly doesn’t reflect that. Comparing the the Tiguan against the Forester XT would have been a fairer review.
All I can say is that after talking to 2 VW dealers i was left with a sour taste in my mouth. The above $35,990 RRP for the tiguan is only a lure to get you to look at the car. VW’s dealer delivery chargers are through the roof compared to Subaru’s.
I really think there is some responsibility on the reviewers part to compare apples with apples and give the manufacturers a fair review for their intended markets.
What next Golf GTI vs Hyundai Getz, who’s the winner?
Luc, can you even read?
The Tiguan is $4,000 more than the Forester and is about infinitely better.
Benjie… do I really have to repeat myself?
No Luc, I think you have already proven your lack of intelligence.
Sorry Benjie, have to agree with Luc. I have gone through the same thing with VW. Some of our friends have actually purchased a Tiguan 103TDI, manual with a couple of small extras and I believe the final on road price was $45.000, well above the $35.000 ‘lure’ amount You can save a few grand if you are prepared to wait 11 months apparently. These amounts do put the Tiguan in a different league and price range and almost voids this UNFAIR review. Benjie, nobody is disputing that the Tiguan is a better car, I have driven one and yes, it is better to drive and the interior is better built being european. I guess I have to agree with Luc though, there is a responsibility on the reviewers part to compare apples with apples. I have no doubt that if Subaru put more dollars into their interior it would review better to those who are into European style interiors and higher budgets. Subaru have their market and VW have theirs. My personal feeling about VW is that they do lure potential buyers in with low RRP’s and then hit them with high delivery fees and excessive charges for extra’s.
Well said Nat! Benjie I respect your VW enthusiasm. Let me know if it’s still there after you go buy your first $35.000 Tiguan for $43.000.
Luc, your partner Nat seems just as daft as you are!
Feel free to visit the Volkswagen website where you will find the exact equivalent to the Forester is $33,990 – the 125TSI.
But please, don’t let me get in the way of you two making up figures.
Benjie this is not a battle ego’s. It’s about the biased and unfair review and the actual on-road costs of the dealers. $31.990 ($33.000 I was quoted on road) for the Forester X vs $35.990 ($43.000 on-road I was quoted)for the Tiguan 103TDI. You accuse me of not being intelligent but you yourself find it impossible to understand what im trying to say, “THIS REVIEW IS CRAP”. If it were a battle of the $33.990 SUV’s then that would be different. Benjie your not wrong regarding there being a cheaper Tiguan, but you are wrong about it being an exact equivalent to the Forester X. Again the prices differ, $33.990 for the Tiguan 125TSI vs $31.990 for the Forester X . Oh, and there is the point that you have just unintelligently contradicted yourself by stating “exact equivalent”, I thought the Tiguan was “infinitely better”. I’m sure Nat is one of many people here who intelligently told VW to go shove their on road costs and is now using the $10,000 saved on having a life, like all other Subaru owners.
Actually Luc – I’m using about $7,500 on having a life. I ended up buying the $33,990 RRP Forester XS – LOL
Well said Nat – Forester XS, LOL.
Unintelligent answer from unintelligent Benjie. I bet your still trying to work out Luc’s point.
I test drove the forester, rav4 V6, Xtrail and Tiguan today. While the base prices seem very similar I found that the Tiguan, on road, is about $7000-10000 more than the others, on road. The Tiguan is very nice. I have nothing against it (it would be our fourth VW: 71 Bus, 74 Beetle, 02 Golf) but for me, the Tiguan would mean needing car finance versus purchase outright. The reasons are that VW is charging a lot for options that might be standard on others (leather $4000, sunroof $2000 etc compared to say standard leather and sunroof on XTrail Ti. Even the off road pack with features standard on some of the others is an extra $290. The VW tiguan dealer delivery charge is $2499. The other issue is that the Tiguan drive is nice and supply so limited that VW do not need to negotiate whereas I found all the others the dealers would waive dealer delivery to make a sale, in fact, the others (rav, xtrail, forester) were willing to offer the car for, or very near, rrp as ‘on road’ (with the exception of the diesel XTrail). So I found today that there is a huge difference in cost like some others have reported. The VW dealer even admitted that their cars are more expensive than the competition and that there are no discounts. A diesel Tiguan optioned like a top spec Xtrail could easily hit >$50K versus a $40K for the similar spec’d Ti XTrail. The difference is less on the diesel XTrail. Both are quite noisy little engines by the way if you are used to petrol.
Also the cars are not directly comparable in room. The Tiguan is small on boot space. As we have one child only it would be OK for our 2nd monthly trip bush to visit the inlaws but I might have to include cost of a roof capsule in the purchase price which the others don’t need. However, I did really like the Tiguan despite the cost and its still on the short list.
Drive and TheAge done a test on these said diesel vehicles.
THE X TRAIL won by miles, killed the VW and all the others
Well done TeamNissan!
Cheers
F-0
The Age and Drive are the same publication Frugal One.
The on-road costs are ridiculous for this nice mini SUV.
I have a quote in my hand here, january delivery. I tried to keep the options down but was talked into leather (wears better with kids), sunroof, park assist and the integrated satnav RNS510. I declined a whole host of other options and accessories such as metallic, rims, off road pack, etc etc.
The total ON ROAD costs rose from the list of 34,890, to 57,889
The options total $15384 more
The dealer delivery fees $2722
The rego fees $819
The GST on all that $5019
The Stamp duty $1865
This is as near as dammit to a $60k car, and one that I have to wait for Jan+ to get..
Justin, a word of advice if you have kids, dont get leather. I have gone down this road before with the preconception that leather would be easier to clean. Leather is easier to clean however it scratches easily and you innevitably find yourself playing the proactive role of leather nazi. Also in summer it is hot, damn hot. I have recently given up leather and gone back to cloth and don’t think I will ever look back again. Hope this helps.
Justin, we experienced the same outrageous VW overpriced pre-delivery and options when we test drove the auto diesel 2 months ago. We decided on the Subaru Forester Premium and couldnt be happier with the spacious interior, handling/ride and exeptional value for money.
The Total on Road Costs driveaway were for an Auto was $43,050. The salesperson reduced the price to $39,500 and we picked it up 3 days later. It has a generous list of features including,
Alloy Wheels
Climatic Contral Air/Cond
6 Airbags
Constant Symetrical All Wheel Drive
6 Stacker Cd
Fog Lights
Self Levelling Rear Suspension
Leather Seats/Steering Wheel
Electric Sunroof
8 Way Power drivers seat
Stability Control/ABS/Traction Control
5 Star Crash Safety rating
Cruise Control
Multi Information Display
FULL Size Spare Tyre (I cant tolorate a crappy spacesaver as we get away on country runs a fair bit)
The list goes on further so you may want to check it out.
Ooh also Subaru Dont charge any extra for Metallic Paint. Cheers.
I was very keen on the Tiguan initially, as it looked a great car. We are changing from a 2000 Forester which has been brilliant, but has done 260000kms, and were considering the new Forester and the Tiguan.
Sorry, but as a family car there is no comparison. Finally Subaru have sorted out the rear leg room in the Forester, making it great for teenage kids. The new Forester also has great boot space and a full sized spare tyre. It has excellent vision all around and is nice to drive. Also we can fit our bikes and canoes and lots of stuff in and on it!!
Tiguan is probably a better looking car, but it is way too small, and despite being diesel and more economic, the price of diesel at the moment means it’s not really cheaper to run.
So the Forester XS for me (and its cheaper too!)
Has anyone noticed the difference in the fuel used.
The review has it at 91 RON, but the catalogue says 95-98 RON, the ADR tests are based on 95 RON.
While the Forester can run on unleaded, it is not advisable according to their mechanics,for better economy they say use 95 RON
Now, if your at the pumps, While unleaded was selling for
$1.22 litre, 95 RON was priced at $1.37 litre, on March 14th 09, thats 15 cents more per litre, now diesel is cheaper than unleaded, so the world has turned once again to diesel, Bring on the Forester Diesel and watch sales sky-rocket.
When is the diesel Forrester getting to Australia? I hope they don’t charge a ridiculous premium for it.
Apparently it’s a gem of an engine.
… choices, choices; the Mrs and I went shopping for a new vehicle (originally a sedan i.e. Liberty 3ltr V6, or B<X 3 series) to be disappointed on a couple of fronts, whilst waiting for a salesmen we had a quick look at a compact SUV, our journey resulted us in narrowing down the search to the following:
- Subaru Forester XT Premium, size adequate for a growing family, sufficent grunt with the Turbo, interior finishes OK (would prefer increased quality), exterior finish acceptable though not what I would call sexy. Subaru realiability adds confidence. Blue tooth would be handy, though readily available in the aftermarket.
- Land Rover Freelander 2, this car stands out as a true 4WD with an improved build qualty and finishes all round, boot space appears smaller than the Forester though with the floor child seat restraints this could prove a good move, against is the higher cost for the HSE (TD)of $65k on road or the SE (Petrol)$62k on road, both nice plus sunroom, sat nav (aftermarket and bluetooth), $1,800 for metallic paint is a rip off with white being the only non metallic colour. A few nice gadgets. Question mark over realiability?
- VW Tiguan, researched this tonight, looks quite stylish from the outside, though by all accounts rear passengers and boot space may be a cosy.
I welcome others thoughts.
Cheers
The Tiguan is an incredible car! there is no comparison for it. Whereas the BMW X3 is not upto the mark, in my pov. The tig is a very high quality vehicle. Subaru? don’t even think about comparing it with the tig. I am amazed by the way the tig drives. I dont see a problem with the boot space either. Tig is a very hi-tech car. I got a 125 TSI, auto, comfort pack and pirellis (comes standard).
Whilst I have spent last few months reading reviews and test driving a number of Suvs, I am still confused as to what to buy,loved the drive on the VW Tiguan,but am concerned that my 4 kids may quickly out grow it.Although one heads of to Uni next year, I am not wanting a 7 seater and prefer a diesal. I drive mainly soft road and local driving. I havent driven the forester but loved my Liberty 10 years ago. Any suggestions??
Done 9,000kms in my Tiguan. Average consumption 7.1 l/100kms. The park assist is magic and use it everytime. The full length sunroof is nice to have but wouldnt bother with the New York mags again- prefering the higher profile tyres. The car is bulletproof, not one complaint.
Hi All,
I don’t have to test drive the Tiguan to know that it’s likely to be the nicer car to drive. I own a VW Golf but I’m unlikely to buy a new Tuguan due to price, plus I’ve decided to keep the cost under $30k so we are looking at a 2 year old car (current model) with under 30,000kms. That said, the hatch in my Golf is roughly the same size as the Tiguan, so it wouldn’t be the car I’d purchase if I needed more boot space than the Golf, which makes it more of a fun choice than a practical one in my opinion.
I’m actually leaning towards the Honda CR-V despite some of the comments here re the looks. I’m not in love with it (the front that is) but I don’t mind it and the rear is nice enough. The luggage space is great (larger than the Mazda CX-7 which is also on our short list) and it drives well. It doesn’t have the Mazda’s performance, but it doesn’t have the mazda’s fuel consumption either. That said, the new CX-7 due out in October would be worth a consideration for those buying new and are happy with the performance like the CR-V or Foreter as they will have the 2.5 litre from the mazda 6 slotted in to a price point. The reason I haven’t gove the Forester is 2 fold. 1. The current car has not dropped into my price point. 2. I personally preferred the feel of the CR-V when talking about the overall drive, quality of interior and luggage space.
I’m sure the patrol would be another good option but my wife isn’t a fan of the styling. Guess if we all liked the same thing, we would all be driving the same boring cars!!! Got to love choice……..
We were in the market for an SUV, and were set on getting a Tiguan, having read the great reviews and seen them on the road. We were ready to spend the dollars, and buy a car. We don’t know much about cars, are terrible at negotiating, so we would have been easy to sell to! However we found the VW dealership service in Brookvale to be atrocious. They gave us the keys, didn’t bother to talk us through the car features, and sent us on our way for a test drive. When we returned, the sales guy had disappeared, and the manager grabbed the keys from us and asked what we wanted to do. We asked him if he could tell us more about the car, and he rolled his eyes and shoved us a price list and told us to go away and have a read….needless to say we were unimpressed.
Sure, the VW is in demand, but they aren’t so fantastic that they can sell themselves – particularly at the price they are! We tried another VW dealership thinking it was just Brookvale, but they weren’t overly helpful either. Subaru in Petersham and Lindfield on the other hand were extremely helpful, and today we bought a Forester XS Premium. I must say, for $43K for 2010 model, we got roof racks, auto, leather, sun roof, rear sensors, dealer delivery, compared to the price VW quoted us($50) for the base model with just leather and no other extra’s …..combined with awful service, it was an easy decision. Also, I was rather disappointed by the VW’s interior compared to the Subaru’s after all the hype. I personally preferred the Subaru’s interior, boot space, and thoughtful features – I’m sure the Tiguan had it’s own features…if only a salesperson had bothered to point them out, but from where we were standing, the Subaru seem to be a much smoother drive, better turning circle, better interior, more space, more standard offerings – and all round much better value. We were already breathing a sigh of relief at the RRP (45K) just because of all the standard features included in the XS premium like the sunroof and leather seats….If you are in the market for a Tiguan, I urge you to try the Subaru or another SUV before you commit, as we were absolutely set on a Tiguan, but luckily ended up getting the tried and trusted Subaru.
The Forester may be good value, but you’ll regret it when it comes time to sell it. Foresters lose value very quickly while Tiguans will be in high demand on the used market for a long time yet, not to mention the better engines that won’t sound as rattly as a Subaru one will in five years.
I don’t know how you can think the Forester has a nicer interior. The design is so dated and the materials are cheap to say the least. The Tiguan may have a slightly plain interior, but it’s well laid out and very high quality.
However, I don’t doubt what you wrote about dealers. It just depends on where you go. I went with a friend to order a Golf GTI in London a few years ago and I’ve also been to Solitaire Volkswagen in Adelaide when a friend was interested in the Tiguan and they were both brilliant dealers. Great service even before they knew we were any more than browsing and that’s what you want. I hate feeling like I’m making them go out of their way to do their job. It’s so hard to hand over so much money to horrid uninterested people, so I wouldn’t have either. I probably would have shopped around until I found a better Volkswagen dealer if I were you, but you seem happy with your Forester. Best wishes.
Foresters do not lose value quickly Alex, in fact, they hold their value better than some of the other vehicles in it’s class. I quote Glass’s guide here: “Compact SUV segment for Subaru, with Forester and Outback filling 9 of the top 10 spots at 12 months, 7 of the top 10 spots at, 24, 36, and 60 months and 6 of the top 10 spots at 48 months”. Pretty good resale in my books.
While we are at it, how can you say a Subaru Engine sounds rattly in 5 years? I myself drive a 5 year old Forester, and it’s as good as it was the day I took delivery. The engine isn’t even rattly as you think they become. Or look at the Impreza I had before that, had that for 6 years, not rattly. Or the Leone I had for 11 years, that wasn’t rattly either. I bought an MY09 XS in April this year, and have been thoroughly impressed with it, and it is now parked alongside my 5 year old Forester. Congratulations to Alanna on the purchase of her new Forester.
I must say that even I (with my very limited car knowledge!) know that Foresters definitely are known to have excellent resale value, which is mentioned in a few of the car guides I have read. Also, it was pointed out that given the Tiguan is new to the market, it’s abit of an unknown quantity in terms of its resale value compared to the proven track record of the Forester….
Also, as for the diesel Tiguan – if you like the sounds a truck makes when driving, then definitely go for the diesel option….
I had a test drive both Tiguan and a next generation Hyundai Tucson…Buy a Tucson..It is miles miles better than Tiguan in every aspects…Quieter, Smoother, Roomier, much cheaper, more reliable and provide longer warranty
the Tiguan is a clear winner, no need even to compare in details…
better looking, Turbo high performance engine yet low on consumption, and don’t forget the 6 speed Tiptronic automanual transmission, which, till very lately, only 100k plus sport cars used to have and which is now STANDARD in ALL VW cars !
but on the other hand, with the CR-V you get the “its gotta be reliable since it is a Honda” attitude with a cheap designed uncomfortable inside, a weak engine that cant even pull the heavy “mini van like” chassis of the CRV forward correctly and outdated features. if you’re fine with all that than it is the way to go ;) it is clear that a featureless car has no features to worry about and thus, fewer trips to the garage ;)
Honda and Toyota Tactics:
1- wait till German and American car makers test a new feature for 5 years, include it as standard and claim ultimate reliability.
2-downsize the engine till its only enough to move the car and claim ultimate gas savings.
3-cut on all electronic features and claim ultimate cost reduction and less driver worries.
its kind of funny actually, and whats funnier is that those tricks only work in the USA, they cant claim that even in Japan !