If fuel cost matters most
Volkswagen Tiguan with up to 44 MPG combined.
Side-by-side verified model comparison
Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota RAV4
Volkswagen Tiguan and Toyota RAV4 answer the same shopping question from different directions. The Tiguan is more efficient on verified EPA data, while the RAV4 reaches the higher power peak. Use the table below to decide whether your priority is fuel cost, safety, size or outright output.
At a glance
| Metric | Volkswagen Tiguan | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Production coverage | 2007 - present | 1994 - present |
| Verified generations | 2 | 2 |
| Peak power | 190 hp | 302 hp |
| Best EPA combined | 44 MPG | 40 MPG |
| Latest NHTSA overall | 5★ | 5★ |
| Open recalls (2023/2019) | 1 | 7 |
| Latest dimensions | 4486 × 1839 × 1654 mm | 4600 × 1855 × 1685 mm |
| Average curb weight | 1613 kg (3556 lbs) | 1765 kg (3891 lbs) |
| Fuel types | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid |
If power matters most
Toyota RAV4 with a verified peak of 302 hp.
If safety is the filter
They are effectively tied on this metric; use the table and generation links for context.
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Head-to-Head: Base Model Specifications
A detailed side-by-side comparison of the entry-level powertrain for the newest verified generation of each model. This shows exactly what you get before adding options or stepping up to premium trims.
| Specification | Volkswagen TiguanTiguan II 1.5 TSI | Toyota RAV4RAV4 XA50 2.5 Dynamic Force AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & Performance | ||
| Engine Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Cylinders / Configuration | I4 | I4 |
| Displacement | 1.5L (1498 cc) | 2.5L (2487 cc) |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Naturally aspirated |
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 203 hp |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 250 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) | 9.2 s | 8.5 s |
| Top Speed | 202 km/h | 190 km/h |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch | Automatic |
| Gears | 7 | 8 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy & Range | ||
| City MPG (EPA) | 34.0 MPG | 25.0 MPG |
| Highway MPG (EPA) | 46.0 MPG | 33.0 MPG |
| Combined MPG (EPA) | 40.0 MPG | 28.0 MPG |
| Electric Range | — | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | — |
| CO₂ Emissions | 139 g/km | 188 g/km |
| Dimensions & Utility | ||
| Length | 4486 mm | 4600 mm |
| Width | 1839 mm | 1855 mm |
| Height | 1654 mm | 1685 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2677 mm | 2690 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1505 kg | 1660 kg |
| Doors / Seats | 4 / 5 | 4 / 5 |
What search winners do that generic comparisons don’t
The top-ranking comparison pages win because they answer an explicit buying job: which one is more efficient, which one is safer, which one is larger, which one has the broader powertrain range. Pages that only dump two brochures side by side rarely hold clicks.
This comparison uses the newest verified generation of each model as the headline lens, then routes you into the exact generation sheets for the trim-level details. That is more durable than comparing incentives or dealer inventory, and more trustworthy than hiding missing data behind a made-up score.
Questions buyers ask
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Tiguan or the RAV4?
Volkswagen Tiguan wins on verified EPA combined economy at up to 44 MPG, versus 40 MPG for the Toyota RAV4.
Which has more horsepower, the Tiguan or the RAV4?
Toyota RAV4 reaches the higher verified peak at 302 hp, compared with 190 hp for the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Which is safer: Tiguan or RAV4?
Volkswagen Tiguan has a latest recorded NHTSA overall rating of 5★; Toyota RAV4 has 5★. Cross-check the frontal, side and rollover rows rather than using one headline number alone.
Is this a trim-by-trim comparison?
This page compares the newest verified generation of each model family. For year-specific engines, dimensions and trim tables, open the linked generation pages for each side.