Volkswagen Tiguan Vs. Toyota RAV4: 2026 Crossover Showdown
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan at a Glance
- Two-row seating
- Holds up to five passengers
- Up to 103.8 cubic feet of total passenger volume
- Turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with two distinct tunings
- IQ.DRIVE technology
2026 Toyota RAV4 at a Glance
- Two-row seating
- Holds up to five passengers
- 98.9 cubic feet of passenger volume
- 2.5-liter hybrid engine
- Toyota Safety Sense technology
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Toyota RAV4 Comparison
If your search for an agile and versatile new SUV has brought you to compare the Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Toyota RAV4, you've come to the right place. We're conducting a thorough review of the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan vs. 2026 Toyota RAV4 in critical areas like performance specs, dimensions, features, and trim levels to help you discover your ideal next compact crossover.
Following our comparison of the Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Toyota RAV4, you can visit Wallace Volkswagen of Johnson City for a tour and test drive of the winning Tiguan SUV in your preferred trim level and configuration.
Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Toyota RAV4 Specs
Both of these new SUVs come equipped with four-cylinder power under the hood. The 2026 VW Tiguan is motivated by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 207 pound-feet of torque and 201 horsepower.
With its standard 2.0-liter turbo engine and FWD, the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV earns up to an EPA-estimated 26/34 MPG (City/Highway)1 rating. This gas mileage rating is impressive, given this SUV's spacious interior and high torque rating.
However, 2026 brought a new surprise: the introduction of a new turbocharged version of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Exclusive to the SEL R-Line Turbo, this upgrade delivers 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, propelling it past the competition.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 generates less force than the Tiguan. This Toyota model only creates 163 pound-feet of torque with its gas engine, but its power output is a healthy 236 horsepower. However, the model is a hybrid, meaning it has better fuel economy than the gas-only Tiguan – though you'll have to trust the more complex electronic systems and the expensive hybrid battery to hold up.
Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Toyota RAV4 Specs Comparison Chart
| 2026 VW Tiguan | 2026 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Engine | 2.0L turbocharged 4-cyl | 2.5L hybrid 4-cyl |
| Max Horsepower | 268 | 236 |
| Max Torque | 258 lb-ft | 163 lb-ft (engine only) |
| Drivetrain | FWD, 4MOTION available | FWD, AWD available |
| Best EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 26 / 34 / 291 | 47 / 40 / 432 |
| Maximum Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 – 1,800 lbs3 | 1,750 – 3,500 lbs4 |
| New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage | 4 yr or 50,000 mi5 | 3 yr or 36,000 mi6 |
Towing Capacity
Another significant change for 2026 is how much each model tows. The 2026 Tiguan is exceptional, able to tow 1,500 pounds with FWD and 1,800 pounds with the popular 4MOTION drivetrain.3 Any model can access 4MOTION, meaning you can get better peace of mind while hauling small vehicles, canoes, bikes, and more on any trim!
At 1,750 pounds, the RAV4 towing capacity is higher than the base Tiguan but lower than what's easily accessible through the Tiguan 4MOTION drivetrain.4 However, specific trims of the RAV4 can achieve more towing capacity. That means investing in a higher trim level and AWD in many cases, drastically raising the price to outdo what the Tiguan offers on the base trim.
Tiguan vs. RAV4 Reliability and Safety Systems
Regarding the reliability of the Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Toyota RAV4, both models offer proven performance and dependability. So, if you're shopping for one of these new SUVs for sale or lease, you can't go wrong with either when it comes to reliability.
There are some significant differences in safety and driver-assistance systems, though. For instance, the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan comes standard with a generous suite of advanced driver-support technologies as part of the IQ.DRIVE package, including features like:
- Travel Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Active Blind Spot Monitor
- Rear Traffic Alert
- Front Assist
- Emergency Assist
- Lane Assist
The 2026 RAV4 comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense package. It has technologies similar to the Tiguan SUV's IQ.DRIVE suite, but it lacks the hands-on approach of the Volkswagen IQ.DRIVE. For example, where the VW Tiguan can automatically help you steer based on an obstacle in your blind spot, the RAV4 only offers warnings.
The Toyota Safety Sense suite features the following driver-assistance tech:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Proactive Driving Assist
Interior & Technology
We've covered many advanced technologies and specs that come standard or are available on the Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Toyota RAV4, including their MPG values, driver-support systems, engine prowess, and towing capacities.
More differences, however, lie in the interiors of the VW Tiguan and Toyota RAV4 SUVs. The Tiguan offers additional passenger volume and greater rear-seat legroom than the Toyota RAV4, and it also has more advanced features for technology and comfort, such as perforated Varenna leather seating.
In our opinion, the VW Tiguan interior is the more inviting and versatile choice. However, we'll let you decide for yourself: You can come visit our dealership for a test drive, or take a closer look at the measurements between the two SUVs in the chart below.
VW Tiguan vs. Toyota RAV4 Dimensions Chart
| 2026 VW Tiguan | 2026 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Cargo Space (Trunk / Max) | 33.8 / 69.8 cu ft | 36.6 – 37.8 / 70.4 cu ft |
| Length | 184.4 – 184.8 in | 181 – 182 in |
| Width | 73 – 73.5 in | 73 – 74 in |
| Height | 66.1 – 66.6 in | 66.5 in |
| Max Headroom (Front / Rear) | 39.5 / 39.7 in | 36.7 / 39.5 in |
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 40.2 / 40.2 in | 41 / 37.8 in |
| Passenger Volume | 100.4 – 103.8 cu ft | 98.9 cu ft |
| Standard Features |
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RAV4 vs. Tiguan Trim Levels
The final stop of our Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison is trim levels, where the RAV4 reveals a distinct hierarchy. Here are the six RAV4 levels:
- RAV4 LE: 10.5-inch Toyota Multimedia Audio touch screen, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, Toyota Safety Sense 4.0
- RAV4 SE: 18-inch dark metallic wheels, LED headlights with parking and front turn lamps, Front and Rear Parking Assist
- RAV4 XLE Premium: Height-adjustable power liftgate, SofTex trimmed seats
- RAV4 Woodland: Raised black roof rails, six-spoke matte metallic gray alloy wheels, LED fog lights
- RAV4 XSE: 20-inch multi-spoke wheels, SofTex-/synthetic suede-trimmed seats, 12.9-inch central touchscreen
- RAV4 Limited: Panoramic glass roof, nine-speaker JBL® audio system, dual Qi-compatible wireless charging
With six trims to hide features within, the RAV4 fails to push family-friendly, value-oriented comforts to the forefront. Shop for a new VW Tiguan for sale through Wallace Volkswagen of Johnson City, and you'll discover the four Tiguan trim levels offer similar amenities much earlier, alongside unique benefits absent from the RAV4:
- Tiguan S: IQ.DRIVE, natural voice control with ChatGPT, 10.25-inch VW Digital Cockpit Pro, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, 12.9-inch touchscreen display, Qi-compatible wireless charging
- Tiguan SE: 19-inch wheels, perforated V-Tex leatherette seating, 10-color ambient interior lighting, remote engine start, power liftgate
- Tiguan SE R-Line Black: 20-inch alloy wheels, R-Line black accented exterior elements, R-Line leather-wrapped steering wheel, Head-Up Display, panoramic sunroof
- Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo: 268-horsepower 2.0-liter TSI engine, 15-inch touchscreen display, three-zone automatic climate control, heated rear seats, perforated Varenna leather front seats with heat, massage, and ventilation, 12-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system, 30-color adjustable ambient interior lighting
Browse our latest VW Tiguan deals to find an offer and trim that suit your preferences and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV has better safety features: the Volkswagen Tiguan or Toyota RAV4?
Both of these SUVs come loaded with modern safety tech. However, the standard IQ.DRIVE safety suite on the 2026 VW Tiguan is more generous than the Toyota Safety Sense package on the 2026 RAV4. For example, the Tiguan comes with Travel Assist, a semi-autonomous driving aid, while the RAV4 requires a trim upgrade for similarly impressive and comprehensive driver assistance.
How do the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan and Toyota RAV4 compare in terms of reliability?
Reliability can be subjective because it ultimately comes down to how you maintain your vehicle. Both of these new SUVs for sale from Volkswagen and Toyota offer proven performance. However, the Volkswagen Limited New Vehicle Warranty is four years (or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first),5 while the RAV4 is only covered by a three-year/36,000-mile plan.6
Can the VW Tiguan seat more people than the RAV4?
While previous model years of the Volkswagen Tiguan lineup could seat up to seven people in three rows, the 2026 Tiguan sticks to a two-row configuration to maximize comfort. In short, no, the Tiguan and RAV4 both seat up to five passengers in two rows. However, the Volkswagen Tiguan offers more passenger volume and legroom, providing a more comfortable ride for everyone than the RAV4 SUV.
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126 city/34 highway/29 combined mpg (2026 Tiguan S 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, eight-speed automatic). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors, including your driving habits and vehicle condition.
2Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
3Maximum tow rating when equipped with 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and factory-installed towing hitch. Vehicle load, other accessories, and options may reduce maximum towing capacity. See vehicle Owner's Manual for details.
4Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. (Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.) Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.
54 years/50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty on all new MY26 vehicles. See owner's literature or dealer for warranty exclusions and limitations.
6Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.