Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Volkswagen Tiguan and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 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 Volkswagen Tiguan and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
When comparing the Volkswagen Tiguan's and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Tiguan's and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's specifications and ratings, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a better car than the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Pricing: A used 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan ranges from $28,038 to $42,186 while a used 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is priced between $32,646 to $45,162. For a new model, the Volkswagen Tiguan's price is between $30,884 and $42,730, with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid priced between $34,827 and $45,498.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Tiguan loses 47.8 percent of its value and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid loses 30.1 percent of its value. This means the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid retains 17.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Volkswagen Tiguan’s base engine makes 201 horsepower, and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid base engine makes 219 horsepower. The Tiguan is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 493 miles. The RAV4 Hybrid is rated to deliver an average of 39 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 551 miles. This gives the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Volkswagen Tiguan. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, a hybrid SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Volkswagen Tiguan, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear head room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has higher safety ratings than the Volkswagen Tiguan, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.45 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
30884 - 42730
Starting MSRP:
30245
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
34827 - 45498
Starting MSRP:
32600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
35699
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
28495 - 44565
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
35325
Price Range:
28038 - 42186
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
38285
Price Range:
32646 - 45162
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
39518
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
33748 - 52824
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
14582
Depreciation %:
0.48211785
Resale Value $:
15663
Residual Value %:
0.5178821499999999
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
9982
Depreciation %:
0.30618901
Resale Value $:
22618
Residual Value %:
0.69381099
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
0.36835733
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
0.30618901 - 0.53124407
Volkswagen Tiguan Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
7.4 / 10
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
9.1 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Tiguan
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.02
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
14.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
11.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
7.5 - 14.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.328
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.0725529922117
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.4671447767379164
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
3.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
2.2 - 19.5
Volkswagen Tiguan Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 34Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
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6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 18Ranking
9 out of / 34Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
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10 out of / 18Ranking
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12 out of / 19Ranking
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13 out of / 56Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
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15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 56Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
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34 out of / 34Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
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42 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Ranking
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54 out of / 67Ranking
65 out of / 67Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 36Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
10 out of / 14Ranking
12 out of / 14Ranking
12 out of / 14Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 36Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
24 out of / 36Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
27 out of / 36Ranking
27 out of / 36Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
33 out of / 36Ranking
34 out of / 36Summary 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.
Summary Review
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a compact crossover with seating for five. The current Toyota RAV4 Hybrid was redesigned for the 2019 model year, with new models costing between $28,650-$37,180 and 3-year-old models averaging $27,181.
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
Hybrid
Volkswagen Tiguan Trim Levels
S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE R-Line Black, SE R-Line Black 4Motion, SEL R-Line 4Motion
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Trim Levels
LE, Limited, SE, Woodland Edition, XLE, XLE Premium, XSE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 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
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.45 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
201 hp @ 5250 rpm
Torque:
207 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
219 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 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):
26 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
377 / 493 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
41 / 38 / 39
Range (city/hwy):
595 / 551 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Cargo Space:
26.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
58.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
130.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Cargo Space:
37.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
69.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3563 lbs
Width:
84.7 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
184.4 inches
Wheelbase:
109.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3690 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
67 inches
Length:
180.9 inches
Wheelbase:
105.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Midnight Black Metallic
Gray
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Silver
Silver Sky Metallic
White
Ice Cap
Red
Ruby Flare Pearl
Interior Colors
Gray
Grigio Gray/Titan Black
Beige
Not available
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Beige
Nutmeg
Black
Black