Toyota RAV4 vs Volkswagen Tiguan 2019 comparison review

We compare two SUVs - the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T and the Toyota RAV4 hybrid AWD. These compact crossovers are both highly rated and good to drive, but which is the best family vehicle in 2019? We take the Tiguan R-Line and RAV4 Limited/Cruiser Hybrid out for a twin test in this episode of Chasing Cars.
Let us know your favourite SUV in the comments - and whether you think the RAV4 or Tiguan is best!
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Compares interiors, practicality, price, and driving of the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line 180PS vs Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Cruiser AWD eFour.
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READ our full 2019 Toyota RAV4 vs 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan tests here: chasingcars.com...
Australian video car review of the Toyota RAV4 2019 and VW Tiguan 2019.

[@bryanramey2438]

Tiguan looks and feels like a high-end luxury SUV. The new Rav 4 is great too but the Tiguan is more my style.

[@rasitto]

Agree with the style, I'm sold on the style when I buy my passat but the dsg gearbox is rubbish n money pit. Toyota or any Japanese car will be much more reliable than vw even kia and Hyundai.

[@karmadorjee8076]

Agreed

[@tcl7563]

Another great review Tom! Love your style of presentation!

[@RJC6]

Love these comparison videos Tom, look forward to see more of them. Great review as always!

[@Volks2462]

Tiguan Rline is one if the most attractive looking SUVs on the market... in a few years it will still look modern unlike the competition

[@buckshot904]

The RAV 4 is just a bit too much Pontiac Aztec for me. I want to like it for looks but I just can’t. I ended up going a Tiguan R Line 162. Economy wise, I get 9-10.5L/100. Long term usage is 9.4L/100. It’s no Hybrid but it’s a hoot to drive and the acceleration is nicely rapid for its class. The R-Line just nails the look. Not sure why Toyota had to go with such a busy front. There’s just too many angles happening IMO.

[@chasingcars]

Sounds like you're loving the Tiguan, and for good reason. It is an excellent car.

[@buckshot904]

@@chasingcars In a lot of ways, yes- I love it. I love most of the interior and all of exterior. I still catch myself looking at it as I'm walking away which is a nice feeling. I think they look great in White. I've never been an SUV owner- I came from a Mondeo XR5 Turbo so I was actually looking at the Passat R line Wagon as well but the SUV won out for it's practicality and higher ride that my wife likes. The harsh plastics around the storage compartments under the HVAC area do somewhat betray the premium aura VW are aiming to sit within but I also don't like the floating tablet screens that Toyota use- especially with buttons on the sides. If I was buying the RAV, It would have been strictly for the price/practicality and hybrid drive train- I just can't bring myself to like it for looks. With the Tig, I can look past the plastics around my knees when I have the virtual cockpit, the 9.2" discovery infotainment system and that peach of a 2.0 GTI motor :D On the whole, yes- very happy with the R Line!

[@d.j.z.j]

@@buckshot904 amen

[@sturogers2964]

I totally agree Tom. The cheaper running costs of the RAV make it a stand out in this comparison. The Tiguans premium fuel and premium service prices make it a no brainer for me.

[@chasingcars]

It all starts to add up.

[@paristhecat10]

I agree totally about cloth seats being better than leather

[@2011tubechannel]

The Tiguan is hands down the better looking car. RAV 4 looks too much like a remnant from the last Star Wars movie set - Storm Trooper patrol vehicle! Given many of these SUVs will be used by young families, it makes sense to keep hard plastic door trims, etc, in the back, for ease of cleaning, less prone to scratches and long term wear n tear. Love your reviews.

[@Jaylaz]

Rav4 looks like it's made outa Lego.

[@chasingcars]

It has that chonky look

[@James-rd9mo]

If you get the Rav4 definitely get the hybrid unless you really need 3500lbs towing capacity. Much better fuel economy, significantly less engine noise and noticibly better performance. ECVT takes a while to get used to but very smooth once you do.

[@saauuzza]

@Caroline Liu Google it

[@GROGU123]

@Caroline Liu Doesn't matter anyways, the U.S. uses different standards for tow ratings since our vehicles are larger. We generally spec our tongue weight to be about 10%. I'm not sure about australia but Europe specs tongue weights to be about 5% and therefore have higher tow ratings. But in reality it's unsafe to drive like that.

[@โอโอ-ธ9ฟ]

@Caroline Liu ss3 in h in

[@DoctorSkillz]

@Caroline Liu No.

[@glennevans3262]

The RAV 4 looks like it was designed by Fischer Price. Both inside and out.

[@howardweir7501]

Well considered views of these cars - I have to agree with your opinion on fabric seats versus leather. Give me fabric every time.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Howard.

[@davemcguigan218]

Tom no particular preference when it comes to style! They both look nice. But Toyota has a better reputation when it comes to reliability so that would be my choice. Here in the US like you stated we only get the long wheelbase Tiguan.

[@chasingcars]

They both offer something quite different, style-wise, don’t they.

[@davemcguigan218]

@@chasingcars Yes indeed, tasteful styling.

[@hereigoagain5050]

Good review. I just bought a hybrid RAV4 and agree with your comments. The cons, such as loud engine noise, where not a factor for my wife & me. Its hard to beat the value, safety, economy, and durability of the RAV4. It was a bit more expensive than the competition, but should payoff over time. That being said, I may go with the Tigauan 2.0T if I was (much) younger and carefree and wanted a bit more zest in life.

[@chasingcars]

Hope you're enjoying the car!

[@msjp81]

A fair point to note is that Rav4's have a 12+ month wait for supply in some specifications. Fleets also heavily subscribe into Toyota Hybrids too which can effect resale, but long wait lists generally translate into good retained value.

[@chasingcars]

Yes, that is a fair point. I read the local forums and the wait times are really getting to some people - and I certainly don't remember a time when people were queueing up to buy a sensible Toyota. Quite an achievement, but they'd want to get the supply issues under control soon.

[@djalilderr2831]

Awesome video tom like always What would you choose between 2021 base model vw tiguan life 2.0 tdi 140 hp vs toyota rav4 essentiel 2.0 175hp same price 26k euro

[@natialon]

CVT , no thanks ! I prefer the DSG of the Tiguan , together with 2.0 turbo it’s fun to drive !!

[@msjp81]

A second comment (i know, this bloke is an opinionated SOB...), i picked up a current shape demo Passat Comfortline Wagon over 3 years ago now, full leather trim, most features that this Tiguan has (EA888 motor, 132kw of power but only 1.8L capacity), AEB front and rear, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, great 8" stereo with carplay etc.. $32k. Why does a very similar vehicle in an SUV body cost 20 grand more? Marketing. Ground clearance is worth a lot apparently.

[@chasingcars]

Agreed, wagons make more sense … but with Australians favouring this body style, we'd better recommend the good ones.

[@wolfhorsky]

"I'm Tom Bakaeeeaaeaeeer, this is chasing caaaaaaaars." Never get bored with it :-) Cheers.

[@lysak89]

Maybe I'm strange, but I don't mind hard plastics on the doors and such. It'll hold up better to abuse in the long term. Currently have a tiguan, drives well, and I love the way it looks, interior and exterior, but still looking at the competition for when it's time to get a new one in a few years.

[@marionheyrick3949]

Sorry Tom, don’t agree with you on the look of the RAV4 front. To my eyes it is hideous, like a downturned sulking mouth. Toyota is likely to ages faster as it is edgey and trendy compared to VW’s more classic and timeless design. Love your videos, keep up the good work.

[@chasingcars]

Fair enough, Marion - design is so subjective. Thank you for watching.

[@limpunsing224]

I've driven both , I'd prefer the RAV Hybrid AWD Nice comparo review

[@chasingcars]

Thanks Bong. The RAV4 is a great package.

[@Thinkofwhat]

My nice to drive little Polo, the cheapest VW model you can get in Australia cost me $667 to serviced early this year...and that’s the cheapest VW car you can get.

[@douglasyong6939]

Being mid century vintage, more inclined towards cvt vs dsg with imperceptible shift shock

[@chasingcars]

Interesting point.

[@bryanmartin4608]

I like that VW RLINe Tiguan sporty looking car and a lot of features the Tiguan is the winner

[@Mmnguf998]

I go for the tiguan.

[@Monsterinball]

Say hi to the camera guy at 3:18.

[@chasingcars]

Hi, Alek!

[@tonycoz2309]

How about a forester/Rav comparison?

[@kamalbhanot8613]

I buy. Volkswagen tiguan. But. Regular fuel not premium fuel

[@solanogu]

Doesn't look fair to compare fuel economy between a Hybrid and a regular gas car. Which one would you choose if fuel economy was no issue?

[@robc8593]

good review. I agree the lane keep isn't the strongest (you should try the New Honda CR-V for that), but I am using it daily for very long periods now in my RAV4, its better than I recall from the earlier demo vehicle I tried at the start of the year - stronger and no lane 'bouncing' . almost like its had a software upgrade or maybe its down to the calibration, perhaps yours needs re-calibration? But more importantly.. where is the drag race!!!!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks for the note, Rob. Ah yes... the stoplight drag race. Missed a trick.

[@goran2009]

So, Tiguan is better car and more people would buy it if servicing was cheaper?

[@chasingcars]

Fuel economy comes into it in a big way. And interior material quality.

[@goran2009]

@@chasingcars Fair enough, I'm glad that Toyota is finally realising that boring and "good enough" will not sell well and that they are taping into Lexus to up their quality level.

[@ahsanmalik1013]

Goran Farkas Toyota has been selling way more and with modernization and characteristics of today Rav4 in place still doesn’t change the fact that people still want boring and practical as long as they don’t break down. No harm in that as for their perspective on ownership of Rav4 experience.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, it's good to see the market working.

[@davidassad7715]

My decision to purchase the Rav4 over the VW was largely based on reliability and maintenance costs. My last VW was an absolute nightmare and any compromise on handling and style was happily made in exchange for peace of mind regarding reliability. The is no trust left re VW brand.

[@adamhuntley4913]

I average 10l per 100 around town and 6-7l per 100 on the highway in my Tiguan 132. Not sure how you get 12 and 10.

[@denero4735]

I get 3.3-3.8 out of the RAV so your miles off HYBRID

[@miladsaeed3770]

Tiguan 162 may consume more

[@mellenix]

Just not a big fan of the squarish wheel arches on the Toyota.

[@chasingcars]

Bit of an acquired taste but opinion seems to be split between those who like the look, and those who don’t.

[@mellenix]

@@chasingcars Yes mixed opinions is what I'm hearing as well. However, the Toyota RAV4 delivers a strong offering that's hard to pass on.

[@tirathsinghc]

Hey Guys, could you please do an explanation video as to where it is currently or a review, of Hyundai Nexo.

[@chasingcars]

Good idea. Will look into it.

[@frankdekinder3329]

Comparison Hybrid with fully Petrol car ? 😳

[@rulfryder17290]

i disagree about the suspension. the Suspension in the Rav4 is way better tuned in. The Suspension in the Tiguan feels very undamped

[@richardholmes7199]

@7:36 ''no espresso holder''. HAHAHA.

[@sandokanpetrov733]

Is Tiguan there smaller than in North America cause the space on the back seat here in Canada is like triple than on this car

[@GuestStarMas]

The Tiguan looks much better than the Rav4 in any way except running cost. That's a shame because the Rav4 would be great if it didn't look so ugly! Why Toyota why?!

[@nickyweermann]

Can you make a video from thé Mitsubishi Outlander? The new one

[@chasingcars]

There hasn't been a new Outlander for 6-7 years - but there have been facelifts. It's still a bit of a disappointment, though.

[@russellchristison8425]

DE ZOLDERBAAN The Attic Railroad

[@JanezPregrad]

What generation of DSG is in Tiguan at 180/190hp ? If it is still the old one from tuareg, that would explain less power on wheels, slower shifting and bigger consumption.

[@chasingcars]

Pretty sure it's an older wet clutch design. Torque is 320Nm on that vehicle so it isn't dry clutch.

[@JanezPregrad]

Aha, Petrol powered Tiguan 4M @ 190hp torque is 320Nm, while Diesel powered torque is 400Nm. Probably it's DSG DQ381-7A,

[@senraj2666]

Mate can u do the Tiguan highline 162 tsi 2019

[@chasingcars]

I'll look into it - but because 80% of 162TSI Highline buyers option the R-Line package, VW Australia tends only to put R-Line cars onto the press fleet in the 162TSI.

[@senraj2666]

Well the difference between R line and highline is more visual and I think they increase the engine spec a bit for R line but the high line itself cost me 51500Aud , if I had gone R line n audio / visual pack it wld have probably cost me 60k + I guess

[@d.j.z.j]

@@senraj2666 mate how is the vw going we might wait out till the 2021 facelift or buy 2019 r line, just can't justify 65 k. Almost get audi q3

[@senraj2666]

Zac Jefcoate @ luv the car , but stuck in Mel n can only drive to coles etc but I wld have loved to get the Rline or atleast the highline with the audio n visual pack, coz I did the highline without the audio n visual pack

[@d.j.z.j]

@@senraj2666 aghhu bro all good man

[@cocojumbo197]

Pls test manual RAV4, Cant stand CVTs

[@chasingcars]

The hybrid RAV4 is the only one really worth bothering with, and it’s CVT only. I have briefly driven the 2.0-litre petrol manual FWD. It’s slow and the gearbox is pretty unremarkable. At the top of the range there is the option of a 2.5-litre petrol only with a conventional eight-speed torque converter auto. It’s okay.

[@btonez208]

Comparing Volkswagen to Toyota is like comparing scotch filet to canned spaghetti.

[@jpch8814]

The Tiguan is better at everything except fuel economy, the AWD on the Hybrid is so useless you guys should watch videos off road/snow, the Tiguan is miles better.

[@chasingcars]

Having driven our long-term RAV4 through a snowstorm, I can vouch that it’s far from useless. Didn’t miss a beat.

[@malcolmscott4150]

Great review Tom although I'm not an SUV fan at all, the new RAV4 does look great externally and with that tan interior - VW's dark cabins dont appeal and despite cut price Audi technology and its subtle detailed lines, its the Toyota's advanced efficiency and low running costs that impress :) - I would honestly prefer a Skoda Octavia or Renault Megane wagon!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Malcolm! Yes, I too would go for a wagon. Toyota could really get in that mix if they did the new Corolla wagon out here with the EU-spec 132kW(?) 2.0L hybrid.

[@millin-avp-educationav-kin9128]

13:10 what’s a gear ⚙️ box 📦? (I like EVs!)

[@zaheernazir6495]

U Don’t know wut a gearbox is!?!?!?

[@jai-eljohnson9501]

Rav4 amazing!!!

[@Thinkofwhat]

Service pricing and reliability of Toyota beats Tiguan. Looks is subjective. Driving dynamics...kind of subjective too. So Toyota for me:)

[@kristianpetrelius2732]

He said the Rav4 is ”very refined and quiet in the cabin ”. I disagree. I have driven both of these cars and the Rav4 is the loudest car I have ever driven. Not just from the engine, but also the road noice. And even if the test car I drove was top spec with leather interior I just felst cheep and plastic. I really wanted to like it but to me it was terrible.

[@chasingcars]

Sounds like we had quite a different experience. What tyres was your test car on?

[@cutecats7155]

Sounds like he might have driven the Edge which is a completely different car to drive. Much louder!

[@sahdanmamat3132]

Volkswagen the best

[@zaheernazir6495]

It’s not reliable so no, not really

[@rasitto]

Yeah untill the gearbox shit itself

[@danieljames4579]

both are really BAD when it comes to handeling in case of a force turning or such situations look it up in KM77 Opel GrandlandX is best out there

[@FlameMirage]

Preech about the driving fast hahaha my mazda 3 poor thing, has to survive my acceleration habits all day xD fuel eco out the window

[@TWARDOWSKY.]

Toyota RAV4 win, offcourse German Car Motors technology begins to be behind.

[@tesla-taxi-millinqld-hq-br7462]

Why are people still buying ice cars???

[@brucewhyte6301]

Done the comparison drive on both. Hybrid for town but if majority of driving is open road they come out about the same. ICE then doesn't have all the environmental negatives of battery manufacture and disposal.

[@potatoaydin4112]

Ill take thw Volkswagen

[@meowisanaussie610]

TOYOTA number one 🤩🤩

[@vinr]

Hey Tom, I remember you mentioned in a comment regarding the break issue RaV4 has, do you have any update on this? is that the real cause for the delay of Cruiser hybrid? (www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/toyota-rav4-hybrid-sales-halted-119073/) - Actually my dealer also mentioned the the delay is due to battery supply, but it seems like that's the common reason dealers give to hide the real break issue, thanks

[@chasingcars]

Hi, Vin. The sales stop was lifted maybe eight weeks ago. Some cars were recalled and had a defect rectified. Our car didn't have the issue. The same was true for some other Lexus and Toyota hybrid models. As for the supply issue, I think dealers have been hiding the scale of the problem for a while but it was unrelated to the brake system problem. I'm now hearing that dealers are calling people with orders to advise of early 2020 delivery dates…

[@vinr]

@@chasingcars Thanks Tom, yes I also confirmed with my dealer and he said break issue was only for certain number of cars and it was all good now, but the delay is due to supply of Panasonic battery from China (and mainly due to US - China trade war - but I'm not sure how this affect production in Japan). Most orders made before end of May already arrived. But the orders for cruiser hybrid orders from June onward have the delay and they are not able to give an exact estimate. They said my order is still in queue and if the production is allocated then it may not take more than 3-4 weeks to arrive the vehicle. Dealer also mentioned that they are happy to refund the deposit and terminate the contract as they have enough demand and no issue in finding another customer. But my concern is what's the purpose of waiting 6-12 months for a car we can then wait for new models in the next year. What is your opinion on this is the RAV4 worth waiting for 6-12 months? Thanks

[@valueinvestmentfan6552]

RAV4 just failed the moose test in Sweden

[@chasingcars]

It’ll be interesting to see how that plays out. Toyota have basically rejected the findings.

[@rncondie]

I am still waiting on a moose test reply if that also includes the Rav 4 hybrid ? We own a 2016 and 2019 Rav 4 and our 2019 hybrid does not rock side to side in strong winds like our 2016.

[@joachimpersson585]

Russell Condie Rav 4 hybrid is the only availble engine alternative in sweden so most likely thats the one tested. #chasingcars All carcompany’s reject this findings at the start and basically never is in the right ( just an observation).

[@gamelauncher9821]

Here in the US they we only have stupid Apple CarPlay Toyota haven’t even updated us when will android auto be available

[@chasingcars]

Hmm... strange!

[@chesdareth554]

Toyota Rav4 is the better SUV for sure.

[@matheusmaister2922]

Tiguan is fast *-*

[@Terrorus]

RAV4 looks much better than Tiguan even in Rline design, but Tiguan wons with interior, which RAV4 has so old-schoolisch

[@fredkeogh9035]

You start to comment then if they don’t like it you get cut off play nice/

[@markswan9148]

why does the rav weight so much more?

[@nenad8600]

Mark Swan battery

[@chasingcars]

Battery, motors and the fact that TNGA isn’t a particularly light platform

[@mohammadkhodabakhshi2324]

the previous Rav4 2018 look was just trash

[@bobfrombrisbane1831]

Hi Tom, just a suggestion, instead of using their term ‘old people’ better off using the phrase ‘people with mobility issues’ which includes people from all age groups.

[@chasingcars]

Fair enough Bob. I was thinking of my old Nanna, though. 87 and going strong!

[@rncondie]

Tom, I am not offended. Old is old and I buy SUVs because I can’t jump up out of a car like I did in my 20’s. Call it what you want but in the end old is old.

[@cocojumbo197]

Just call them "old fucks", no need to sugarcoat it

[@aw4610]

Yum

[@djo9277]

americans don't do comparisons??

[@chasingcars]

Don't they?

[@djo9277]

reference one

[@jackp2563]

Premium fuel requirement in VW was a deal breaker for me. The cost to travel 100km in mix city/Hwy driving is exactly 2x higher in VW No Way Jose !

[@jackp2563]

To clarify : I have RAV4 hybrid.

[@denero4735]

RAV 4 is a 10 times better car in all aspects than this Deprecated asset.

[@life-onmars8223]

"old people" ? Don't you mean Older People...? I mean you are old to a 15 year old...

[@chasingcars]

It’s amusing that in picking on our reference, you then pick on the age of the presenter. Totally undermined yourself there.

[@life-onmars8223]

@@chasingcars Not before the presenter picked on us "older people" nothing comes of being illogical, my friends.

[@qqqwark]

not really a fan of both of them but holy shit the Tiguan looks ugly wtf how did they manage that

[@orumslv]

Toyota rav4 cant pass 68kmh at moose test, vw tiguan does it at 82kmh. Thats a big down for Toyota.

[@chasingcars]

Certainly an interesting development. Toyota have a right of reply they haven’t used yet, but I actually don’t doubt that the high speed stability of the Tiguan is likely to be much better. It’s the sportier car here.

[@bothronnies]

Tiguan 12 litres per 100? Really?

[@chasingcars]

In town, really.

[@msjp81]

@@chasingcars and you can't compare "in town" with "long term combined" as it appeared in the video. That said, i've had the Rav4 Hybrid over a few days and managed better figures and appreciate that a hybrid drivetrain won't have large differentials between "highway" and "city" like petrol cars do.

[@TWARDOWSKY.]

Tiguan is a typical boring German designed car, designed by people with a German sense of aesthetics (if such a thing exists at all) VW= Volks Wagen = Translate > masses car . The RAV Gen 5 is lot more interesting.