2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan held firm to the design language set during its 2022 overhaul. Volkswagen added retroactive value with a five-year Car-Net Safe & Secure connected services plan. It was available in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, ranging from $26,950 to $37,680 plus a $1,295 destination fee. The tested SEL R-Line trim did not accommodate further options, culminating in an MSRP of $38,975. Despite seven exterior colors, four interior ones, four wheel designs, and three upholstery types, choices were surprisingly restrictive by trim. For example, larger wheels were off-limits for the SE, and certain color combinations like Atlantic Blue with Noisette leather were unavailable. The test car arrived in Atlantic Blue with warm Storm Gray leather, although the popular Titan Black leather was also an option. The SEL R-Line model appealed with its sporty aesthetics and 20-inch machined wheels. It featured adaptive front lighting for better night visibility and a chic lightbar across the grille. Although the materials were a reminder of its entry-level price, the Tiguan still managed a somewhat upscale interior. Features like quality leather upholstery, artificial wood trim, soft-touch materials, digital instrumentation, and a panoramic sunroof enhanced the experience, although cheaper touches were present. Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 stuck close to its 2019 aesthetic, particularly visible in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims with their distinct two-part faces. The Adventure trim, which was the focus of this comparison, positioned the Toyota badge lower on an aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and added faux skid plates. The rugged look didn't entirely translate to functionality, as the Adventure trim lacked the genuine off-road capability of its TRD Off-Road counterpart. Moreover, the Adventure trim introduced orange interior accents that livened up an otherwise conservative cabin. The faux leather seating sported orange stripes and stitching, with orange plastic accents on the center console. That said, the interior failed to match the premium feel some rivals offered, despite an upgrade to a frameless rearview mirror. In summary, the Tiguan exuded a more sophisticated charm with its SEL R-Line trim, whereas the RAV4 Adventure's rugged look leaned more toward the cosmetic than functional. The Tiguan's upscale materials and thoughtful interior touches made it feel slightly more premium compared to the visually impactful but somewhat plain interior of the RAV4 Adventure. The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan held firm to the design language set during its 2022 overhaul. Volkswagen added retroactive value with a five-year Car-Net Safe & Secure connected services plan. It was available in S, SE, SE R-Line Black, and SEL R-Line trims, ranging from $26,950 to $37,680 plus a $1,295 destination fee. The tested SEL R-Line trim did not accommodate further options, culminating in an MSRP of $38,975. Despite seven exterior colors, four interior ones, four wheel designs, and three upholstery types, choices were surprisingly restrictive by trim. For example, larger wheels were off-limits for the SE, and certain color combinations like Atlantic Blue with Noisette leather were unavailable. The test car arrived in Atlantic Blue with warm Storm Gray leather, although the popular Titan Black leather was also an option. The SEL R-Line model appealed with its sporty aesthetics and 20-inch machined wheels. It featured adaptive front lighting for better night visibility and a chic lightbar across the grille. Although the materials were a reminder of its entry-level price, the Tiguan still managed a somewhat upscale interior. Features like quality leather upholstery, artificial wood trim, soft-touch materials, digital instrumentation, and a panoramic sunroof enhanced the experience, although cheaper touches were present. Meanwhile, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 stuck close to its 2019 aesthetic, particularly visible in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims with their distinct two-part faces. The Adventure trim, which was the focus of this comparison, positioned the Toyota badge lower on an aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and added faux skid plates. The rugged look didn't entirely translate to functionality, as the Adventure trim lacked the genuine off-road capability of its TRD Off-Road counterpart. Moreover, the Adventure trim introduced orange interior accents that livened up an otherwise conservative cabin. The faux leather seating sported orange stripes and stitching, with orange plastic accents on the center console. That said, the interior failed to match the premium feel some rivals offered, despite an upgrade to a frameless rearview mirror. In summary, the Tiguan exuded a more sophisticated charm with its SEL R-Line trim, whereas the RAV4 Adventure's rugged look leaned more toward the cosmetic than functional. The Tiguan's upscale materials and thoughtful interior touches made it feel slightly more premium compared to the visually impactful but somewhat plain interior of the RAV4 Adventure.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine outputting 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, complemented by an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with the option of VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD) system. The SEL R-Line featured AWD as standard, offering additional drivemode settings including Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad. Fuel economy for the AWD SEL R-Line was 24 mpg in combined driving according to the EPA. Our tests, largely using Normal mode with occasional stints in the Santa Monica Mountains, resulted in 22.6 mpg. The performance delivered sufficient power for most situations, although higher revs revealed a lack of motive force and the eight-speed automatic showed delayed downshifts. Momentary turbo lag from a stop required cautious left turns across traffic. The Tiguan's driving dynamics compensated for its powertrain quirks. The variable-assist steering was energetic, offering excellent tire grip and stable handling. A slight numbness in the brake pedal was the main drawback, requiring more effort for modulation. Road noise was noticeable, and a resonance peculiar to the southbound 101 freeway added to the cabin's shake. Nonetheless, the driving experience was rewarding once you adapted to the Tiguan’s idiosyncrasies. Contrastingly, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 utilized a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While only the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims were AWD by default, all trims offered optional AWD with a Snow Mode. The RAV4's hybrids featured an exclusive AWD system. The RAV4's engine delivered competent, if unremarkable acceleration, hampered by the noisiness that fell short of competitors like the Subaru Forester. The Adventure trim aimed for rugged appeal but didn't share the TRD Off-Road's readiness for serious terrain challenges. The suspension setup mirrored that of other RAV4 trims, with the exception of the TRD Off-Road’s unique components like shocks and jounce bumpers. This made the Adventure trim more suited for light off-roading rather than hardcore adventures, unlike its more capable sibling. Overall, while the Tiguan's turbocharged engine provided a torquey, albeit occasionally sluggish, performance coupled with nimble handling, the RAV4's naturally aspirated four-cylinder offered straightforward reliability without any frills, more suited for everyday driving than true performance. The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine outputting 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, complemented by an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with the option of VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive (AWD) system. The SEL R-Line featured AWD as standard, offering additional drivemode settings including Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad. Fuel economy for the AWD SEL R-Line was 24 mpg in combined driving according to the EPA. Our tests, largely using Normal mode with occasional stints in the Santa Monica Mountains, resulted in 22.6 mpg. The performance delivered sufficient power for most situations, although higher revs revealed a lack of motive force and the eight-speed automatic showed delayed downshifts. Momentary turbo lag from a stop required cautious left turns across traffic. The Tiguan's driving dynamics compensated for its powertrain quirks. The variable-assist steering was energetic, offering excellent tire grip and stable handling. A slight numbness in the brake pedal was the main drawback, requiring more effort for modulation. Road noise was noticeable, and a resonance peculiar to the southbound 101 freeway added to the cabin's shake. Nonetheless, the driving experience was rewarding once you adapted to the Tiguan’s idiosyncrasies. Contrastingly, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 utilized a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While only the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims were AWD by default, all trims offered optional AWD with a Snow Mode. The RAV4's hybrids featured an exclusive AWD system. The RAV4's engine delivered competent, if unremarkable acceleration, hampered by the noisiness that fell short of competitors like the Subaru Forester. The Adventure trim aimed for rugged appeal but didn't share the TRD Off-Road's readiness for serious terrain challenges. The suspension setup mirrored that of other RAV4 trims, with the exception of the TRD Off-Road’s unique components like shocks and jounce bumpers. This made the Adventure trim more suited for light off-roading rather than hardcore adventures, unlike its more capable sibling. Overall, while the Tiguan's turbocharged engine provided a torquey, albeit occasionally sluggish, performance coupled with nimble handling, the RAV4's naturally aspirated four-cylinder offered straightforward reliability without any frills, more suited for everyday driving than true performance.

In terms of interior space, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a roomy and flexible layout, with an optional third-row seat in FWD versions, though it compromised cargo space. Our AWD SEL R-Line model favored a two-row configuration, maximizing its cargo capacity. It featured exceptionally comfortable front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. Despite the small center armrest bin, other storage compartments were generous. The Tiguan's dashboard presented ergonomic challenges, with touch-sensitive controls for the steering wheel and climate settings encased in glossy black plastic that impaired usability. For instance, the Climatronic Touch panel was positioned too low, forcing drivers to divert attention from the road. Similarly, touch-sensing sliders for volume and tuning on the stereo and accidental activation of controls added to the inconvenience. However, passenger and cargo space were redeeming qualities. Large rear door openings and a spacious back seat with ample legroom, headroom, and foot room made it comfortable for passengers. The hands-free power liftgate revealed a versatile cargo area, with 37.6 cubic feet available behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with seats folded, on par with some midsize SUVs. In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 didn’t offer a third-row seat but provided roomy enough accommodations for five passengers. Keen on detail, the RAV4 featured 37.7 inches of front headroom and 39.5 inches in the rear with the moonroof, slightly lagging behind competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. Legroom measured 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the back, competitive for the class but narrower in the rear seat. The RAV4 prioritized practical storage, sporting a front-row shelf along the glove compartment and ample door pockets. Its side-by-side center cupholders and a lever-style gear shifter added to its functional, albeit rugged, charm. Cargo capacity wise, the 2023 RAV4 offered 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 69.8 cubic feet with them folded, placing it ahead of the Mazda CX-5 but behind the spacious Honda CR-V. While efficient, it didn't match the Tiguan's cargo flexibility, especially in the AWD models. Thus, while both SUVs excelled in accommodating passengers and cargo, the Tiguan impressed with its upscale materials and thoughtful storage solutions, even though it struggled with user interface ergonomics. The RAV4 struck a balance, offering practical storage and configuring a competitive cargo capacity, though it lagged behind in delivering a premium interior feel. In terms of interior space, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a roomy and flexible layout, with an optional third-row seat in FWD versions, though it compromised cargo space. Our AWD SEL R-Line model favored a two-row configuration, maximizing its cargo capacity. It featured exceptionally comfortable front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and a heated steering wheel. Despite the small center armrest bin, other storage compartments were generous. The Tiguan's dashboard presented ergonomic challenges, with touch-sensitive controls for the steering wheel and climate settings encased in glossy black plastic that impaired usability. For instance, the Climatronic Touch panel was positioned too low, forcing drivers to divert attention from the road. Similarly, touch-sensing sliders for volume and tuning on the stereo and accidental activation of controls added to the inconvenience. However, passenger and cargo space were redeeming qualities. Large rear door openings and a spacious back seat with ample legroom, headroom, and foot room made it comfortable for passengers. The hands-free power liftgate revealed a versatile cargo area, with 37.6 cubic feet available behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet with seats folded, on par with some midsize SUVs. In contrast, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 didn’t offer a third-row seat but provided roomy enough accommodations for five passengers. Keen on detail, the RAV4 featured 37.7 inches of front headroom and 39.5 inches in the rear with the moonroof, slightly lagging behind competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. Legroom measured 41 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the back, competitive for the class but narrower in the rear seat. The RAV4 prioritized practical storage, sporting a front-row shelf along the glove compartment and ample door pockets. Its side-by-side center cupholders and a lever-style gear shifter added to its functional, albeit rugged, charm. Cargo capacity wise, the 2023 RAV4 offered 37.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 69.8 cubic feet with them folded, placing it ahead of the Mazda CX-5 but behind the spacious Honda CR-V. While efficient, it didn't match the Tiguan's cargo flexibility, especially in the AWD models. Thus, while both SUVs excelled in accommodating passengers and cargo, the Tiguan impressed with its upscale materials and thoughtful storage solutions, even though it struggled with user interface ergonomics. The RAV4 struck a balance, offering practical storage and configuring a competitive cargo capacity, though it lagged behind in delivering a premium interior feel.

Volkswagen packed the 2023 Tiguan with advanced digital instrumentation, an 8-inch display standard on lower trims, and a 10.25-inch screen for the SEL R-Line. The enhanced display impressed with features like a full-panel navigation map and proactive lighting warnings. The center-dashboard touchscreen differed by trim, ranging from 6.5 inches in the base S to 8 inches in higher trims. The SEL R-Line model benefited from wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charger, Car-Net connected services, SiriusXM 360L, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, its usability faltered due to touch-sensing buttons that required convoluted, multi-step processes for simple tasks. On the contrary, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 made notable technology upgrades with a modern infotainment system supporting OTA updates. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard, with higher trims getting a 10.5-inch display. Our Adventure model featured the upgraded 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system, complete with a 7-inch driver-information display, though the Limited trim offered an even larger 12.3-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with voice command, brought the RAV4’s infotainment in line with contemporary expectations. The larger screens and upgraded audio system enhanced user experience, making it more intuitive compared to the Tiguan's somewhat frustrating touch interfaces. Comparatively, the RAV4 made strides with a more user-friendly and modern multimedia system versus the Tiguan's advanced but complicated setup. These distinctions underscored Toyota’s improvement in tech while highlighting Volkswagen's tendency to overcomplicate its user interfaces. Volkswagen packed the 2023 Tiguan with advanced digital instrumentation, an 8-inch display standard on lower trims, and a 10.25-inch screen for the SEL R-Line. The enhanced display impressed with features like a full-panel navigation map and proactive lighting warnings. The center-dashboard touchscreen differed by trim, ranging from 6.5 inches in the base S to 8 inches in higher trims. The SEL R-Line model benefited from wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charger, Car-Net connected services, SiriusXM 360L, and a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, its usability faltered due to touch-sensing buttons that required convoluted, multi-step processes for simple tasks. On the contrary, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 made notable technology upgrades with a modern infotainment system supporting OTA updates. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard, with higher trims getting a 10.5-inch display. Our Adventure model featured the upgraded 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system, complete with a 7-inch driver-information display, though the Limited trim offered an even larger 12.3-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with voice command, brought the RAV4’s infotainment in line with contemporary expectations. The larger screens and upgraded audio system enhanced user experience, making it more intuitive compared to the Tiguan's somewhat frustrating touch interfaces. Comparatively, the RAV4 made strides with a more user-friendly and modern multimedia system versus the Tiguan's advanced but complicated setup. These distinctions underscored Toyota’s improvement in tech while highlighting Volkswagen's tendency to overcomplicate its user interfaces.

Regarding safety, Volkswagen equipped the 2023 Tiguan with a robust suite of features. All trims came standard with Front Assist and Side Assist, encompassing forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Automatic Post Collision Braking System enhanced safety by stopping the vehicle post-collision to avoid secondary impacts. The IQ.Drive suite, standard on mid-to-high trims and optional on base models, added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, active blind-spot monitoring with counter-steering, lane-keeping assist, semi-autonomous driving assist, and Emergency Assist. Optional features included Light Assist, Park Assist, parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking, and an Area View surround-view camera. Despite these advanced safety measures, the Tiguan’s crash-test ratings provided mixed results. NHTSA’s testing was incomplete, and concerns arose as the driver’s door unlatched during a side-impact test. The IIHS awarded the Tiguan a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating, but this did not transfer to 2023. In comparison, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 continued to impress with its standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite across all trims, incorporating lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available on the base LE and standard from XLE onwards. The updated TSS 2.5 system included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, enabling adaptive cruise control below 20 mph. This RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, thanks to improved crash-test results. Regarding safety, Volkswagen equipped the 2023 Tiguan with a robust suite of features. All trims came standard with Front Assist and Side Assist, encompassing forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Automatic Post Collision Braking System enhanced safety by stopping the vehicle post-collision to avoid secondary impacts. The IQ.Drive suite, standard on mid-to-high trims and optional on base models, added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, active blind-spot monitoring with counter-steering, lane-keeping assist, semi-autonomous driving assist, and Emergency Assist. Optional features included Light Assist, Park Assist, parking sensors with low-speed automatic braking, and an Area View surround-view camera. Despite these advanced safety measures, the Tiguan’s crash-test ratings provided mixed results. NHTSA’s testing was incomplete, and concerns arose as the driver’s door unlatched during a side-impact test. The IIHS awarded the Tiguan a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ rating, but this did not transfer to 2023. In comparison, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 continued to impress with its standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite across all trims, incorporating lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available on the base LE and standard from XLE onwards. The updated TSS 2.5 system included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, enabling adaptive cruise control below 20 mph. This RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, thanks to improved crash-test results. In essence, both vehicles provided substantial safety tech, but the RAV4’s consistent performance and latest safety accolades gave it a slight edge.