2026 Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Toyota RAV4 Comparison with Price, Specs, & Photos
Compact SUVs are some of the most difficult vehicles to shop for, since the huge popularity of the segment makes it incredibly competitive, and there are a lot of options to choose from. Finding the right combination of features, utility, and most importantly, value for money, can be intimidating. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the Volkswagen Tiguan and its biggest rival, the Toyota RAV4.
Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota RAV4
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|---|---|---|
| 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan S | VS | 2026 Toyota RAV4 LE |
| $30,805 | MSRP* | $31,900 |
| 103.8 cubic feet | Passenger Volume | 98.9 cubic feet |
| Standard | Rain Sensing Wipers | Optional |
| Standard | Heated Side Mirrors | Optional |
| Standard | Parking Sensors | Optional |
| Standard | Rear Collision Mitigation | Optional |
| Standard | Heated Front Seats | Optional |
| Standard | Wireless Charging | Optional |
| 13 inches | Touchscreen Size | 10 inches |
| 48 months / 50,000 miles | Basic Warranty | 36 months / 36,000 miles |
For this comparison, we’re looking at the base trims of both vehicles. Both come with front-wheel drive and have available all-wheel drive, and power is comparable; the RAV4 has a bit more horsepower, and the Tiguan has a bit more torque. The Tiguan has a bit of a price advantage and offers a bit more passenger space, although neither of these things makes a big enough difference on their own. What really sets these two vehicles apart is value for money, and it’s not nearly as close as you would probably expect in such a competitive segment.
In the safety department, you get rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, parking sensors, and rear collision mitigation, all standard on the Tiguan, but optional extras for the RAV4. Have a seat in the Tiguan on a cold day, and you’ll be happy that heated front seats are standard, but they’re one more optional extra on the RAV4. You can charge your phone with the included wireless charging pad in the Tiguan while operating the large 13-inch touchscreen that’s easy to see and operate. But in the RAV4, the charging pad is optional, and the screen is only 10 inches. Lastly, Volkswagen offers a clearly superior warranty coverage period. Just one more way that the Tiguan gives you more.
Winner - Volkswagen Tiguan
On the surface, this looks like a close contest, with some very similar pricing and nearly identical exterior measurements. But a closer look at what you get for your money reveals a huge difference, with the Tiguan being the obvious choice. There’s a lot to like about the Tiguan, and the friendly and knowledgeable team at Volkswagen of Ann Arbor is here to help you find the one that’s right for you.
*MSRP excludes destination, taxes, other options, and dealer charges and fees. Dealer sets actual price.