Electrification in automobiles continues to gain popularity, especially in hybrid form. They make sense in terms of efficiency while maintaining comfort and practicality. However, we know customers remain skeptical about hybrids. They want to improve the performance of an internal combustion engine and nothing else.
When it comes to the most popular automotive segment, the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan has everything you want, including a pair of powerful internal combustion engines. However, MotorTrend supposed that you could achieve the same performance with better fuel economy and greater practicality in the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid. With that hypothesis in mind, they compared the Tiguan and Forester Hybrid to see which works best for consumers in this SUV size class.
The 2026 Tiguan has a lot to offer in this comparison. It also offers many advantages. For one, the interior quality of the 2026 Tiguan is top-notch. The materials are great to the touch, along with the controls and interfaces. You will find the steering-stalk-mounted shifter simple to use, freeing up space in the center console for the things you need access to.
There is also more equipment available on the 2026 Tiguan. The SE R-Line Black model tested by MotorTrend included a head-up display, a very useful feature that helps you keep your eyes on the road. The larger 12.9-inch multifunction color touchscreen display is quicker to use and connect your devices to. There is also the Atmospheres mood selector that creates an environment that matches how you’re feeling behind the wheel.
Practicality is one reason to consider the 2026 Tiguan. Especially when you have up to 69.6 cubic feet of cargo space for everything. Rear seat passengers enjoy a spacious area with USB-C charging ports to keep their devices going on long trips.
The base engine of the Tiguan is a version of the 201-horsepower EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This engine is more powerful than the Forester Hybrid’s net combined figure. The Volkswagen also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission with a choice of front- or 4Motion all-wheel drive.
Combine all of this with great looks and advanced driver-assistance features, and the 2026 Tiguan is truly a great combination. In the end, MotorTrend favored the 2026 Tiguan over the Forester Hybrid. They pointed out that it has a “fantastic interior,” exhibiting “GTI-like driving manners” and is “quiet.” Deep down, it is still a Volkswagen – a place where drivers are welcome.
If this comparison is helpful, contact us at Team Gillman Volkswagen to see the 2026 Tiguan SE R-Line Black for yourself. You’ll be the judge whether this is the right SUV for you. Every new Tiguan comes with the Team Gillman Advantage.