Toyota RAV4 vs Volkswagen Tiguan: A Duel Between SUVs

Toyota RAV4 vs Volkswagen Tiguan: A Duel Between SUVs
Toyota RAV4 vs Volkswagen Tiguan: A Duel Between SUVs

RAV4 or Tiguan: which should you choose? A comparison between the two vehicles offers a clearer perspective to help you make an informed decision. Complex VW 440 in Laval, near Montreal-North, Terrebonne and the North Shore of Montreal, gives you the details.

Price and Trims: Rav4 or Tiguan?

Let’s begin by comparing trims and base prices. Given that they are both compact SUVs, let's focus on the trims available for the 2025 model-year.

The table below gives us a preview of this duel between titans:

2025 Volkswagen Tiguan 2025 Toyota RAV4
Trendline 4MOTION: $39,310 RAV4 LE: $36,689
Comfortline 4MOTION: $42,810 RAV4 XLE: $40,429
Comfortline R-Line Black Edition 4MOTION: $46,310 RAV4 Trail: $41,119
Highline R-Line 4MOTION: $50,310 RAV4 Limited: $48,309

At first glance, there appears to be no difference in the number of available trims for the two SUVs. Moreover, while it seems that the RAV4 is less expensive than the Tiguan, one must consider the equipment offered with each trim.

For example, starting with the Trendline trim of the 2025 Tiguan, among other features, you will enjoy a 12.9-inch touch screen, dual-zone air-conditioning, 17-inch Shanx rims, adaptive cruise control, and much more.

On the other hand, the RAV4 LE does not offer as many features, providing merely an 8-inch touch screen and a 6-speaker sound system, which highlights these initial differences in prices.

In short, it seems that you get more with the Tiguan than the RAV4, all other factors being equal. But before drawing a conclusion, let's go further.

3/4 front and side view of the Volkswagen Tiguan 2025 on the road at full power

Powertrain and Performance: Rav4 or Tiguan

Toyota RAV4 vs Tiguan: which one is more powerful?

The gasoline-powered Toyota RAV4 relies on a 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine that produces 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. maximum torque. This engine works in tandem with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Tiguan is equipped with a 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that develops 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. of torque. This powertrain also operates with an 8-speed automatic transmission. If you are looking for an even more powerful Volkswagen, consider the Volkswagen Atlas.

While the RAV4 has more horsepower than the Tiguan, the latter demonstrates more impressive performance with an additional 37 lb-ft. of torque.

Fuel Economy: Which Model is More Efficient?

The 2025 Toyota RAV4 appears to be more fuel efficient than the Volkswagen Tiguan, with a combined gasoline consumption of 8.5 L/100 km, while the latter shows a consumption rate of 9.4 L/100 km.

Front view of the Volkswagen Tiguan 2025 on the road at full power

Towing Capacity and Cargo Space

Both rivals can tow up to 1,500 lb. However, the cargo space available aboard the RAV4 is noticeably less than that of the 2025 Tiguan. The RAV4 offers up to 1,977 litres in cargo space, whereas the Tiguan provides up to 2,078 litres.

Dimensions and Design: Which has more Room?

The Tiguan by Volkswagen Canada ranks among the best compact SUVs. Popular and boasting a modern, versatile design, it stands out from its rival, which displays a more cubic design.

Additionally, the dimensions for the two vehicles differ, as seen in the table below:

Dimensions Volkswagen Tiguan Toyota RAV4
Wheelbase 2,791 mm 2,690 mm
Length 4,728 mm 4,610 mm
Width 1,839 mm 1,864 mm
Height 1,688 mm 1,742 mm

At first glance, the Tiguan displays more attractive dimensions than the RAV4. Another size difference: the RAV4 accommodates 5 passengers, whereas the Tiguan can seat up to 7.

Technologies and Features: Which SUV offers more Functionalities?

When it comes to the features found aboard both compact SUVs, suffice to say that the equipment-to-price ratio works in favour of the 2025 Tiguan.

This observation is based on an examination of each vehicle's specifications. Without jumping into the specifics, let’s mention two examples: beyond the Trendline trim, the Tiguan provides a 15-inch touch screen, while the RAV4's screen size does not exceed 10.5-inches, all trims considered. Additionally, the Tiguan offers customizable ambient interior lighting in 10 colours, a feature not found on the RAV4.

Interior view of the Volkswagen Tiguan 2025 and its dashboard

Toyota Rav4 vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Which to Choose Based on your Needs?

In light of what we have seen above, it is important to note that both vehicles are known for their reliability.

Furthermore, the Tiguan gives you more for your money than the 2025 RAV4. Spacious, practical and very comfortable, it also offers a third row of seats. With a truly enjoyable driving experience, you cannot possibly go wrong with the VW Tiguan.

Come and discover the entire range of the 2025 Tiguan at your Volkswagen dealership, Complex VW 440 in Laval, near Montreal North, Terrebonne and the North Shore of Montreal. Take advantage of flexible Volkswagen financing solutions and current Volkswagen special offers in Laval. We look forward to seeing you.

To conclude, here are the key specifications for both SUVs, at a glance:

Features Volkswagen Tiguan Toyota RAV4
Seating 7 5
Powertrain 2.0 L 4-cylinder turbo 2.5 L 4-cylinder
Power and Performance 184 horsepower/221 lb-ft. 203 horsepower /184 lb-ft.
Cargo Space Up to 2,078 L Up to 1,977 L
Towing Capacity 1,500 lbs 1,500 lbs
Combined Fuel Consumption 9.4 L/100 km 8.5 L/100 km
Rear view of the Volkswagen Tiguan 2025 at a gravel stop
2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan: an SUV battle!

2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan: an SUV battle!

First launched in 2007, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan can accommodate a 3rd row of seats, which is very rare in the compact SUV segment. This Volkswagen SUV is appreciated, among other things, for the exhilarating driving experience it provides, its very high level of safety and its formidable versatility.

In this article, we match it to the 2021 Toyota RAV4, which first hit the roads of Quebec in 1994. It is available in six versions, all of them powered by gasoline engines.

Here is the 2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan comparison./complexevw440/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/16092847/Volkswagen-Tiguan-2021-16.jpg

three quarter front view of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan driven on a road by a body of water

Tiguan vs. RAV4: price and powertrain

The Trendline version of the VW Tiguan, the first of four versions which also includes the Comfortline, United and Highline, sells for between $31,865 and $42,265, while the Toyota SUV is offered at a starting price of $30,929 for the LE FWD version, and $44,029 for the Limited version. At the heart of the 2021 Tiguan is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission for all models. The 2021 RAV4, in turn, is equipped with a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

With the exception of the starter Trendline version, every Tiguan version offers the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. When we compare the standard features of the Tiguan and those of the RAV4, it quickly becomes obvious that the Tiguan boasts much more equipment, including a Start/Stop System with regenerative braking and heated windshield spray nozzles. Let’s not forget the option to add a 3rd row of seats, which is very practical for larger families.

front view of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan driven on a road

Connectivity and on-board technologies

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 and 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan both offer cruise control, heated outside mirrors, a 6-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, air conditioning, rearview camera, LED headlights, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, 17-inch wheels and heated front seats, among other features. Their towing capacities are identical: 680 kg (1,500 lbs.).

When we compare the higher-end versions of the Tiguan vs. RAV4, we find that the Tiguan offers more than the 2021 RAV4 for a similar price. These advantages include a multi-link rear suspension, a turbocharged intercooler compressor, park assist system with sensors, a power tailgate with hands-free easy opening and closing, galvanized steel body, remote ignition, power panoramic sunroof over both rows, power-folding heated outside mirrors with memory and reverse tilt functions, adaptive headlights and Nappa leather sport seats.

inside view of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan showing the front row seats and the driving wheel

Tiguan vs RAV4: Cargo capacity

Now, in terms of their cargo capacities, the Toyota RAV4 provides 1,059 liters of space, while the Tiguan offers a little more, with 1,065 liters, when the rear seats are folded down. Its fuel tank is also bigger, and can hold 60 liters, compared to 55 for the RAV4. One of the features that VW Canada greatly appreciates about its models is without a doubt their exceptional quality and the meticulous workmanship, as well as the use of high-quality materials and components. The multimedia system works wonderfully, and everything in the cabin is well thought-out. In short, aboard the Tiguan, you'll enjoy divine comfort and flawless ergonomics.

More spacious than its opponent, the Tiguan offers more leg, head and hip room, which is ideal for your long drives far in Laval, Montreal or Terrebonne.

What's more, with a truly exceptional finish and attention to detail, you'll always travel in comfort, whatever your destination. Unfortunately, only the driver will enjoy its incredible performance and dynamic driving, the signature of Volkswagen products. It’s fair to say that German engineering is a step ahead of other manufacturers in terms of driving pleasure.

rear view of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan with the trunk open while it is being loaded

Conclusions of this 2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Comparison

Named the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) Top Safety Pick in 2020, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is without a doubt the right SUV for you.

So if you're looking for an SUV as spacious as it is elegant, with remarkable performance and undeniable workmanship, the 2021 VW Tiguan will meet your expectations.

Take a road test at your Volkswagen dealer, Complexe Volkswagen 440, located on Highway 440 in Laval, near Terrebonne and Montreal-North.

three quarter view of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan driven on a road while it is raining
Model Engine Power Torque Powertrain Price
Trendline 4 cyl. turbo 2.0 L 184 HP 221 lb-ft AWD $31 865
Trendline 4MOTION $34 065
Comfortline $37 215
United Edition $39 215
Highline $42 265