2021 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2021 VW Tiguan
Overview
There is no shortage of tough competition in the SUV market, leading to some great choices for shoppers. Perhaps you narrowed down your compact SUV hunt to the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. Both are strong picks, but which one stands taller?
Exterior and Interior
After its muscular redesign in 2019, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 rides atop 19-inch wheels and has more ground clearance than the 2021 Tiguan. The RAV4 gives a broader choice of exterior colors among the various trim levels, as well.
For drivers who often haul luggage and equipment or have large grocery trips, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 has an incredible 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, 12 cubic feet more than the Tiguan. The Tiguan has a third row, but the RAV4 has a bit more cabin space, so passengers don't sacrifice comfort.
Safety Features
For onboard safety features, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 has several advantages over the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan. All models of the RAV4 have safety features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. In contrast, most of these features cost extra in the Tiguan. This difference in standard features shouldn't be a surprise, as the RAV4 is a class leader in standard equipment across all categories, from cabin comfort to crash prevention.
Engine and Performance
Amongst various RAV4 trims and options, you'll be able to choose from six gasoline engines, not counting several hybrids and plug-in hybrid setups. Let's keep it simple and compare the starter models: the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine on the RAV4 produces 203 horsepower, while the Tiguan's base four-cylinder engine only makes 184 horsepower. This difference in power becomes significant when you have a full load of passengers and cargo.
Although both models drive similarly in a few ways, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 has better maneuverability overall. When properly equipped, RAV4's maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, which is 2,000 pounds more than Tiguan's towing capacity. For these reasons and more, drivers interested in a top-performing SUV should consider the RAV4 first.
Going through the above differences in specs and design, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 has pretty much everything that a perfect crossover should have. Although both models have their upsides, don't settle on a Tiguan without taking at least one 2021 RAV4 for a test drive first. Stop by your local Toyota dealership today!