2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, with its nearly full suite of options, presented a robust yet understated appearance. Priced at $42,083, it seemed excessive for a RAV4, yet it maintained a rugged charm typical of a "cute-ute." Despite its fully-loaded status, it resembled a standard rental car model, lacking the larger wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. The interior was a mix of stylish and practical elements, though quality varied with some glossy hard plastics. A minor rattle from the license plate was noted, but overall, the RAV4 Hybrid offered a functional and practical cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan boasted clean lines and balanced proportions, offering a conservative and timeless aesthetic. Its larger size for the class provided a roomy interior, nearly matching the space of larger SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Tiguan's interior was spacious, accommodating up to seven passengers with an optional third row. The cabin featured modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout, though some materials felt less premium. The Tiguan's pricing ranged from $25,245 to $39,095, with the test model priced at $35,040, including destination charges.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. This setup provided standard AWD and several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The RAV4 Hybrid weighed between 3,690 and 3,780 pounds, offering lively acceleration despite the engine's unpleasant sound at high revs. It achieved an EPA rating of 40 mpg in combined driving, with a tested average of 39.7 mpg. The CVT operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension and steering provided a comfortable ride, though the tires lacked grip in corners.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission powered the front wheels, with AWD as an option. The Tiguan's powertrain was adequate but suffered from turbo lag, and its nearly 4,000-pound weight contributed to a sense of lethargy. The EPA rated the Tiguan at 25 mpg with FWD and 24 mpg with AWD, but testing showed an average of 22.6 mpg. The Tiguan offered a pleasant driving experience with light steering and a compliant ride, though it struggled with suspension isolation over bumps.

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

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with easy entry and exit, adjustable front seats, and perforated V-Tex leatherette upholstery. The rear seats offered generous legroom and foot space, with air conditioning vents and USB ports. A panoramic sunroof was available, enhancing the cabin experience. The Tiguan's cargo space ranged from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, depending on the presence of a third row, with a maximum capacity of 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with 7-inch or 8-inch displays, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The test vehicle included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, though voice recognition had limitations. Camera-based technology included a 360-degree surround-view system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a range of connected services. The system improved processing times but had some user interface quirks. The standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass, while the SEL Premium R-Line offered a nine-speaker Fender audio system. Digital Cockpit instrumentation was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The system was generally effective, though lane-centering assistance was occasionally resistant. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan included IQ Drive with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims, with lane-keep assist and automatic high-beam headlights on the SEL Premium R-Line. The Tiguan's safety systems were effective but had some inconsistencies. The IIHS awarded the Tiguan a "Top Safety Pick" rating for SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims.