2020 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned in 2018, presented a stylish yet conservative German exterior, maintaining a clean and simple design with a horizontal grille and flat logo. Despite its contemporary look, the interior was less impressive, featuring plain and hard black plastic surfaces that lacked the sophistication of previous Volkswagen models. The focus seemed to have shifted towards electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system standing out as highlights.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 embraced a rugged SUV aesthetic, with boxy fender flares and a scowling front end that set it apart from its predecessors and competitors. While the exterior was aggressive, the interior offered functional touches like large rubberized knobs and door handles. Material quality was decent, but higher trims did not see a significant upgrade. The TRD Off-Road model featured SofTex upholstery, which was durable and lighter than leather, fitting the vehicle's adventurous theme.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Despite its size and weight, the Tiguan offered a snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag, though it was not the fastest in its class. The Tiguan's handling was comfortable, with a soft suspension and a longer wheelbase, but it lacked the nimbleness of some competitors.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 featured a "Dynamic Force" 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine was also mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. While the engine was efficient and rev-happy, the transmission struggled to keep up, and the steering lacked feel. The RAV4 excelled on the highway with low cabin noise and a comfortable suspension, but its off-road capabilities were more pronounced in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, which offered features like a torque-vectoring rear axle and all-terrain tires.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan offered practicality with its sliding second-row seats and optional third row, making it versatile for families. The third row, while not spacious, was more accommodating than many in larger vehicles. The cargo space was generous, with up to 73.5 cubic feet available in two-row models. The Tiguan's interior felt roomy, with ample glass and a seating position that enhanced the sense of space.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 provided good headroom and visibility, but legroom was slightly behind competitors. The rear seats were less comfortable for long trips, and the cargo space, while above average, was not class-leading. The interior featured oversized knobs and easy-to-use controls, but storage space was limited. The RAV4's design emulated traditional SUVs, offering a larger shift lever and drive-mode controls.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system, known as "MIB II," was highly regarded for its user-friendly interface and responsive touchscreen. Higher trims featured an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen and VW's Digital Cockpit, offering a customizable digital instrument panel. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Most trims had a 7-inch touchscreen, with higher trims offering larger screens. The infotainment system was straightforward but lacked flashiness. While it didn't offer a head-up display, the RAV4 provided a simple interface for easy use.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and blind spot monitoring, but adaptive cruise control was reserved for higher trims. The Tiguan was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for models with LED headlights, though most had halogen headlights rated poorly.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system.