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The Toyota RAV4 continues to dominate the compact crossover SUV segment — and last year, it surpassed the Corolla as the world’s best-selling car. See how the RAV4 stacks up against one of its rivals in this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 VW Tiguan comparison. With its abundance of advantages, the RAV4 tops the Tiguan in many key areas. 

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan

Front angle view of Cavalry Blue 2023 Toyota RAV4 crossover SUV
Cavalry Blue 2023 Toyota RAV4 | Toyota

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 VW Tiguan crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

RAV4 vs. Tiguan: Performance and gas mileage

Front angle view of Pure White 2023 VW Tiguan crossover SUV
Pure White 2023 VW Tiguan | Volkswagen

With its more powerful engine options, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage for performance. Engine choices include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 horsepower), a hybrid (219 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 horsepower). In comparison, all 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan models come equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 184 horsepower.

The RAV4 also has the advantage for efficiency. The fully gas-powered RAV4 has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 40 combined mpg. Also, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 94 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode. In comparison, the Tiguan has an estimated gas mileage of up to 26 combined mpg.

RAV4 vs. Tiguan: Towing

The 2023 RAV4 can tow more than the 2023 Tiguan. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, compared to 1,500 pounds for the Tiguan.

RAV4 vs. Tiguan: Off-road capabilities

Both crossover SUVs offer an all-wheel drive system for extra traction. However, the RAV4 has the advantage for off-road use. For one, the RAV4 has higher ground clearance than the Tiguan (up to 8.6 vs. 7.6 inches). Also, unlike the Tiguan, the RAV4 has off-road-focused models with the TRD Off-Road, Woodland Edition, and Adventure trims.

RAV4 vs. Tiguan: Safety

The RAV4 and Tiguan both have a strong roster of safety features and driving assistance technologies. This includes a blind-spot monitoring system, brake assist, electronic stability control, a backup camera, and a lane departure warning system.

RAV4 vs. Tiguan: Passenger and cargo space

The 2023 Tiguan is bigger than the 2023 RAV4, resulting in more interior space. It has a total passenger volume of 120.0 cu-ft, compared to 98.9 cu-ft for the RAV4. Also, while the RAV4 and two-row version of the Tiguan can seat up to five passengers, the three-row Tiguan can seat up to seven. 

For storage space, the RAV4 has a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cu-ft, compared to 73.4 cu-ft for the two-row Tiguan and 65.3 cu-ft for the three-row version.

RAV4 vs. Tiguan: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, the RAV4 is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. In comparison, the Tiguan has a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also, both crossover SUVs offer up to a two-year free maintenance plan. However, the one for the RAV4 is for a longer mileage period (up to 25,000 vs. 20,000 miles).

RAV4 vs. Tiguan: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 RAV4 or the 2023 Tiguan? The starting price of the 2023 Tiguan ranges from $26,590 MSRP for the 2.0T S trim up to $37,320 MSRP for the 2.0T SEL R-Line trim.

For the 2023 RAV4, the official price information is not yet available. However, the 2023 RAV4 will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 model. The starting price of the 2022 RAV4 ranges from $26,975 MSRP for the LE trim up to $43,625 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 VW Tiguan: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 VW Tiguan crossover SUV comparison, the 2023 RAV4 has most of the advantages. This includes advantages for performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, and more generous powertrain warranty and complimentary maintenance plans. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Tiguan include interior space and a more generous basic warranty. 

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