Toyota RAV4 vs Volkswagen Tiguan
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 29 Aug 2026, price 6 Sep 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$45,990RRP
- cannot be matched: Power Tailgate not offered
$44,990RRP
- with the Toyota RAV4's standard kit: $44,990 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Toyota RAV4 starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Tiguan opens at $44,990. That makes the Volkswagen Tiguan the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $50,589 and $49,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota RAV4 by roughly $4,415 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Toyota RAV4
- REC-006390 · published 22 Jul 2025Due to a software programming issue, a memory device in the Combination Meter may deteriorate over time.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2025
- REC-005409 · published 26 Apr 2022Due to a software issue, if the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system is turned off, it may not default to the ON setting the next time the vehicle is started.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2022
- REC-001312 · published 9 Jun 2020Small cracks may form in the front lower suspension arms and with rapid acceleration and deceleration over the parts' lifetime, these cracks could spread and the suspension arm can eventually separate from the front wheel assembly.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2020
- 6 more on the model page.
Volkswagen Tiguan
- REC-006602 · published 28 Apr 2026Due to a software issue, under certain driving conditions the power steering motor system may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006592 · published 23 Apr 2026Due to a software issue, the electric power steering system under certain driving conditions may become temporarily inoperable.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-006465 · published 29 Oct 2025Due to a software issue, if the driver does not have their hands on the steering wheel for an extended period, the brake jolt triggered by the Emergency Assist (EA) or Travel Assist (TA) assistance functions meant to alert the driver may be misinterpreted as the driver braking.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- 11 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota RAV4 features a 10.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Tiguan gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen Tiguan counters with wireless charging and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota RAV4 uses a Petrol Hybrid producing 143kW, sent through a cvt (e-cvt) to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.4 seconds.
The Volkswagen Tiguan responds with a 1.4 litre TSI making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a 7-speed dsg driving the front wheels.
The Toyota RAV4 has the clear power advantage at 143kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota RAV4 measures 4,600mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 61mm longer than the Volkswagen Tiguan at 4,539mm (2,681mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota RAV4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 705L in the Toyota RAV4 and 652L in the Volkswagen Tiguan, giving the Toyota RAV4 a 53L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen Tiguan leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 800kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.7m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,283/year for the Toyota RAV4 and $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tiguan. That is a $883 annual difference in favour of the Toyota RAV4.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota RAV4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tiguan). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota RAV4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Tiguan if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Toyota RAV4: Level on the CarSorted Score at 76, ahead on the category wins, but the Volkswagen Tiguan is $1,000 cheaper
The Toyota RAV4 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (76 vs 76), taking 3 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Toyota RAV4 ahead by 28), safety (Volkswagen Tiguan ahead by 27), practicality (Volkswagen Tiguan ahead by 10). The Toyota RAV4 will save you roughly $883 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota RAV4 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan?
The Volkswagen Tiguan is the cheapest at $44,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota RAV4 by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota RAV4 uses the least fuel at 4.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Volkswagen Tiguan holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Toyota RAV4, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota RAV4 has the largest boot at 705L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Tiguan has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota RAV4 makes the most power at 143kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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