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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan vs. 2018 Toyota RAV4

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan and 2018 Toyota RAV4 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan and the 2018 Toyota RAV4.

In comparing the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan's and the 2018 Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars and base engine power. The 2018 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan's and the 2018 Toyota RAV4's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Toyota RAV4 is a better car than the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan.

Pricing: A used 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan ranges from $10,180 to $19,998 while a used 2018 Toyota RAV4 is priced between $14,667 to $25,991.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan loses 47.8 percent of its value and the 2018 Toyota RAV4 loses 30.3 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Toyota RAV4 retains 17.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.6 out of 10 while the Toyota RAV4's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Tiguan being ranked 13 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Toyota RAV4 being ranked 1 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Volkswagen Tiguan is ranked 31 and the Toyota RAV4 is ranked 1.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Tiguan is 7.5 out of 10. For the Toyota RAV4 the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Toyota RAV4 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan’s base engine makes 184 horsepower, and the 2018 Toyota RAV4 base engine makes 176 horsepower. The Tiguan is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 413 miles. The RAV4 is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 477 miles. This gives the 2018 Toyota RAV4 the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2018 Toyota RAV4 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage in the areas of rear head room and rear shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2018 Toyota RAV4 has higher safety ratings than the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.45 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
2018 Toyota RAV4

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
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2018 Volkswagen Tiguan for Sale

2018 Toyota RAV4
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2018 Toyota RAV4 for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

24595

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

24370

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

22550 - 27895

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

24660

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)

24370

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)

22550 - 27895

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

15117

Price Range:

10180 - 19998

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

16311

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

12871 - 23031

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

501

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

85354

# Good or Great Deals:

265

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

19975

Price Range:

14667 - 25991

Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)

16311

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)

12871 - 23031

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1102

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

92219

# Good or Great Deals:

470

Volkswagen Tiguan Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.6 / 10

Reliability:

7.5 / 10

Retained Value:

8.0 / 10

Safety:

7.4 / 10

Toyota RAV4 Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.8 / 10

Reliability:

8.2 / 10

Retained Value:

9.1 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

3.4

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

4.1

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

2.6 - 8.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.02

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Toyota RAV4

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

8.0

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)

4.1

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)

2.6 - 8.7

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.312



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

12.065927286918537

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

4.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.9 - 14.0

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

3.4527335532180663

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

4.2

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)

1.9 - 14.0

Volkswagen Tiguan Rankings

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 34

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

1 / 30

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

1 / 30

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $30k

2 / 2

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $30k

2 / 2

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

6 / 19

Best Small SUVs for the Money

8 / 18

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

9 / 34

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

9 / 19

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

10 / 19

Most Affordable Small SUVs

10 / 18

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

11 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Towing

11 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs Under $30k

11 / 13

Most Reliable Small SUVs

12 / 19

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

12 / 13

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

13 / 56

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 34

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $30k

13 / 20

Best Small SUVs

13 / 19

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

14 / 20

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

14 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

15 / 19

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

16 / 67

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 34

Best Off-road Small SUVs

17 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

18 / 19

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

19 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

19 / 34

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

22 / 56

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

22 / 34

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

29 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

29 / 34

Best Crossover SUVs

31 / 67

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

32 / 34

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

32 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

32 / 34

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

33 / 34

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

34 / 34

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

38 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

39 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

42 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

47 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

49 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

50 / 67

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

54 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

65 / 67

Toyota RAV4 Rankings

Best Crossover SUVs

1 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

1 / 67

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

1 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs Under $30k

1 / 20

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $30k

1 / 20

Best Small SUVs

1 / 19

Most Reliable Small SUVs

1 / 19

Small SUVs with Best Resale Value

1 / 19

Best Small SUVs Under $30k

1 / 13

Most Reliable Small SUVs Under $30k

1 / 13

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

2 / 56

Best Small SUVs for the Money

2 / 18

Best Crossover SUVs for Teens

2 / 9

Best Small SUVs for Teens

2 / 7

Best Family Small SUVs

3 / 19

Best Gas Mileage Small SUVs

4 / 19

Best Off-road Small SUVs

5 / 19

Best Family Crossover SUVs

6 / 67

Small SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

7 / 19

Small SUVs with the Most Horsepower

7 / 19

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

9 / 67

Most Affordable Small SUVs

9 / 18

Safest Crossover SUVs

11 / 67

Best Small SUVs for Towing

12 / 19

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

15 / 67

Small SUVs with the Most Legroom

16 / 19

Best Small SUVs for Tall People

19 / 19

Most Comfortable Small SUVs

19 / 19

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

21 / 56

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

30 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

37 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

43 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

45 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

66 / 67

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

66 / 67

Summary Review

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact sport utility vehicle with a reputation for engaging driving dynamics and upscale interior materials. The Tiguan has become VW’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. and is currently in its second generation, with new models averaging $30,442 and 3-year-old models averaging $22,319.

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Summary Review

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover with seating for five. The current Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with new models averaging $31,101 and 3-year-old models averaging $23,510.

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Pros and Cons

  • New generation is roomier and more fuel efficient
  • Optional three-row seating is occasionally useful
  • Driving dynamics are engaging

  • Acceleration not as strong as some competitors
  • Fuel efficiency could be better
  • First-generation’s cargo space was limited

Pros and Cons

  • Reputation for durability
  • Gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models available
  • Rugged SUV-like capability with the TRD Pro Off-Road trim

  • Lackluster driving experience
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto late to arrive
  • Cumbersome touchscreen controls

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Trim Levels

2.0T S, 2.0T S 4Motion, 2.0T SE, 2.0T SE 4Motion, 2.0T SEL, 2.0T SEL 4Motion, 2.0T SEL Premium, 2.0T SEL Premium 4Motion

2018 Toyota RAV4 Trim Levels

Adventure, LE, Limited, Platinum, SE, XLE

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

6 years / 72000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

6 years / 72000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

2 years / 25000 miles

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.45 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

184 hp @ 4400 rpm

Torque:

221 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.049 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

176 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

172 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.051 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


22 / 27 / 24

Range (city/hwy):

337 / 413 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


23 / 30 / 26

Range (city/hwy):

366 / 477 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Available

Android Auto:

N/A

Apple CarPlay:

N/A

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

Available

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Available

Lane Departure Warning:

Available

Lane Keeping Assist:

Available

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.6 inches

Front Leg Room:

40.2 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.1 inches

Rear Leg Room:

36.5 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.9 inches

Cargo Space:

12 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

65.7 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

135.9 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.8 inches

Front Leg Room:

42.6 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

57.3 inches

Rear Head Room:

38.9 inches

Rear Leg Room:

37.2 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.4 inches

Cargo Space:

38.4 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

73.4 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

140.3 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3777 lbs

Width:

72.4 inches

Height:

66.3 inches

Length:

185.1 inches

Wheelbase:

109.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

7.9 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3455 lbs

Width:

72.6 inches

Height:

65.9 inches

Length:

183.5 inches

Wheelbase:

104.7 inches

Ground Clearance:

6.1 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

215/65R17

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

17.0 x 6.5 inches

Wheel Type:

steel

Tire Size:

P225/65R17

Exterior Colors

Black

Deep Black Pearl Metallic

Blue

Silk Blue Metallic

Gray

Platinum Gray Metallic

Green

Dark Moss Green Metallic

Orange

Habanero Orange Metallic

Red

Cardinal Red Metallic

Silver

White Silver Metallic

White

Pure White

Brown

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Black

Blue

Electric Storm Blue

Gray

Magnetic Gray Metallic

Green

Galactic Aqua Mica

Orange

Not available

Red

Ruby Flare Pearl

Silver

Silver Sky Metallic

White

Super White

Brown

Black Currant Metallic

Interior Colors

Black

Titan Black

Gray

Storm Gray

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Not available

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