Rav4 vs tiguan: a detailed comparison of specifications, features, and prices

The compact SUV market is fiercely competitive, with two standout contenders: the Toyota RAV4 and the Volkswagen Tiguan. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of practicality, performance, and technology. But which one emerges as the ultimate victor? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Toyota RAV4 vs Volkswagen Tiguan to determine the king of the SUV realm.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Engine Options:

• RAV4: 2.5L 4-cylinder (203 hp), 2.5L 4-cylinder hybrid (219 hp), 2.5L 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid (302 hp)
• Tiguan: 2.0L 4-cylinder (184 hp), 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged (221 hp)

Fuel Economy:

• RAV4: 28 mpg city/35 mpg highway (gasoline), 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway (hybrid), 94 MPGe city/72 MPGe highway (plug-in hybrid)
• Tiguan: 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway (gasoline), 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway (turbocharged)

The RAV4 offers a wider range of engine options, including a potent plug-in hybrid variant, while the Tiguan’s turbocharged engine delivers more power. However, the RAV4’s hybrid and plug-in hybrid options provide superior fuel efficiency.

Interior and Comfort

Passenger Capacity:

• RAV4: 5
• Tiguan: 5

Cargo Space:

• RAV4: 37.6 cubic feet (behind second row), 69.8 cubic feet (with second row folded)
• Tiguan: 37.6 cubic feet (behind second row), 73.5 cubic feet (with second row folded)

Both SUVs offer ample seating for five passengers, with generous cargo space that can be further expanded by folding down the second row of seats. The RAV4 provides slightly less cargo room than the Tiguan in both configurations.

Features and Technology:

RAV4:

• Standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available 9-inch touchscreen with navigation
• Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ safety suite

Tiguan:

• Standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Available 8-inch touchscreen with navigation
• Standard Volkswagen IQ.DRIVE safety suite

The RAV4 offers a larger standard touchscreen and a more comprehensive safety suite than the Tiguan. However, the Tiguan’s available 8-inch touchscreen provides a slightly larger display.

Safety and Reliability

Crash Test Ratings:

RAV4:

• NHTSA: 5-star overall
• IIHS: Top Safety Pick+

Tiguan:

• NHTSA: 5-star overall
• IIHS: Top Safety Pick+

Both the RAV4 and Tiguan have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Reliability Ratings:

RAV4:

• J.D. Power: 82/100
• Consumer Reports: 5/5

Tiguan:

• J.D. Power: 77/100
• Consumer Reports: 4/5

The RAV4 boasts a slightly higher reliability rating from J.D. Power, while Consumer Reports gives both vehicles a solid rating.

Price and Value

Base Price:

• RAV4: $27,975
• Tiguan: $26,445

Fully Loaded Price:

• RAV4: $43,985
• Tiguan: $47,645

The Tiguan has a slightly lower base price, but the RAV4’s fully loaded price is more affordable.

Off-Road Capabilities

RAV4:

• Available all-wheel drive
• TRD Off-Road trim with enhanced off-road features

Tiguan:

• Standard all-wheel drive
• Available 4Motion Off-Road Package

Both SUVs offer all-wheel drive capabilities, but the RAV4’s TRD Off-Road trim provides more aggressive off-road features.

Final Note: The Verdict

The Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan are both exceptional compact SUVs with their own strengths and weaknesses. The RAV4 offers a wider range of engine options, including efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, as well as a more comprehensive safety suite and a slightly lower fully loaded price. The Tiguan, on the other hand, has a slightly lower base price, more powerful turbocharged engine options, and a larger cargo area with the second row of seats folded.

Ultimately, the best choice between the RAV4 and Tiguan depends on individual preferences and priorities. If fuel efficiency, technology, and safety are paramount, the Toyota RAV4 is the clear winner. If power, cargo space, and a lower base price are more important, the Volkswagen Tiguan is a formidable contender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: Both the RAV4 and Tiguan have earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.

Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The RAV4’s hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants offer superior fuel efficiency compared to the Tiguan.

Q: Which SUV has more cargo space?
A: The Tiguan has slightly more cargo space than the RAV4, especially with the second row of seats folded down.

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Tiguan’s 2.0L turbocharged engine delivers more horsepower than the RAV4’s 2.5L 4-cylinder engine.

Q: Which SUV has a lower base price?
A: The Tiguan has a slightly lower base price than the RAV4.