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Toyota RAV4 vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (309 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (37,700 £ vs 28,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Toyota RAV4 or VW Golf?

Toyota RAV4 vs VW Golf: Key differences

Toyota RAV4

4.7 (11 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably more trunk space
details

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • barely more power
  • somewhat more efficient
  • barely more electric range
  • barely quicker 0–100 km/h
  • visibly lighter
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

RAV4

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

VW Golf is clearly cheaper – starting at 28,300 £ , while the Toyota RAV4 costs 37,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,424 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf uses 1.1 L/100km and is somewhat more efficient than the Toyota RAV4 with 1.3 L/100km. The difference is about 0.2 L/100km.

As for electric range, the VW Golf offers barely more range – reaching up to 143 km, about 6 km more than the Toyota RAV4.

Golf

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf offers barely more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 309 HP. That’s roughly 16 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is barely quicker – completing the sprint in 5.3 s, while the Toyota RAV4 takes 5.8 s. That’s about 0.5 s quicker.

RAV4

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf is visibly lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 1,655 kg. The difference is around 348 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Toyota RAV4 offers noticeably more boot space – 514 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 133 L.

When it comes to payload, the Toyota RAV4 carries slightly more – 610 kg compared to 508 kg. That’s a difference of about 102 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf comes out clearly ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £28,300
Golf

VW Golf

  • Engine Type Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 325 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 131 - 143 km
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Toyota RAV4
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a well-rounded compact SUV that pairs everyday practicality with a comfortable, composed ride and generous cargo space, making it a sensible choice for families and active lifestyles. Its strong reputation for reliability, efficient drivetrains, and straightforward technology gives it wide appeal whether you value economy, comfort, or capability.

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Reviews Toyota RAV4

4.7 (11 Reviews)
rate
Jorge
9 Jun 2026, 09:04:38

Toyota = efficiency and reliability
Volvo = image and posturing

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
guadedua
1 Jun 2026, 11:18:08

Toyota's reliability, practicality and fuel efficiency are always an asset and a safe purchase.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Mariana González
5 Jan 2026, 23:15:27

I love it — it’s super comfortable, I’ve never had any trouble with it, very reliable and stable.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

VW Golf

The Golf is a quietly accomplished compact that blends practicality, refinement and approachable driving manners into a very usable everyday package. It’s well built, comfortable and versatile, making it a smart choice whether you want sensible family transport or an enjoyable commuter.

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Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Toyota RAV4
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
37,700 - 54,200 £
Price
28,300 - 46,700 £
Consumption L/100km
1.3 - 5.3 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
133 - 137 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
30 - 121 g/km
co2
25 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,655 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Trunk capacity
446 - 514 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,880 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
515 - 610 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
185 - 309 HP
Power HP
116 - 325 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.8 - 8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
-
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
136 - 227 kW
Power kW
85 - 239 kW
Engine capacity
2,487 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F, B
Brand
Toyota
Brand
VW
Is the Toyota RAV4 offered with different drivetrains?

The Toyota RAV4 is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.