Subaru Outback vs Volkswagen Tiguan
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Volkswagen Tiguan wins on money kept: 72% retained after three years vs 63%, worth about R 50 178 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Outback | Tiguan | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 839 000 | R 664 500 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 14 664/m | R 11 614/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 85% |
| Retained after 3 years | 63% | 72% |
| Value after 3 years | R 530 023 | R 479 846 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 308 977 | R 184 654 |
| Value after 5 years | R 408 248 | R 398 194 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Strong mainstream |
Subaru Outback →
Effectively a raised Legacy wagon, the Outback has been Subaru SA's alternative to mid-size SUVs since the late 1990s. The current generation sells from R839k with a five-year maintenance plan included. Buyers rate its touring comfort and safety scores, though resale trails the Toyota crowd.
Known for: go-anywhere wagon with awd
Volkswagen Tiguan →
VW's core family SUV in SA since 2008, now in its third generation. It holds value well by segment standards, and the 1.4 TSI versions dominate the used market thanks to their balance of economy and price.
Known for: family suv with premium feel
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Subaru Outback or the Volkswagen Tiguan?
The Volkswagen Tiguan. It keeps about 72% of its price after three years against 63% for the Subaru Outback, a gap of 9 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Subaru Outback loses about R 308 977 over three years and the Volkswagen Tiguan loses about R 184 654. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Subaru Outback runs about R 14 664 per month and the Volkswagen Tiguan about R 11 614, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.