VS
At a Glance
Power
225 kW
147kW@5100
Torque
—
280Nm@1700
Fuel
1.3-1.6 when hybrid battery charged / 5.L/100km
9.9L/100km
Towing
—
2500kg
0-100 km/h
5.8 s
8.5s
Engine
2487 cc
1984cc
Choosing between the Toyota RAV4 and the Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa 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.L/100km while the Tiguan uses 9.9L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 043 900 for the RAV4 and R438 310 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.
Specification
Toyota RAV42026 - From R1 043 900
Volkswagen Tiguan2.0 TSI Track + Field 4motion Tiptr 2009 - From R438 310
Performance
Power Output
225 kW
147kW@5100
Torque
—
280Nm@1700
0-100 kph
5.8 s
8.5s
Top Speed
180 Km/h
207km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2487 cc
1984cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
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.L/100km
9.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
13.5L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.7L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 litre + 25.4 kWh l
64L
CO2 Emissions
30-36 when hybrid battery charged g/km
234g/km
Dimensions
Length
4645 mm
4457mm
Width
1880 mm
1809mm
Height
—
1686mm
Wheelbase
2690 mm
2604mm
Ground Clearance
—
200mm
Kerb Weight
2060 Kg
1609kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2500kg
Load Capacity
—
1510kg
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 Kkm
120000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
6 servicesyr
—
Service Plan Distance
90000km
—
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.L/100km)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.8 ss)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Tiguan
Lower starting price (R438 310)
Higher fuel consumption (9.9L/100km)
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.L/100km and the Tiguan uses 9.9L/100km on the combined cycle. The RAV4 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual 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. The RAV4 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the RAV4 and Tiguan?
The RAV4 starts from R1 043 900 and the Tiguan from R438 310. The Tiguan is cheaper by R605 590 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 2500kg. 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.