Compare the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Against the 2021 Toyota RAV4

August 31, 2021

The compact SUV, for many drivers, is the ideal combination of space and efficiency. The practicality of the compact SUV has made it one of the most popular, and therefore one of the most competitive, segments in the automotive market today. The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, Volkswagen's resident compact SUV model, has a lot to offer, but how does it compare to other models in its segment?

In this comparison, we'll find out by comparing the 2021 Tiguan against the 2021 Toyota RAV4 in key categories like performance, capability, standard features, and safety. This way, you'll get a complete picture of the value both models bring to the table. Let's see which compact SUV is the best value for you.

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan VS 2021 Toyota RAV4: Interior

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a bit unique in its segment because even though it's still classified in the small SUV EPA class, it has a third row and can seat up to seven passengers. The Toyota RAV4, like most compacts, can only fit five passengers in two rows of seating. Naturally, the 2021 Tiguan has a much larger passenger volume, 123.9 cubic feet vs. 98.9 cubic feet. The 2021 RAV4 has a little more cargo space with a max capacity of 69.8 cubic feet against the 65.7 cubic feet capacity of the Tiguan. But, if you choose the five-seat configuration, the 2021 Tiguan can expand that cargo space to 73.5 cubic feet. The Volkswagen Tiguan is also more versatile with its 40/20/40 split-folding second row while the second row of the Toyota RAV4 is only 60/40 split-folding. But, it's not just about interior space with these two. On the outside, the SUVs are actually quite similar with both sporting LED taillights, roof rails, and 17" multi-spoke wheels.

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan VS 2021 Toyota RAV4: Technology

When it comes to technology, the 2021 Tiguan and 2021 RAV4 both come standard with a wealth of features like Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™ for smartphone integration, Bluetooth® for phone connectivity, and even an internet hotspot so you and your passengers can stay connected on the road. Plus, the Volkswagen Tiguan comes with the advanced Volkswagen Car-Net® mobile app. Toyota also has a mobile app, the Toyota App, but doesn't do much more than allow you to remote start your car and lock the doors. The Volkswagen Car-Net®, however, offers drivers remote commands, gives you family guardian alerts so you know who is driving the Tiguan and how they're driving, parking info via Parkopedia®, and safety services like Automatic Crash Notifications, Roadside Call Assist, and more.

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan VS 2021 Toyota RAV4: Performance

When it comes to performance, the 2021 Tiguan and 2021 RAV4 are similar in terms of horsepower and torque, but this doesn't mean they'll feel the same from behind the wheel. The Volkswagen Tiguan starts out with a  2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb/ft of torque. The Toyota RAV4 starts out with a larger, naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine making 203 horsepower and 184 lb/ft of torque. However, simply seeing these numbers in print doesn't tell the whole story. The turbocharged engine in the VW Tiguan provides breathtaking acceleration when you need it, or even when you just want to feel pushed back in your seat after a long day at work. Both models do offer a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, but our customers find that the additional cargo room in the VW Tiguan performs quite well for their needs.

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan VS 2021 Toyota RAV4: Safety

In terms of safety, the 2021 Tiguan and 2021 RAV4 are among the elite. But don't just take our word for it. The IIHS, one of the leaders in automotive crash-test ratings, awarded both models with its Top Safety Pick designation. Of course, safety isn't just crash-test ratings, it's also driver-assist technology to prevent crashes and accidents from ever happening. The Volkswagen Tiguan and Toyota RAV4 share many standard driver-assist features including forward collision warning and pedestrian detection. The two models, though, have a mixture of what's standard and what's available. For instance, blind spot monitor and automatic emergency braking with front assist are standard on the 2021 Tiguan but only available as part of an option package or on higher trims of the 2021 RAV4. Adaptive cruise control and lane departure alert, standard on the Toyota RAV4, are available on the Volkswagen Tiguan as optional features or standard on higher trims.

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan VS 2021 Toyota RAV4: Price

Our final comparison will look at the starting price of these two compact SUVs. The 2021 Tiguan, despite being bigger and being able to seat more passengers, actually has a lower starting MSRP at $25,245 compared to the $26,350 starting price of the 2021 RAV4. Plus, when you take into account the impressive performance, technology, and safety of the Volkswagen Tiguan, it's clear it's one of the best priced and valuable models in the competitive compact SUV class.

To learn more about the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan and get behind the wheel of one yourself, get in touch with our staff at Byers Volkswagen in Columbus, Ohio, to learn more or schedule your own test drive.

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan		2021 Toyota RAV4
$25,245	Starting MSRP*	$26,350
2.0-Liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder	Standard Engine	2.5-Liter DOHC 4-Cylinder
184 HP / 221 lb/ft	Performance Output (Horsepower / Torque)	203 HP / 184 lb/ft
17" Wide Multi-Spoke Machined Alloy	Wheels	17" Silver Six-Spoke Steel
7 Passengers	Seating Capacity	5 Passengers
123.9 Cubic Feet	Passenger Volume	98.9 Cubic Feet
65.7 Cubic Feet (73.5 w/ 5-Seat Configuration)	Cargo Capacity	69.8 Cubic Feet
Standard	Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™	Standard
Standard	Blind Spot Monitor	Available as Part of Package
Top Safety Pick	IIHS Safety Rating	Top Safety Pick

*Prices exclude destination, taxes, title, other options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

Related Pages

• Read Other Volkswagen Comparisons
• Learn More About the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan
• Shop Our New Tiguan Inventory