2019 Toyota RAV4 vs 2019 VW Tiguan // Battle For Best Compact SUV 

We test drove a Tiguan and a RAV4 and the RAV4 just felt cheap. We are now on our second VW and it has been our best purchase!

Can we all take a second to appreciate the time it must have taken to park those cars that close?

I drive a 2004 Toyota RAV4 to this day, and it is still working like a champ!!

I would never think of putting comedic intros in a car video but you know what, it works! Keep it up guys. Thumbs up.

VW cars are solid build I own a 3 cylinder one liter Cross UP put 100,000 miles in about three years and the only thing I have changed is the timing belt. Service them well and don't forget to use European engine oil all the time 5w40 and they run forever.

Excellent introduction! Looks like a scene in a movie. You're clearly taking the cinematography seriously.

Here in Brazil our Tiguan has a slight edge over that over there, our engine is actually the EA888 from the GTI with a little lower adjustment: 230hp and 260ft lbs torques.

Love my '19 Tiguan...owned now for five months and trouble free...( SEL Premium, 4 Motion AWD 60,000 miles ) Just had the oil change service, rear end alignment, filter replacement, tire rotation, and inspection. Will be back in the shop in two weeks for a front brake service. Roomy interior, smooth ride, good power, handling, and gas mileage.

I looked at a RAV4 last week and today looked at the Tiguan.. to me the VW looks a little better and felt more refined, also the leg room in the back seat was much better.. both pretty cool cars for what they are.

Just found this channel while researching the Rav 4. Love the way you guys edit each segment consistently rather than giving me a 10 minute lecture on 1 car followed by the other. I personally want to replace my 15 year old RX300, and the Rav 4 looks good to me. Good luck with the channel fellas 👍

The tiguan also supports some aftermarket support such as ecu tunes, etc. if you want more power... I agree that it depends on your lifestyle and from my perpective I think the Tiguan's classy look and refinement would attract me more

We bought the Tiguan for our daughter 15 year old for her first car. 2019 SE 4 Motion with the sunroof. Great vehicle for a young driver to start. lots of room. Not to much power but enough. Confident driving with the all wheel drive, in rain, snow. We are in TX, so mostly rain to deal with. Like it a lot so far. Got it used with 16,000 miles for $25k. Not bad at all about a year ago.

This is a classic fight: better in bed vs faithful wife

Just bought the RAV4 and love it thus far. Handles the snow and mountains no problem. Much easier to drive on the highway than our 4Runner

You guys are giving TheStraightPipes a run! Another solid vid. Go Ontario!

Both are great. My wife has a Rav4, I just bought a 2018 Tiguan. Just my opinion, but I like the simpler aesthetic of the Tiguan. It doesn’t feel like it’s trying so hard to be relevant. Solid car. Both are good choices though.

Straight up the BEST intro of any of your intros. Much love from an hour down the road.

Test drove both on the same roads. Tiguan has by far better steering and handling, almost car like. RAV4 handled like a truck. I was far less confident on the RAV4 and constantly kept trying to correct steering input because suspension in fast corners just would not settle. Also RAV4 transmission liked to downshift too much. Tiguan is a great commuter for traffic because the transmission utilizes its torque in the lower to mid RPM range. Ended up buying the Tiguan. Comfortable in normal/heavy traffic and confident maneuvering in it.

The new Tiguan is a fantastic car! we have one and we love it!

Just traded in a 2017 golf Alltrack for a new 2019 Tiguan 5 seater and absolutely love it but it needs an ECU re map to wake up the sleepy engine😉

I used to have VW and it breaks down (4 times within the first 5 years) and it stays in VW dealership for parts replacement for 3 days (fuel pipelines and AC Compressor... I left without courtesy car etc) . I don't know if just my bad luck or unreliability of the brand. Now we owned Toyotas RV4 for 5 years and Toyota CHR KOBA AWD less than 6 months. We couldn't be happier, no more headaches and no more endless money pits. The only thing I like VW is their solid built and ergonomic designs and media system.

I look at car / motorcycle review EVERYDAY, and I've never seen this channel before. Why?

Had to buy a car and had a budget of $15K. Bought a 2011 RAV4 Limited and didn’t hesitate. With 156K it’s still a very long life ahead of it. Not a spot of rust. Reliability may not sound sexy but my Rav’s previous owner loved his trade-in value when he traded it for the new 2019 RAV4.

Originally Body-On-Frame was the money maker and marketed as toughness, but strategy regrouped under the Unibody structure to emphasize Third Row Seating and the lovable All Wheel Drive system. Crossovers maintained the traditional SUV shape and appeal, especially by including luxury items previously featured on the larger heavier platform. Despite their structural differences, over time the general public would refer to both of these configurations simply as SUV’s.

I LIKE how you compare two cars! Not a boring one.

i own a 2018 tiguan sel premium and i use all seasons in the snow and the awd is a beauty! if i slip by a few centimeters, i get put back on track immediately.

I just bought a silver Tiguan SEL R-Line. We liked it better than the Rav 4. More options for better price

Mom of 3 kids here. I am Tiguan owner and when kids friend wants to come with us, can’t beat that third row and flexibility is such a relief. Absolutely gorgeous car

You have shortsleeves on in the snow, while i'm down here in Georgia wearing 5 different layers in 30 degree weather.

Not the first video to watch for accurate information on these cars, but I like them. Good Job!

I tested both cars the RAV4 in the Hybrid (4X4) version and decided on the RAV4 for the economy quietness in city driving also the near instant power feel of the electrical motors and was cheaper and will last forever or as my wife say i will decide to change cars again even if i don't need to

Why does the North America Tiguan have the lowly base 184 hp and no GTI 228 hp like the International Tiguan version?

I went with the Tig SelpR. Lovin’ it. We also have a golf r and Jetta, ❤️

The 2019 VW has a 6 year warranty! That is a huge difference!

I suppose that perhaps the best choice might be the more available and popular car for the region. In europe, VW parts are widely available and there are many power trains to choose from.

I loved this comparison and review!! Buying the new Rav4 very soon for myself. I am glad you guys took it out on the snow, I was very curious as to how it would perform!! Thanks TH

Tiguan hands down ❤️ Add a APR Software update & exhaust 👌

Volkswagen always makes faultless ergonomics, you can never complain about their quality, handling,comfort, and practicality, while Toyota makes the most reliable vehicles in the world and some of the most fuel efficient. I would take the Tiguan in a heartbeat.

How is this channel this unpopular? You guys deserve a million views and a million more subs!

Liked for the intro 👍🏻 Edit: regarding the sunroof you mention at 12:03, you actually can get a pano roof on the Rav but it’s only offered on the highest trim (Limited.) The 360 cam is only available on the Limited as well. Why those options aren’t available on the adventure trim is beyond me since adventure has the best color/wheel combo.

I like the look of the RAV4 but I think it age badly, the Tiguan is understated but will last. The VW build quality seems more refined so it's the VW for me.

1. which one depreciates faster? 2. reliability? 3. three to five years maintenance costs?

I just purchased the VW Tiguan Premium and love it, the white interior and everything is so audi like(luxury)!

"Simplicity, reliability, that's why you buy a Toyota"... Maybe, but I had my 2009 Tiguan for the last 7 years and besides tyres and pads and fuel, didn't spend a dollar on it. Just bought a 2019 model after driving several Japanese cars including a RAV4 - it's like comparing chalk and cheese. The finish , the ride, the turbo torque, the solid build feeling, that's why you buy another Tiguan!

Good review. would of been better to compare the top trim Rav4 since you had the top trim Tiguan. Rav4 in Limited trim looks drastically different inside and out.

Had to drop a like after that intro. Awesome video, guys!

Yep, took the advice and looked at the Mazda Signature. It won me over. The fun of the VW with the reliability of the Toyota.

Even the CVT Rav4s in Europe are all still on the road. The AWD system is glorious. It does miracle's if you give it a chance. Solid build vehicle.

Heh love these intros every time, but the cinematography is also great.

Ok, don't tell anyone, just one small tip: Go to APR tuning and get Stage 1. It would boost Tiguan from 184 HP to 295 HP ;-) Just pay $1000.

Watching this in my new TH hoodie. Perfect timing! Thanks guys. I know it’s plain as F but I like the Tiguan

I have a Tiguan and I love it! Tiguan from here on out!

What is nice about the VW is that it looks like a more premium product rolling down the street. You also don’t see as many on the road so they stand out more vs the sea of RAV4s. I own both an new VW atlas and a Toyota 4Runner. Both great vehicles with completely different missions. I took a leap of faith with VW but with the warranty and how we keep our cars about 7-8 years it should provide a trouble free experience.

Looking at new cars and the tiguan is definitely on my short list.

The RAV4 suspension is stiff, but it handles high loads without a problem.

I love what Toyota is doing with there vehicles these days. They are finally putting style and passion in its lineup AGAIN. There are far more Toyota models I would consider driving today than just four five years ago. It appears that finally Toyota is putting some real value into inspiring design from the top all the way to the bottom of the fleet. The luster has returned and I am excited about the future of the industry.

Mh the new RAV design doesn’t really appeal to me anyone feeling the same way ?

Tiguan definitely!!!!! Much more premium and nicer. More torque. More classy.. Q5-esque... More features.. Oh yes!! 1. Tiguan 2. Honda CRV 3. CX 5 or Rav 4

Have a look at the RAV4 doing the Moose test, you will make up your mind immediately!

“Only for people who you’re willing to sacrifice their legs.” “Like children!” 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

in a lot of markets you can get the tiguan with a 500NM of torque bitdi engine, it's a fantastic car then

Good review ! I drove the Tiguan as a ZipCar for a while. It was probably a base level car but it had good ride and nice interior quality, what I really didn't like was the engine/transmission. It felt so sluggish, not even slow but just unresponsive. If it had a better engine/transmission like the EU specs it would be so much more desirable. CX-5 is still the king for now.

Instagram fans picked the Toyota due to its much higher reliability rating. The Tiguan (a portmanteau), on the other hand, is in a higher class than the Rav4, and was actually introduced as a fully capable off-road compact SUV. Arguable, the most capable in its class. It came with a skid plate and more off-road tuning.That earlier version however, was discontinued due to lack of interest in North American. As for the crease, it is a styling cue to give the car a little less height, so it doesn't look like the side of a barn. Fit an finish and interior is a specialty of the VW Group they are the best in the industry. As for the car being similar I'm not sure how. Perhaps if you drove the cars more aggressively or pushed them closer to their limits (think autobahn), the difference would become more prominent. How confident would you be in the Rav4 at 110mph? Also, the VW has the more refined -- near luxury -- interior. Even the plastic is a better grade. The Rav4 makes no pretense about its purely utilitarian nature -- orange rubber? Anyway, the third-row seating in the VW is perfect for an additional pair of small kids.

New rav in that trim... dayyyyyyyyum! Looks like a mini 4 runner. Love the tig as well. I still own a 2018 Tig

I love both cars but ended up with the RAV4 w/AWD. The gas mileage is phenomenal, reliability is top notch and the high resale value just did it for me.

The vehicles are nice and all but the colour grading is on point.

If you plan on keeping your suv for only 4 years you can buy the Tiguan. If you plan on running it 6+ years the answer has to be the RAV4

Sales will tell what matters to people most.

Having driven both, I think the Tiguan handles more sportily (outside of snowy circumstances), has better refinement, and looks better to me. However, I would take the Rav - the handling is decent, the interior is classy enough for my liking, and the Hybrid option means I could drive to work and use near to no fuel. Saving money on fuel and servicing costs means I get to spend the rest on a fun second-hand car weekender/track car (E36 coupe, MX5, 86). Win-win to me, surprised you guys didn't think of that!

I have this model Tiguan!! If it's too slow for you, get the APR stage 1 tune. Game changing.

I'm actually thinking of buying a rav4 myself

Got the RAV4 hybrid XLE for 31.5k otd. Pretty happy with purchase so far

It's the first time Rav4 looks actually good!

Really well done. The format and presentation is very informative and engaging. Very enjoyable to watch and very informative. Great vibe. Next time I shop cars, I'll definitely search your content first.

I can't believe you guys did not show the back seats of these cars. Honestly, people buy these cars for roomier back seats.

Why do reviewers say refresh when it’s built on a completely new platform?

Tiguan is the most beautiful compact suv out rn !!

This review brought us to change our mind about the rav 4 and to purchase the Rline sel 4motion

I had a 2010 tiguan for 2 years and I loved that car, never had a problem until i got Tboned... but even then it was still a great car, built like a tank, I came out un injured and I ran over a stop sign and into a hospital sign. Great car.

I bought Tiguan TDI 4 Motion last month I love it

Reliable and expensive service. Also I would get RAV4 hybrid 41 mpg and faster too

I think Toyota has really pulled there finger out with there new model line up. And the Rav is a really up to date evolution of Ravs of old. The turn knob setability of 4wd modes is a really great idea.

I'd get the Rav4 on the reliability alone. That thing will last 20 years if you want it to. Also I'm digging the tacoma front end styling.

Coming from a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, I found the Tiguan to be a great car and I really like it. However, I ultimately chose the RAV4 Adventure/Trail, especially given my current special situation. Despite the high price of Toyota, which isn't fully justified except for its reliability, I needed a car that I could depend on, and Toyota delivers on that front. While German cars are generally superior, they require frequent servicing, which Toyota does not.

Bought a Tig R line for my wife. (I own a '16 Golf R) Why VW couldn't just drop the GTI 2L and a DSG in here is beyond me. She loves the celiac mode though 😋

I have an 18 Tiguan and love it.

I think the Toyota is a better choice.

To the English guy (excuse me for not knowing his/your name, I was only recently introduced to this channel) : your pronunciation of Volkswagen is really good. Only remark would be that the V is pronounced as the English f (as in fire)

The Tiguan, especially in that color, looks really nice.

Something to note about the Tiggy- Eco/comfort mode really dulls the throttle. Sport mode feels much better for power delivery. Honestly, for the average joe, the power is good. For Auto Journalists who drive BMWs and Alfa's a bunch, it feels slow, but thats a matter of perspective.

Love my 2019 Tiguan!!

A man in a t-shirt in a car during winter is the most Canadian thing I have seen in a while.

Tiguan for me... However, in the back of my mind, I'm thinking about reliability... I'm thinking about maintenance cost... I believe Tiguan's made in Mexico and the transmission is from Japan... Not sure about the engine... Hungary?.. Toyota's RAV4 is fine... It's a Toyota... It's probably going to be more reliable than the Tiguan... However, the interior of the Toyota is not going to be the reason why I'd buy it... I'll look into the Mazda CX-5 and the Honda Passport too... Nice review... Thanks!..

You guys didn’t mentioned any thing about Gaz Milage compared and hybrid options .. but other then that great fun video

I picked my Tiguan up a few days ago, before that I had the kuga, and I’m shocked at how much more powerful the kuga was. I’m struggling to get used to the slow pull away speed at roundabouts. Nice car in every other way though.

Good review. One thing I look at when I have two similar vehicles is the number of dealerships for a brand. I had to decide between a BMW X3 and a RAV4 XLE Hybrid. At the BMW dealership I came within a whisker of signing the papers when I said, "hey when I am on the road (being retired I take trips) how easy will it be to find a BMW dealership if I have a problem-pretty difficult. But if I am in a Toyota, it is easy. Easy choice for me, the RAV4. PS: di you know thr RAV4 gives you a full size spare and the BMW a "CAN" 45,000 dollars and they give you a can!

I have the 2019 Tiguan and not as fun to drive as my old Tiguan but it's ok. I'd rather have the Rav honestly but the Tig I picked up at about 5k less than the average Rav4s around me. Tiguan is a pretty nice driver experience, not thrilling at . . . all. . . but nice. Smooth and quiet at highway speeds even in the 70mph range.

Rline Volkswagens are not only cosmetic upgrades, the motor, interior, headlights, break lights and other things are upgraded, I guess in North America they don’t know much about VW 🤦🏻‍♂️

I had a Passat alltrack which was beautiful, but vw stopped that...I have just ordered the rav4

You guys ahave the coolest reviews out there with out a doubt. I never comment on anything but I have to comment because you guys are killing it with the extra humor and roll playing at the beginning of some videos or throughout the video. The videos are informative in every way. Your reviews are what really helped me decide about my next car wich I am purchasing a BMW M2 in February!Keep up the good work!!!!