2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, redesigned in 2018, presented a stylish yet conservative German aesthetic. Its exterior featured clean lines and a horizontal grille adorned with Volkswagen's new flat logo, connecting the headlights. Despite its contemporary look, the Tiguan's interior was less impressive, with plain design elements and hard black plastic surfaces that lacked the sophistication Volkswagen was once known for. The focus seemed to have shifted to electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system standing out as highlights.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered a more rugged appearance, though it could have benefited from bolder wheels. Inside, it was stylish and functional, with a mix of quality materials and some glossy hard plastics. The RAV4 Hybrid's interior was practical, featuring clear instrumentation and well-placed controls. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy cargo area. The rear seats provided decent legroom and comfort, although the seat height was slightly low.

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 drive and all-wheel drive configurations. 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 impacted by its larger size, with a longer wheelbase that made it less nimble. However, it provided a comfortable driving experience with a soft suspension and well-insulated cabin.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with front and rear electric motors, generating a total of 219 horsepower. This setup provided standard all-wheel drive and several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The RAV4 Hybrid felt lively due to the instant torque from the electric motors, though the engine sounded unpleasant at high revs. It achieved an impressive 40 mpg in combined driving. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension design and steering offered favorable driving dynamics, though the tires lacked grip in corners.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in practicality, with a second row of seats that could slide up to seven inches, making the third row more usable. The third row, while not spacious, was suitable for shorter adults and children. The Tiguan offered a generous cargo capacity of 65.7 cubic feet with the third row collapsed, and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The front seats provided ample hip and shoulder room, and the abundant glass made the interior feel roomy.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front cushions, and a heated steering wheel. The rear seats offered decent legroom and foot space, with a reclining backrest. The dashboard was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. The RAV4 Hybrid's cargo area measured 37.5 cubic feet, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the MIB II infotainment system, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the base trim and an 8-inch upgrade in higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with bright graphics and a responsive processor. The Tiguan offered USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and VW's Digital Cockpit on top trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured camera-based technology, such as a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. However, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance were reserved for the top SEL trim. The Tiguan was rated a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for models with LED headlights.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.