VS
At a Glance
Power
163 kW
147kW@5100
Torque
221+e Nm
280Nm@1700
Fuel
4.8 l/100km
8.9
Towing
1000 Kg
2500
0-100 km/h
—
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 163 kW while the VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN produces 147kW@5100. On fuel, the RAV4 returns 4.8 l/100km while the TIGUAN uses 8.9 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R858 500 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
163 kW
147kW@5100
Torque
221+e Nm
280Nm@1700
0-100 kph
—
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
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
4.8 l/100km
8.9
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
12.1
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.1
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
64
CO2 Emissions
109 g/km
213
Dimensions
Length
4600 mm
4457
Width
1855 mm
1809
Height
1685 mm
1686
Wheelbase
2690 mm
2604
Ground Clearance
195 mm
200
Kerb Weight
1730-1750 Kg
1587
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
733 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
2500
Load Capacity
—
1510
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ 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
—
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 / 195000 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 (4.8 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
Lower starting price (R424 015)
Higher towing capacity (2500)
Higher fuel consumption (8.9)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RAV4 or TIGUAN?
The RAV4 uses 4.8 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 163 kW and 221+e Nm of torque 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 R858 500 and the TIGUAN from R424 015. The TIGUAN is cheaper by R434 485 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 1000 Kg 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.