What’s better? When you look at the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Toyota RAV4, both SUVs look like ideal commuter vehicles. But you can only get one, and you need your vehicle to last without compromising comfort while remaining flexible enough to fit into your life. While these sporty compact SUVs from Volkswagen and Toyota both start out at around the same price, with the VW Tiguan beginning at $26,490 and the Toyota RAV4 costing a touch more at $26,975, you have to wonder which one is worth choosing. What’s the difference?
When two great companies make two stylish-looking SUVs, it can be worth it to do your homework before deciding. After all, you don’t want to assume both have the same performance or features, only to find the one you ultimately purchase is missing several key items you would have liked, or that find one has a shorter lifespan than the other.
So what exactly are the differences between the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan and the 2022 Toyota RAV4? Are they really a big enough deal for you to choose one over the other? And what makes one a better commuter vehicle than the other? Let’s take a closer look at both models to see how they compare.
Performance and Efficiency
If you’re just going by looks, the Volkswagen Tiguan could be the RAV4’s cousin. They are both compact SUVs that fit in well on the city and highway, making everyday activities like errands and commuting an enjoyable experience.
But it’s not always about looks. What’s under the hood can really make the difference. When it comes to the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan, the standard turbocharged engine delivers 184 horses and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that ensures a smooth drive and responsive handling around town. The fuel economy of 26 MPG combined means you’ll be passing the pumps more than stopping at them.
The VW Tiguan is available with 4MOTION all-wheel drive, giving drivers confidence when they’re behind the wheel. With 4MOTION all-wheel drive, power is evenly distributed between all four of your vehicle’s wheels, helping you stay in control by giving your ride more traction and stability on the road.
When it comes to ever-changing weather conditions, VW offers Active Control. This allows drivers to easily switch between drive modes with just the quick click of a dial. The modes cover a variety of potential road conditions with Snow, On-Road, Off-Road, and Off-Road Custom. Active Control is great for climates where the weather can change rapidly without notice. When you know your vehicle can handle the daily ups and downs of the changing road conditions, you never have to worry whether or not you’ll make it to work safely and on time.
The 2022 Toyota RAV4 manages to keep up with its standard 8-speed transmission and a 4-cylinder engine that gives drivers 203 hp. Drivers can option their RAV4 to come with Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive. This system is designed to send up to 50% of the power to the rear tires, increasing the vehicle’s traction and stability on the road. Like the Volkswagen Tiguan, the RAV4 also offers drivers different drive modes to meet road conditions. These options include Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, Snow, and Normal modes. If you tend to find yourself spending weekends outdoors, these can be great options to have on hand.
The similar build and power of these SUVs show they would excel at navigating busy city streets and wide open highways without much trouble. But performance is always just one piece of the puzzle. A well-designed vehicle will offer drivers comfort at every level, from the peace of mind that comes from knowing their vehicle will get them to work every day to the comfort that comes from supportive seats with plenty of tech within reach. It’s important to look at a potential vehicle from every angle, inside and out.
Convenience and Comfort
If you find you spend a lot of your day commuting or running around town, the convenience and comfort inside a vehicle can mean as much to you as how it looks. Of course, you want a smooth, dependable ride but would also like something that doesn’t skimp when it comes to a little extra comfort or convenience here and there.
When you get into a 2022 Tiguan, you’re able to instantly recognize it as a Volkswagen. The sleek and minimalist design makes the vehicle easy to navigate and practical. This can be great when you just want to jump into your car and go on those busy mornings or at the end of a long day. But that doesn’t mean the Tiguan lags behind when it comes to size and comfort either.
The Tiguan has a spacious cabin that can offer five people plenty of legroom and headroom, even in the second row, where adults can often feel a little cramped. But if you need even more space, you can opt for a Tiguan with three-row seating and room for up to seven passengers! The two-row Tiguan model comes with 73.4 cu.ft. of cargo room with all the seats folded down, so drivers will never have a problem bringing along whatever their day calls for.
To help take the cold out of winter mornings, drivers can choose options like heated front seats or a heated steering wheel. Plus, added features like dual-zone automatic climate control and ventilated seats can really help take a daily ride up a notch in the comfort department.
When it comes to Toyota, drivers can expect a thoughtful cabin design. This includes easy-to-reach controls and plenty of storage to make use of the tight space. The five-passenger compact SUV gives users a respectable max cargo space of up to 69.8 cu.ft. with all the seats folded, so drivers can expect to have room for daily items like groceries or sports equipment.
For more creature comforts, like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control, buyers will have to level up to one of the RAV4’s high trim packages. However, what the base model does offer in making use of the cabin room is a convenient storage shelf located within reach of the driver that can hold a variety of items you might want to keep on hand, like a wallet, phone, or keyring.
The Tech You Want
One thing that can really make or break a sale is the tech. Drivers are looking for a vehicle that is not only reliable and fun to drive but one that can help them out when they’re commuting to or from work and still need to be connected.
The 2022 Tiguan offers a digital cockpit to keep its tech within easy reach. The user-friendly and customizable VW Digital Cockpit displays helpful information like the latest GPS navigation to make it easy to find your way. Drivers are also offered the option of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. VW drivers can seamlessly connect their compatible smartphones with App-Connect. This allows access to all your favorite apps on your Tiguan’s touchscreen display, making it easier than ever to stay connected throughout your busy day while bringing along your music library or favorite audiobooks.
Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive is all about safety and driver assistance technology. With a whole host of great features that range from an Active Blind-Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert to Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. For convenience, log onto the myVW app to get the latest updates and personalized notices for your vehicle. The Volkswagen app can keep track of maintenance schedules, service history, and more, so you don’t have to.
The RAV4 offers drivers a multi-information display that can give them safety information, GPS directions, and more. The display is conveniently located so drivers can keep their eyes on the road while staying up to date. When drivers choose a higher trim level, they can unlock features like wireless smartphone charging. Otherwise, the RAV4 offers up to five USB ports that can charge and connect a variety of devices.
Toyota drivers have the option to turn their vehicle into a mobile WiFi hotspot. Plus, they have the ability to connect compatible smartphones with either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, making it easy to take your music library with you or listen to your favorite podcasts when going to and from work.
The 2022 RAV4 comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, which gives drivers a wide range of great safety features like Lane Departure Warning and Radar Cruise Control. If that’s not enough, Automatic High Beams help take the stress out of night driving and offer drivers confidence every time they get behind the wheel.
The Perfect Commuter
If you find yourself in your car most days out of the week, not only do you want something you can depend on, but you want something to make your day a little easier. When it comes to great options like the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Toyota RAV4, it comes down to personal preference and lifestyle.
The VW Tiguan offers some of the best cargo space of any compact SUV in its class. Plus, it has a straight-to-the-point, user-friendly interior and modern tech to enhance your drive, all without breaking your budget. While the RAV4 is great if you have time to get away for the weekends or find yourself heading off-road once in a while, Toyota isn’t as well known for having the latest tech. Both vehicles look great, but with Volkswagen giving the Tiguan a facelift for 2022, there’s even more to love in the looks department.
Tough decision, right? Maybe the only way to break the tie is to see for yourself. Visiting local dealers and taking a vehicle for a test drive is a great way to get the feel and vibe of a vehicle before making a purchase.
