VS
At a Glance
Power
225 kW
147kW@5100
Torque
—
280Nm@1700
Fuel
1.3-1.6 when hybrid battery charged / 5.
8.9
Towing
—
2500
0-100 km/h
5.8 s
7.9
Engine
2487 cc
1984
Choosing between the Toyota RAV4 and the Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Toyota RAV4 delivers 225 kW while the Volkswagen Tiguan produces 147kW@5100. On fuel, the RAV4 returns 1.3-1.6 when hybrid battery charged / 5.3-5.8 when discharged l/100km while the Tiguan uses 8.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 043 900 for the RAV4 and R424 015 for the Tiguan. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
225 kW
147kW@5100
Torque
—
280Nm@1700
0-100 kph
5.8 s
7.9
Top Speed
180 Km/h
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2487 cc
1984
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.3-1.6 when hybrid battery charged / 5.
8.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
12.1
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.1
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 litre + 25.4 kWh l
64
CO2 Emissions
30-36 when hybrid battery charged g/km
213
Dimensions
Length
4645 mm
4457
Width
1880 mm
1809
Height
—
1686
Wheelbase
2690 mm
2604
Ground Clearance
—
200
Kerb Weight
2060 Kg
1587
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2500
Load Capacity
—
1510
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
36
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 160000 hybrid battery K
120000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
6 services
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
RAV4
Fuel Economy
RAV4
Value
Tiguan
Practicality
Tiguan
Pros & Cons
Toyota RAV4
Better fuel economy (1.3-1.6 when hybrid battery charged / 5.3-5.8 when discharged l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.8 ss)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Tiguan
Lower starting price (R424 015)
Higher fuel consumption (8.9)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RAV4 or Tiguan?
The RAV4 uses 1.3-1.6 when hybrid battery charged / 5.3-5.8 when discharged l/100km and the Tiguan uses 8.9 on the combined cycle. The RAV4 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the RAV4 or Tiguan?
The RAV4 produces 225 kW while the Tiguan delivers 147kW@5100 and 280Nm@1700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the RAV4 and Tiguan?
The RAV4 starts from R1 043 900 and the Tiguan from R424 015. The Tiguan is cheaper by R619 885 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the RAV4 or Tiguan?
The RAV4 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Tiguan can tow 2500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the RAV4 or the Tiguan?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.