Germany's Tiguan vs Japan's RAV4
In the mid-size crossover marketplace, there are over 35 different models. Two of the biggest competitors in the premium space are the Volkswagen Tiguan and Toyota RAV4; according to the latest NAAMSA figures, Volkswagen sold 235 Tiguans, with Toyota retailing 97 RAVs.
Related: Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110kW R Line DSG (2024) video review
These numbers fluctuate, and it can sometimes be hard to get a lead on which car is the better to buy. We crunch the numbers to see which Model should take up a slot in your garage.
Toyota RAV4 2.5 Plug-In Hybrid (2023) Quick Review
Drivetrain
| Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI R-Line 4Motion | Toyota RAV4 2.5 VX AWD | |
| Engine | 2.0 turbo Diesel 4-cylinder | 2.5l NA Petrol 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 7-speed DSG AWD | 8-speed Auto AWD |
| Power Figures | 110kW / 340Nm | 152kW / 243Nm |
| Top Speed | 207km/h | 200km/h |
When it comes to powerplants, it is pretty much an even keel. The Volkswagen's diesel comes up short on power but over on torque versus the Toyota. The Rav4 makes more power but is down on torque and overall top speed, but you get an extra gear.
Fuel Consumption
| Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI R-Line 4Motion | Toyota RAV4 2.5 VX AWD | |
| Claimed fuel consumption | 6.6 L/100km | 7.3L/100km |
| Actual consumption (combined cycle) | 6.7L/100km | 8.6L/100km |
| Tank Size | 55-litres | 55-litres |
| Distance on full tank | 833km | 753km |
Although the Volkswagen is a diesel the Toyota is right there in terms of fuel costs. This one comes down to personal choice.
Safety
| Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI R-Line 4Motion | Toyota RAV4 2.5 VX AWD | |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
| Hill hold assist | Yes | Yes |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | Yes | No |
| Camera | Optional 360 | Standard 360 |
| PDC (Park Distance Control) | Yes (Camera system optional) | Yes (Rearview camera standard) |
| Airbags | 8 | 7 |
| Cruise control | Optional Adaptive | Adaptive |
| Lane Keep Assist | Yes | Yes |
| HUD (Heads Up Display) | Optional | No |
| Keyless Entry | Optional | Yes |
| LED Lighting | Yes (Matrix LED) | Yes |
Toyota has no options to speak of. What you see is what you get and that way there are no nasty surprises price-wise like when you tick a few extra boxes on the Tiguan.
The Drive
| Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI R-Line 4Motion | Toyota RAV4 2.5 VX AWD | |
| Boot space | 652l / 1650l | 733l / 1951l |
| Towing capacity braked and unbraked | 750kg / 1900kg | 750kg / 1500kg |
| Tow bar | Optional electric deployable | Factory fitment by request |
| Seating | Massaging, Heated and Ventilated Sport seats | Heated Standard leather |
| Sunroof | Optional panoramic | No |
When it comes to the drive, both vehicles are once again well matched, with both exhibiting exceptional comfort and driving dynamics. The Tiguan has the better infotainment system, and the Rav4 has better secondary ride characteristics.
Pricing
| Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI | R 651 500 | ||
| Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI Life | R 702 800 | Toyota RAV4 2.0 GX-R AWD | R 705 600 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI Life 4Motion | R 755 700 | Toyota RAV4 2.0 VX | R 719 600 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI R-Line | R 766 300 | Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid GX-R E-Four | R 748 700 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI R-Line 4Motion | R 834 800 | Toyota RAV4 2.5 VX AWD | R 817 700 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TSI R-Line 4Motion | R 835 900 | Toyota RAV4 2.5 Hybrid VX E-Four | R 841 600 |
| Toyota RAV4 2.5 Plug-In Hybrid E-Four | R 980 000 |
Volkswagen offers a 3-year / 120 000km warranty and 5-year / 90 000km service plan while Toyota has a 3-year / 100 000km warranty and 6 service / 90 000km service plan.
Verdict
Both the VW and Toyota are very much on par in spec and performance, but in a market segment as busy as this one, The RAV4 pips the VW Tiguan to the line as the mid-size premium crossover SUV to have. It may be slightly more expensive initially, but you are almost guaranteed to get your money back when you trade in. The VW still suffers from the dreaded options list that can drive up the price from the base as listed, while the Rav4 comes with everything you will need and more. The Tiguan is a fantastic vehicle, but the smart money is in the Toyota Rav4.
