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.
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 $1,425 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.
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 that the Toyota RAV4 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota RAV4 uses a Petrol Hybrid producing 143kW and 221Nm of torque, 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 Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
The Toyota RAV4 has the clear power advantage at 143kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Tiguan is 0.9s quicker. 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 580L in the Toyota RAV4 and 615L in the Volkswagen Tiguan, giving the Volkswagen Tiguan a 35L advantage.
For towing, the Volkswagen Tiguan leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 800kg. That 1,200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.4m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,881/year for the Toyota RAV4 and $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tiguan. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Toyota RAV4.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Toyota RAV4) vs $2,166 (Volkswagen Tiguan). The Toyota RAV4 saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
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, 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 more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Tiguan takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota RAV4 will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Tiguan 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 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen Tiguan all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Tiguan has the largest boot at 615L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Tiguan has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota RAV4 makes the most power at 143kW. The Volkswagen Tiguan is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
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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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