2009 Volkswagen Tiguan vs. 2008 Honda CR-V vs. 2008 Toyota RAV4

We get it already — fuel prices suck. And while we pity the poor sod who bought a new full-size SUV a few years ago and is now stuck with a fuel bill that has doubled and a vehicle whose residual value makes manure futures look appealing, everyone wants solutions. Sympathy won't heal a hemorrhaging wallet.

So what's a utility-lovin' small family to do? Downsize. Full-size SUVs provide unmatched capability but their thirst may make you reassess your needs. Think compact utility vehicle. Think crossover.

1st place-Toyota RAV4

2nd place-Honda CR-V (TIE)

3rd place-VW Tiguan (TIE)
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Whelan - 9/15/2008 10:11:40 AM

+2 Boost

The fact that Honda has an underpowered CR-V which has always been underpowered really bothers me. It is hard to tell an LX from an EX and could use some trim enhancements to tell the different models apart. And no V6 offering really does put a damper on those who may want some more power without having to go full size to a Pilot.

The Tiguan review is exactly what my impression is of this car. Fast, handles well, but not by any means a competitor, whether it be in price or size or capability. I don't need my small SUV to handle .80 on the skidpad. Also the fact that the tester should have come with 18" standard instead of the 17's given shows me that VW was trying to help up their performance numbers by decreasing the weight and such. Shame.

The Rav 4 on the other hand is just huge inside. It almost reminds me of the previous Highlander in comparison. Not to mention you can get a nasty V6 with over 250hp on tap. Plenty of power and space when it's needed. Best of both worlds as you get a decent performer, plenty of cargo, good price, and the optional V6 that is lacking in the CR-V.

Star - 9/15/2008 4:58:57 PM

-3 Boost

The ride, fit and finish of the Tiguan are way, way better than that of a Rav4 or CRV. Anybody who cares about driving and refinement would take the Tiguan over the Japanese econoboxes. The tools from Edmunds embarrass themselves again by trying to play the "value" card once again.

Barrie - 9/15/2008 8:28:19 PM

+1 Boost

Not much of a test, they leave out a lot, I assume the Tiguan is the smallest of the 3 and would be better around town, also they mention the Toyota`s locking differential but leave out comparing the off road ability, I have heard of reliability problems with Rav 4`s too

eric113 - 9/15/2008 8:35:45 PM

+3 Boost

=

The RAV4 v6 is a nice car
I drove the 08 model for a week.
It had 269hp, was very quick for an affordable small/mid SUV. Handled nice and nimbly as well. MPG was better than the rest.

dr1v3r - 9/16/2008 4:30:10 PM

+1 Boost

Okay, I work for VW in Sales. I was lucky enough to test drive ALL three of these vehicles at a Training Event at ********** motor speedway and the Tiguan is the Best Performer and Best Build quality BY FAR ( Both the Rav4 and the CRV) had trim breaking by the end of a days relatively hard driving both Offroad and on the tarmac.

Before the comments start about bias, yes I am bias to better vehicles. VW made a huge mistake with the pricing of this car, Honda and Toyota buyers are not really that interested in handling and performance, they are buyers that like reliability and reasonable price. Unfortuantely the dummies at VW priced the car too high and despite genuine improvement in reliabilty Americans still doubt the reliability of VW.

So if the decision is an overall one I'd give it to the CRV on cost with the Tiguan 2nd. Take cost out of the equation and its all Tiguan.