2021 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan flaunted clean lines and balanced proportions. Some viewed its understated styling as mundane, but there was undeniable beauty in its conservative, upscale, and timeless design, ensuring it aged gracefully. The Tiguan was notably large for its class, a correction from the first-generation model. This size adjustment resulted in an interior nearly as spacious as a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento.

Internally, the Tiguan offered an accommodating space, especially for four passengers, with the option to carry a fifth or even expand to seven with a small third-row seat—although at least three of these passengers needed to be children. The third-row seat was optional for AWD versions. The German automaker’s modern geometric interior design came with a purposeful control layout, except for the oddly placed engine start button on the center console.

Volkswagen spruced up the cabin’s somber tones with shiny detailing, digital instrumentation, and an integrated touchscreen infotainment system with a flush display. However, there was an excess of hard plastic materials, making it clear the Tiguan was no Audi, and the steering wheel stalks felt flimsy. Trim levels included S, SE, and SEL, alongside sporty R-Line variants (SE R-Line Black and SEL Premium R-Line), with prices ranging from $25,245 to $39,095, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The test vehicle was an SEL trim with 4Motion AWD, priced at $35,040, including the destination fee.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 continued the legacy that began with its North American debut in 1996. Initially a compact alternative to the dominating large SUVs, the RAV4 attracted youthful buyers, giving rise to the "cute-ute" category. Through five generations, it evolved from this category to become a sales leader and mature crossover SUV, with the 2022 model being a refined iteration of the 2019 redesign.

The 2022 RAV4 fit well with the contemporary crossover design ethos. While its exterior styling was subtle, close inspection revealed unique angular flourishes and expressive details such as its anthropomorphic front fascia. Toyota's hallmark fit-and-finish quality was evident throughout the exterior.

Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and a straightforward center stack topped by a well-positioned touchscreen interface. Distinct design cues like the circuit-board-inspired patterns tied various cabin elements together. The Adventure trim, used for testing, included 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels, matching the interior aesthetics and external rugged appeal.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan housed a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower at 4,360 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque at 1,600 rpm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. By default, it sent power to the front wheels, although a 4Motion AWD option was available for $1,400, standard on the SEL Premium R-Line. This powertrain, while adequate, struggled with turbocharger lag, causing delays when the accelerator was pressed. The nearly 4,000-pound curb weight contributed to a sense of lethargy during acceleration bursts.

The Tiguan’s EPA fuel economy stood at 25 mpg combined for FWD models and 24 mpg for AWD. In practical testing, the AWD model averaged 22.6 mpg. Despite these drawbacks, the Tiguan offered pleasurable daily driving, with light yet responsive steering, a soft ride, and refined braking, making it nimble and maneuverable. However, it’s handling on sharp bumps and turns revealed some suspension weaknesses, encouraging cautious driving.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with three powertrain options. The gasoline-only model tested used a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for FWD models ranged from 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD models achieved 25-27 mpg city/32-34 mpg highway/28-30 mpg combined.

The RAV4 Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, generating 217 combined horsepower and achieving 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The plug-in hybrid RAV4 Prime boasted 302 horsepower, standard AWD, and an eCVT setup, with an EPA rating of 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined, and could run 42 miles on electricity alone with an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe combined.

The test vehicle, a gasoline Adventure AWD model, provided smooth power delivery without turbo lag. The natural aspiration ensured immediate power response, paired with the eight-speed transmission for quick acceleration during highway passing. The RAV4’s versatile drive modes (Sport, Eco, and Normal) allowed slight performance customization, and its car-like handling, coupled with a four-wheel independent suspension and torque vectoring, made for enjoyable driving.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with easy entry and exit through large doors and high seating positions. The front seats offered extensive adjustments and great visibility. The interior boasted perforated V-Tex leatherette upholstery and a dual-zone climate control system for comfort. The back-seat provided excellent support and ample legroom, along with air vents and USB ports, making it suitable for tall passengers and accommodating reverse-facing child seats.

Available was a panoramic sunroof, though storage spaces in the cabin were limited. The Tiguan’s 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allowed for flexible cargo and passenger combinations. Cargo volume varied from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, with a maximum capacity between 65.7 and 73.5 cubic feet, depending on the presence of a third-row seat.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 had grown sufficiently over the years. It provided 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This provided generous luggage capacity for various needs. The RAV4 also boasted a payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds, depending on the configuration.

For towing, the RAV4 managed 1,500 pounds for most grades, 3,500 pounds for Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, and varied capacities for Hybrid and Prime models. Inside, the RAV4 comfortably accommodated four adults, with ample front row space and numerous storage options across the cabin. While the middle seat in the second row was less desirable, it wasn’t uncomfortable for short trips.

When comparing cargo capacity, the RAV4 had a slight edge in terms of maximum cargo space and payload capacity. This made it more versatile for carrying heavier loads and potentially reduced the need for larger SUVs.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was upgraded with the MIB3 platform starting from the SE trim, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, faster processing, and a suite of new features. These included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi for up to four devices, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Family Guardian feature provided comprehensive connected services and monitoring for teen drivers.

However, the user interface had quirks, and the voice recognition was subpar. The standard six-speaker audio system lacked sound quality but could be upgraded to a nine-speaker Fender premium system with the SEL Premium R-Line trim. Volkswagen continued its understated approach with the Digital Cockpit in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with ample technology even in base trims, enhancing sophistication as you moved up the trims. The standard offerings included a 7-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay, and several connected services. Higher trims upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen and optionally to an 11-speaker JBL setup with navigation.

The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology with five USB ports, multiple power outlets, a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad, a bird’s-eye view camera system, and a head-up display. These features significantly enhanced user experience and convenience throughout the lineup.