2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid presented a bold departure from its predecessors with a rugged and angular design reminiscent of the Toyota 4Runner. Its aggressive front fascia, trapezoidal apertures, and perforated grille contributed to a robust, mechanical appearance. The dark trim around the wheel wells and doorsills suggested that the RAV4 Hybrid was more than just a fuel-efficient vehicle; it was also capable of off-road adventures. Available in four trims—LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited—the RAV4 Hybrid offered a range of features, including LED headlights and taillights, with adaptive headlights available on the top trim. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid boasted a simple yet functional design, with tasteful shiny trim and comfortable fabric seats, although it lacked luxury materials like leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan showcased a conservative and timeless design with clean lines and balanced proportions. While some might have found its styling understated, the Tiguan's upscale aesthetic was likely to age well. The second-generation Tiguan was larger than its predecessor, offering a roomy interior comparable to larger SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe. The spacious cabin accommodated up to seven passengers with an optional third-row seat, although the third row was best suited for children. The Tiguan's interior featured modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout, with shiny detailing and a flush touchscreen infotainment system. However, the presence of hard plastics and flimsy steering wheel stalks detracted from its premium feel.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid delivered a commendable performance with its 219-horsepower powertrain, which combined a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors. This setup provided excellent fuel economy, achieving a combined EPA rating of 40 mpg. The RAV4 Hybrid's powertrain was cleverly designed to eliminate the need for a heavy driveshaft, resulting in a vehicle that was only about 200 pounds heavier than the non-hybrid model. This contributed to its agile handling and impressive fuel efficiency. The hybrid system offered smooth regenerative braking and seamless electric motor assist, making the RAV4 Hybrid quicker to accelerate than its non-hybrid counterpart. Additionally, it could tow up to 1,750 pounds, adding to its versatility.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. While adequate for most driving situations, the Tiguan's engine suffered from turbocharger lag, leading to a delayed response when accelerating. The Tiguan's nearly 4,000-pound curb weight contributed to its somewhat lethargic performance. The EPA rated the Tiguan at 25 mpg in combined driving with FWD and 24 mpg with AWD, but real-world testing showed an average of 22.6 mpg for the AWD model. Despite its performance shortcomings, the Tiguan offered a pleasant driving experience with light steering, a compliant ride, and refined braking action, although it struggled with suspension isolation over rough surfaces.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured excellent ergonomics with a standard 7-inch touchscreen (an 8-inch screen was optional) and intuitive climate controls. The center console provided ample storage space, including room for a cell phone and cupholders. While the cabin could be quieter, the RAV4 Hybrid's electric drive mitigated engine noise. The rear seat offered impressive legroom, accommodating three adults comfortably, and the cargo area provided 37.6 cubic feet of space, matching the standard RAV4's capacity.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with large doors and tall seating positions for easy entry and exit. The front seats offered a wide range of adjustments, and the V-Tex leatherette upholstery provided a premium feel. The back seat boasted generous legroom and foot space, with air conditioning vents and USB charging ports for passengers. The Tiguan's cargo space varied depending on the presence of the optional third-row seat, ranging from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo configurations.

In 2020, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid introduced Android Auto alongside Apple CarPlay, enhancing its infotainment capabilities. These features were standard across all trims, providing seamless smartphone integration. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered WiFi Connect with a trial period, although its proprietary Entune multimedia software was less appealing than third-party options. The vehicle included multiple USB-A ports for charging, and its Predictive Efficient Drive technology optimized battery usage for improved efficiency. Drivers could choose from various drive modes, including Eco, Sport, and Trail, to tailor the driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB3 infotainment system starting with the SE trim, offering an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a suite of connected services. While the MIB3 system was an improvement, it had some user interface quirks, and the standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass-heavy music. Higher trims included the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system. The Tiguan's technology package was understated but functional, with a focus on connectivity and convenience.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a comprehensive suite of safety features including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and more. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in side crash tests. However, it had two safety recalls related to engine coolant leaks and suspension issues.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the IQ Drive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Tiguan's safety features were effective, although some systems, like adaptive cruise control, had room for improvement. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in certain trims, thanks to its high-performing LED headlights.