Toyota RAV4 vs Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance, petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.

Toyota RAV4

2.5 Hybrid VX CVT AWD Hybrid Automatic

ZAR 760,000 ex-showroom

⚡ 160 kW 🔧 221 Nm ⛽ 20.5 km/l

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

2.0 TSI 162kW R-Line 4Motion DSG Petrol Automatic

ZAR 934,700 ex-showroom

⚡ 162 kW 🔧 350 Nm ⛽ 12.5 km/l

＋ Add a 3rd car

At a Glance — Who Wins What

⚡ Performance Tiguan Allspace

⛽ Fuel Economy RAV4

🛡 Safety Tie

📦 Practicality RAV4

🔑 Ownership Tie

RAV4 starts ZAR 701600 cheaper RAV4 from ZAR 610,000 · Tiguan Allspace from ZAR 701,600

Key Specs Side by Side

The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
Engine Power	160	162
Torque	221	350
Engine Size	2487	1984
Claimed Mileage	20.5	12.5
Ground Clearance	195	198
Boot Space	580	230
Airbags	7	7
Kerb Weight	1740	1640
Seating Capacity	Available	Available
Warranty	3	3

= leads in this spec

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

🏆 Winner

RAV4

/ 100

+17

pts

Tiguan Allspace

/ 100

Moderate difference between the models.

The Bottom Line

RAV4 holds a noticeable edge over Tiguan Allspace, especially in key ownership areas.

Where They Actually Differ

Performance Tiguan Allspace +2 pts

Efficiency RAV4 +14 pts

Safety Equal

Practicality RAV4 +5 pts

Ownership Equal

Score Breakdown by Category

🏆 Overall Winner

RAV4

Performance 13/20

Efficiency 14/20

Safety 20/20

Practicality 15/20

Ownership 12/20

Tiguan Allspace

Performance 15/20

Efficiency 0/20

Safety 20/20

Practicality 10/20

Ownership 12/20

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

🏆 Overall Winner

RAV4

Strengths

Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use

Weak Spots

Less powerful engine setup

Best suited to: Fuel Efficiency Family Usage

Tiguan Allspace

Strengths

More powerful engine output

Weak Spots

Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage

Best suited to: Highway Driving

Which One's Right for You?

RAV4

Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability

Tiguan Allspace

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
Ground Clearance	195	198
Wheelbase	2690	2790
Length	4600	4703
Width	1855	1839
Height	1685	1674
Kerb Weight	1740	1640
Gross Vehicle Weight	2285	2220
Seating Capacity	5	7
Boot Space	580	230
Towing Capacity	1650	2000
Number of Doors	5	Available
Boot Space Seats Folded	1500	1500
Front Track Width	1550	1550
Rear Track Width	1540	1540
Turning Radius	Available	5.5
Load Bed Length	Available	Available
Load Bed Width	Available	Available
Front Legroom	Available	Available
Rear Legroom	Available	Available
Front Headroom	Available	Available
Rear Headroom	Available	Available
Front Shoulder Room	Available	Available
Rear Shoulder Room	Available	Available
Max Payload	Available	Available
Boot Volume	Available	Available
Doors	Available	Available
Seats	Available	Available
Front Overhang	Available	Available
Fuel Tank Capacity	Available	Available
Rear Overhang	Available	Available

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
Engine	2.5L Petrol Hybrid	EA888
Engine Type	Inline 4 Cylinder Hybrid	Inline 4 Turbocharged
Displacement	2487	1984
Cylinders	4	4
Valves per Cylinder	4	16
Power	160	162
Torque	221	350
Fuel System	Direct Injection Hybrid	Direct Injection
Top Speed	180	230
0-100 km/h	8.0	6.5
Cylinder Layout	Inline 4 (I4)	Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration	Turbocharged	Turbocharged
Engine Code	Standard	Standard
Compression Ratio	10.5:1	10.5:1
Cylinder Bore	82.0	82.0
Piston Stroke	92.0	92.0
Fuel Grade Required	Petrol	Petrol
Power @ RPM	150	5100 rpm
Torque @ RPM	400	1700 rpm
Turbocharger	Available	Yes
Engine Position	Available	Available
Engine Oil Capacity	Available	Available
Power	150	150
Variable Valve Timing	Available	Available
Maximum Engine RPM	Available	Available
Engine Type Config	Available	Available
0–100 km/h	Available	Available
Battery Capacity	Available	Available
Charging Port	Available	Available
AC Charging Time	Available	Available
Engine Displacement	Available	Available
EV Range	Available	Available

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
Transmission	eCVT Automatic	7-Speed DSG
Drive Type	AWD	AWD
Drivetrain Layout	Monocoque	4MOTION
LSD Available	Electronic	No
Transfer Case	Electronic AWD	No
Number of Gears	6	6
Transmission	Automatic CVT	Automatic CVT
Differential Lock	Electronic Lock	Electronic Lock
Transmission Type	Automatic	Automatic
Paddle Shifters	Available	Standard
Final Drive Ratio	Available	Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock	Available	Available
Clutch Type	Available	Available
Drivetrain	Available	Available

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
Claimed Mileage	20.5	12.5
City Mileage	18	10.8
Highway Mileage	19	14.8
Fuel Tank Capacity	55	57
Emission Standard	Euro 6	Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity	Available	Available
Auto Start Stop	Available	Available
Average Fuel Consumption	Available	Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption	Available	Available
Distance To Empty	Available	Available
Low Fuel Warning	Available	Available
Fuel Efficiency	Available	Available
Real-world Mileage	Available	Available

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
Airbags	7	7
ABS	Standard	Standard
Electronic Stability Control	Standard	Standard
Traction Control	Standard	Standard
Hill Descent Control	Standard	Standard
Child Safety Lock	Standard	Standard
ISOFIX Mounts	Standard	Standard
Brake Assist	Standard	Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Standard	Standard
Engine Immobiliser	Standard	Standard
Central Locking	Power with Remote	Standard
Hill Start Assist	Yes	Standard
Front Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Yes	Yes
Alarm System	Available	Standard
Side Impact Beams	Available	Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats	Available	Available
Speed Alert System	Available	Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB	Available	Available
Safety Rating	Available	Available
Whiplash Protection	Available	Available
Lane Change Warning	Available	Available
AEB	Available	Available
BA	Available	Available
Brake Override System	Available	Available
Curtain Airbags	Available	Available
Driver Airbag	Available	Available
EBD	Available	Available
Engine Immobiliser	Available	Available
Fatigue Detection	Available	Available
Hill Hold	Available	Available
Passenger Airbag	Available	Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Available	Available
Side Airbags	Available	Available
TCS	Available	Available
Blind Spot Monitoring	Available	Available
Knee Airbag	Available	Available

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
Cruise Control	Adaptive	Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control	Standard	Standard
Lane Keep Assist	Standard	Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring	Standard	Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	Standard	Optional
Parking Sensors	Front and Rear	Front and Rear
Rear View Camera	Standard	Standard
360 Degree Camera	Standard	Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking	Standard	Standard
Lane Departure Warning	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition	Yes	Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert	Yes	Yes
Auto Highbeam	Available	Available
Auto Lights	Available	Available
Auto Wipers	Available	Available
Drive Modes	Available	Available
Eco Mode	Available	Available
EV Mode	Available	Available
Reverse Camera	Available	Available
Sport Mode	Available	Available
Adaptive Cruise Control	Available	Available
Park Assist	Available	Available

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
Seat Material	Leather	Vienna Leather
Seat Adjustment	Power Adjustable Driver	Electric 12-Way
Heated Seats	Front	Standard
Ventilated Seats	None	Standard
Steering Type	Power Assisted	Rack and Pinion
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting	Multi-Colour	Standard
Front Armrest	Yes	Standard
Cup Holders	4	Available
Folding Rear Seats	Yes, 60:40 Split	Standard
Interior Colour Options	Black	Black
Leather Seats	Available	Available
Rear Armrest	Available	Available
Rear AC Vents	Available	Available
Rear USB Ports	Available	Available
Steering Wheel Material	Available	Available
Instrument Cluster Type	Available	Available
Driver Lumbar Support	Available	Available
Door Map Pockets	Available	Available
60 40 Split Seat	Available	Available
Adjustable Driver Seat	Available	Available
Adjustable Front Seat	Available	Available
Cooled Seats	Available	Available
Driver Seat Adjustment	Available	Available
Fabric Seats	Available	Available
Front Headrest	Available	Available
Memory Seats	Available	Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment	Available	Available
Rear Headrest	Available	Available

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
Climate Control	Dual Zone Automatic	3-Zone Auto AC
Power Windows	All Windows	All Doors
Keyless Entry	Smart Entry	Standard
Push Button Start	Standard	Standard
Wireless Charging	Standard	Standard
Sunroof	Panoramic	Panoramic
Electric Tailgate	Power Operated	Standard
Automatic Headlamps	Yes	Standard
Follow Me Home Headlamps	Yes	Available
Auto Dimming Mirror	Yes	Available
Power Mirrors	Power Adjustment	Power Adjustment
Payload Capacity	500	500
Rain Sensing Wipers	Available	Standard
Rear Window Defroster	Available	Available
Electric Mirror Folding	Available	Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	Available	Available
12V Accessory Socket	Available	Available
Speed Limiter	Available	Available
AC Type	Available	Available
Adaptive Dampers	Available	Available
Aero Kit	Available	Available
Auto Dimming Irvm	Available	Available
Boot Opener	Available	Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights	Available	Available
Chrome Grille	Available	Available
Climate Zones	Available	Available
Door Ajar Warning	Available	Available
Drag Coefficient	Available	Available
Driver Display	Available	Available
Electric Folding Mirrors	Available	Available
Engine Check Warning	Available	Available
Engine Start Button Illumination	Available	Available
Engine Start Stop	Available	Available
Engine Start Stop Button	Available	Available
Engine Warranty	Available	5 Years / 150,000 km
Exhaust Finish	Available	Available
Exhaust Type	Available	Available
Front Armrest	Available	Available
Front Power Outlet	150	150
Fuel Consumption Combined	Available	8.2
Fuel Lid Opener	Available	Available
Gear Shift Type	Available	Available
Glovebox Cooling	Available	Available
Ground Clearance Unladen	Available	Available
Headlamp Height Adjust	Available	Available
Headlamp Washer	Available	Available
Headrest Adjustable	Available	Available
Heads Up Display	Available	Available
Hill Start Assist	Available	Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock	Available	Available
Intercooler	Available	Available
Launch Control	Available	Available
Multi Function Steering	Available	Available
Panoramic Roof	Available	Available
Performance Data Logger	Available	Available
Push Button Start	Available	Available
Rear Defogger	Available	Available
Rear Reading Lamps	Available	Available
Rear Seat Split	Available	Available
Rear Wing	Available	Available
Remote Engine Start	Available	Available
Rev Matching	Available	Available
Ride Mode Selection	Available	Available
Roof Antenna	Available	Available
Seat Type	Available	Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner	Available	Available
Seatbelt Reminder	Available	Available
Service Plan	Available	3 Years / 45,000 km
Service Reminder	Available	Available
Side Steps	Available	Available
Skid Plates	Available	Available
Spare Wheel	Available	Available
Speed Alert System	Available	Available
Stability Control	Available	Available
Stabilizer Bar	Available	Front and Rear
Steering Mounted Controls	Available	Available
Steering Response	Available	Available
Tachometer	Available	Available
Tail Lamps	Available	Available
Telescopic Steering	Available	Available
Tilt Steering	Available	Available
Trip Computer	Available	Available
Tyre Repair Kit	Available	Available
Valves Per Cylinder	Available	Available
Vanity Mirror	Available	Available
Voice Command	Available	Available
Voice Command Support	Available	Available

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
Infotainment Screen	10.5-inch Touchscreen	9.2-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay	Wireless	Standard
Android Auto	Wireless	Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity	Standard	Standard
Number of Speakers	9	8
Navigation System	Integrated	Standard
FM Radio	Yes	Yes
AUX Input	Yes	Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster	Yes	Standard
USB Ports	Available	2
Wireless Apple CarPlay	Available	Available
Steering Wheel Audio Controls	Available	Available
Voice Recognition	Available	Available
Infotainment Screen Size	Available	Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot	Available	Available
Audio Controls On Steering	Available	Available
Infotainment Display	Available	Available
Rear Usb	Available	Available
Premium Audio	Available	Available

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
LED Headlamps	Projector LED	Standard
Daytime Running Lamps	LED	Standard
Fog Lamps	LED	Standard
Roof Rails	Silver	Standard
Alloy Wheel Design	18-inch Dual Tone Alloy	Standard
Body Cladding	Plastic Cladding	Available
Chrome Exterior Finish	Yes	Standard
Door Handle Finish	Chrome Finish	Chrome Finish
Exterior Colour Options	Pearl White	Pearl White
Rear Spoiler	Available	Not Available
Roof Type	Available	Available
Wing Mirror Type	Available	Available
Rear Wiper	Available	Available
Body Type	Available	Available
DRL	Available	Available
Fog Lights	Available	Available
Front Fog Lights	Available	Available
Led Headlights	Available	Available
Led Taillights	Available	Available
Rear Fog Lights	Available	Available

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
Approach Angle	19	18
Departure Angle	21	20
Wading Depth	500	400
Terrain Modes	Normal Eco Sport EV Trail	On-road Modes
Locking Differential	Electronic AWD Control	Electronic
4WD System Type	Part-time 4WD	Part-time 4WD
Underbody Protection	Available	Available
Ramp Breakover Angle	Available	Available
Recovery Hooks	Available	Available
Hill Descent Control	Available	Available
Ramp-over Angle	Available	Available

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
Tyre Size	225/60 R18	235/45 R20
Wheel Type	Alloy	R-Line 20-inch Alloy
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Disc
Rear Brake Type	Disc	Disc
Front Brake Disc Diameter	300	300
Spare Wheel Type	Available	Compact
Rear Brake Drum Diameter	Available	Available
Parking Brake Type	Available	Available
Tyre Load Index	Available	Available
Tyre Speed Rating	Available	Available
Wheel Rim Size	Available	Available
Brake Type Front	Available	Available
Brake Type Rear	Available	Available
Spare Tyre	Available	Available
Tyre Type	Available	Available
Front Tyre Width	Available	Available
Rear Tyre Width	Available	Available
Wheel Diameter	Available	Available

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut	MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension	Double Wishbone	Multi-Link
Chassis Type	TNGA Platform	Monocoque
Front Spring Type	Coil Spring	Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar	Yes	Yes
Power Steering	Electric	Electric
Steering Column	Available	Available
Rear Spring Type	Available	Available
Rear Anti-Roll Bar	Available	Available
Shock Absorber Type	Available	Available

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
Service Interval	15000 km / 12 months	15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost	Moderate	Moderate
Battery Warranty	8 Years Hybrid Battery	24 Months
First Service At	5000	Available
Maintenance Plan	Available	Available
Engine Oil Change Interval	Available	Available
Service Plan Duration	Available	Available
Service Plan Distance	Available	Available
Anti-Rust Treatment	Available	Available
Alternator	Available	Available
Battery Type	Available	Available
Gear Shift Indicator	Available	Available

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
Warranty Years	3	3
Warranty Kilometers	100000	120000
Roadside Assistance	3 Years	3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty	5 Years / Unlimited km	Yes
Basic Warranty	Available	3 Years / 120,000 km

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
CO2 Emissions	105	188
Start Stop System	Hybrid Regenerative	Yes
Hybrid System Type	Self Charging Hybrid AWD	None
Idle CO2 Output	2.0	2.0
Fuel Octane Requirement	Unleaded 95 RON	Unleaded 95 RON
Noise Level	Available	Available
Particulate Filter	Available	Available
Euro Emission Standard	Available	Available
Green NCAP Rating	Available	Available
Fuel Evaporation Control	Available	Available

Spec	RAV4	Tiguan Allspace
Real-world City Mileage Min	10	10.5
Real-world City Mileage Max	12	13
Real-world Highway Mileage Min	14	8
Real-world Highway Mileage Max	17	9
Owner Review Count	48	5

So, Which One Should You Buy?

🏆 Toyota RAV4 wins with 74 pts vs 57 pts for Tiguan Allspace

In structured scoring, RAV4 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Tiguan Allspace may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

Buyers Also Looked At These

Other comparisons that people in the same boat tend to check out.

Questions Buyers Usually Ask

On our scoring the RAV4 edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.

Efficiency scores: RAV4 14 vs Tiguan Allspace 0. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.

Safety scores: RAV4 20, Tiguan Allspace 20. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.

Long-term ownership scores: RAV4 12, Tiguan Allspace 12. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.

Practicality scores: RAV4 15, Tiguan Allspace 10. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.

Performance scores: RAV4 13, Tiguan Allspace 15. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.

Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.

Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.

Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The RAV4 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.

The RAV4 scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.

In Depth — Breaking It All Down

The comparison between RAV4 and Tiguan Allspace in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: RAV4 scores 13 vs 15.

Efficiency: RAV4 scores 14 vs 0.

Safety: RAV4 scores 20 vs 20.

Practicality: RAV4 scores 15 vs 10.

Ownership: RAV4 scores 12 vs 12.

Final structured scoring gives RAV4 the advantage in this comparison.

Toyota RAV4 vs Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

Toyota RAV4

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

At a Glance — Who Wins What

Key Specs Side by Side

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

RAV4

Tiguan Allspace

The Bottom Line

Where They Actually Differ

Score Breakdown by Category

RAV4

Tiguan Allspace

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

RAV4

Tiguan Allspace

Which One's Right for You?

RAV4

Tiguan Allspace

Full Specs, Side by Side

So, Which One Should You Buy?

Other Comparisons Worth Checking

Buyers Also Looked At These

Questions Buyers Usually Ask

In Depth — Breaking It All Down