Subaru Forester vs Volkswagen Golf SportWagen

2025 Subaru Forester
2025 Subaru Forester
$29,810MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
$21,895MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Subaru Forester
$29,810MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
$21,895MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

1998-Present

Years produced

2015-2019

MSRP

$29,810

MSRP

$21,895

Average price

$20,631

Average price

Listings

1238

Listings

134

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

Pros
  • Impressive noise reduction compared to its predecessor
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Confident handling in adverse conditions
Cons
  • Generic styling
  • Dated infotainment graphics
  • No hybrid options available

Reviews 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.

Reviews Summary

No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 180 hp H4

Engine

1.4L 147 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

Horsepower

147 hp @ 5000 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

29

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

37
2025 Subaru Forester
2025 Subaru Forester
$29,810MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
$21,895MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Subaru Forester
$29,810MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
$21,895MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
1998-Present
2015-2019
MSRP
$29,810
$21,895
Average price
$20,631
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.4
4.7
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Impressive noise reduction compared to its predecessor
  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Confident handling in adverse conditions
Cons
  • Generic styling
  • Dated infotainment graphics
  • No hybrid options available
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.

Video
No video found

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
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