2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was designed to project a rugged and aggressive demeanor, with its angular gray body cladding and dual exhaust outlets suggesting a performance edge that wasn't quite there. The TRD Off-Road model, priced at $41,925 with options, featured Army Green paint, a digital rearview mirror, and advanced technology packages. Despite its tough exterior, the RAV4's interior was all about utility, with easy-clean surfaces and practical storage solutions. The higher the budget, the more refined the interior, with options for contrast-color interiors in the XLE Premium or Limited trims.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, adopting a sleek, modern look inspired by VW's electric vehicles. The front featured narrower headlights and an illuminated VW badge and light bar in the top SEL R-Line trim. The grille appeared larger, with smaller actual openings, and the rear sported a single bar taillight. The interior was modernized with a minimalist dashboard, digital instrument panel, and relocated gear selector for added storage. The Tiguan's materials were average for its class, with some areas using plastic for durability. The exterior and interior updates reflected an evolution of VW's design language, with a nod to its electric vehicle lineup.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The TRD Off-Road model came with standard all-wheel drive, off-road suspension tuning, and all-terrain tires. It offered Multi-Terrain Select with various driving modes but shared the same ground clearance as other RAV4 models. The RAV4's engine was powerful for its class but sounded unrefined, and the eight-speed automatic transmission was praised for its reliability. The TRD Off-Road model achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg combined, with a test average of 26.6 mpg.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with 4Motion all-wheel drive available. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to be similar to its predecessor, reaching 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds. The suspension favored comfort, and the cabin was quiet at highway speeds. A more powerful Turbo version was anticipated for 2026, offering 268 horsepower. The Tiguan's performance was tuned for a balance of comfort and capability, with a focus on smooth power delivery and confident braking.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 prioritized practicality with its utilitarian interior, featuring storage shelves, trays, and rubberized control knobs. The TRD Off-Road trim included SofTex artificial leather upholstery and optional heated and ventilated front seats. The RAV4 comfortably seated four adults, with a roomy cargo area offering 37.6 cubic feet of space, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan, lacking a third row, offered increased second-row legroom by 1.5 inches. The interior improvements included the removal of capacitive-touch buttons, replaced by traditional controls. The center console provided ample storage, and the cargo area, though not finalized, appeared smaller than the previous model. The Tiguan featured remote seatback releases and a power liftgate, enhancing its practicality.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected services. The system included Service Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect, offering features like cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was sophisticated but had some usability issues, such as the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and difficulty exiting Apple CarPlay.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 15-inch display available. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, and a new volume knob. The Tiguan introduced Atmospheres, a feature combining ambient lighting and audio settings to enhance mood. The standard audio system had seven speakers, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system available on the top trim.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. However, the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The TSS 2.5 system was adequate but had some issues with lane-centering assist and adaptive cruise control. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to its design and engineering age.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's crash test results were not yet available, but it came with a comprehensive set of standard safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The SE R-Line added a head-up display, while the SEL R-Line included a surround-view camera system and semi-automated parking. The safety features functioned well, with no false alarms or over-sensitivity issues.