Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota RAV4

The new Volkswagen Tiguan is considered a compact SUV that serves as the entry into the Volkswagen SUV lineup. It is a stylish, well-equipped and refined Sport Utility Vehicle that was redesigned in 2018 and continues to receive refinements to this day. If you are in the market for a reliable and stylish Sport Utility Vehicle, the VW Tiguan deserves to be on your shortlist.

One of its main rivals in the Compact SUV segment includes the Toyota RAV4. Redesigned in 2019, the RAV4 is a very popular SUV from the Toyota brand that carries an impeccable reputation for capabilities and reliability.

The Volkswagen Tiguan features a new look that was updated in 2018, while the Toyota RAV4 was redone in 2019. Both are fairly contemporary, with the VW taking on a more traditional appearance that includes a decidedly European elegance that many of its competition lacks. For 2020 the Tiguan includes an available SE R-Line Black model with black bumpers, badging and 20-inch black alloy wheels.

The RAV4 has gone all "Transformers" on us with a sci-fi front end that screams of a new boldness that the previous model did not possess.

The Volkswagen Tiguan gets its power from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. That power is sent from the engine to an eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers it to the front- or all-wheel-drive powertrain.

The Toyota RAV4 is driven by a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine making 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It, too, uses an eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver that power to a torque-vectoring AWD with driveline disconnect technology.

All Volkswagen Tiguan models are equipped with seating for five. Order the 4Motion-equipped all-wheel-drive version and you'll get a small third-row seat that is suitable for children. The VW Tiguan features a European-inspired interior with stellar seats that depending on trim level, can be had in cloth, leatherette or genuine leather.

Audio systems in the VW Tiguan range start with a base 6.5-inch touchscreen. They move up to VW's digital cockpit and navigation system with a premium Fender Audio system in the top line SEL Premium R-line version. The Toyota RAV4 includes either a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen display with navigation and premium audio system in the XLE trim level.

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Cargo space matches up at an identical 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row of both vehicles. It's a tradeoff: The VW Tiguan can carry seven passengers and tow 1,500 pounds, while the Toyota RAV4 can carry five people and up to 3,500 pounds of their things.

Volkswagen's Car-Net infotainment system is included at no charge for the first five years of ownership. This Subscription-based Security & Service feature provides remote vehicle lock/unlock, automatic crash notification and last parked locations.

The system grows to include the range-topping Guide & Inform feature, which includes built-in navigation, plus SiriusXM Travel Link that includes traffic and weather info, local fuel prices, movie information and sports scores. Conversely, the RAV4 includes Toyota's Safety Sense 2.0, which includes the latest advanced driving-assistance system (ADAS).

The Volkswagen Tiguan has not yet received an overall NHTSA rating, although they did earn a five-star rating in the side crash and four-star for rollover evaluations. The RAV4 receives an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating for models with the full LED lighting system. Versions without the system are rated as marginal.

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The Volkswagen Tiguan is equipped with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a four-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Toyota RAV4 includes a basic 3-year/36,000-mile warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

VW Tiguan vs Toyota RAV 4 Price

VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN BASE MSRP: $24,945
TOYOTA RAV4 BASE MSRP:  $25,950