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Toyota RAV4 vs VW Golf Variant comparison

Compare performance (306 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (37,700 £ vs 28,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Toyota RAV4 or VW Golf Variant?

Toyota RAV4 vs VW Golf Variant: Key differences

Toyota RAV4

4.8 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • barely quicker 0–100 km/h
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VW Golf Variant

  • clearly cheaper
  • clearly lighter
  • only slightly more trunk space
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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:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

VW Golf Variant is clearly cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the Toyota RAV4 costs 37,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,858 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Toyota RAV4 uses 1 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the VW Golf Variant with 4.3 L/100km. The difference is about 3.3 L/100km.

Golf Variant

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Toyota RAV4 offers clearly more power – delivering 306 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 102 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Toyota RAV4 is barely quicker – completing the sprint in 6 s, while the VW Golf Variant takes 6.5 s. That’s about 0.5 s quicker.

RAV4

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf Variant is clearly lighter – 1,366 kg compared to 1,745 kg. The difference is around 379 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers only slightly more boot space – 611 L compared to 580 L. That’s a difference of about 31 L.

When it comes to payload, the Toyota RAV4 carries only slightly more – 600 kg compared to 547 kg. That’s a difference of about 53 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Toyota RAV4 stands well ahead of its rival 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 £37,700
RAV4

Toyota RAV4

  • Engine Type : Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 218 - 306 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1 - 5.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 75 km
Toyota RAV4
VW Golf Variant

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 pragmatic, family-friendly SUV that pairs impressively low running costs in hybrid form with a relaxed, motorway-friendly ride and a generous rear seat and boot that make everyday life easy. Its cabin leans toward practicality rather than polish—expect plenty of hard plastics and a tidy infotainment system that’s quick to respond but buries some climate functions in a touchscreen and can nag with drive‑recorder popups, so buyers wanting a premium feel or sporty dynamics should look elsewhere.

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VW Golf Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

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Toyota RAV4
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption

Price
37,700 - 55,700 £
Price
28,800 - 38,800 £
Consumption L/100km
1 - 5.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
75 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
22 - 128 g/km
co2
114 - 159 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,745 - 1,910 kg
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,551 kg
Trunk capacity
520 - 580 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,855 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
390 - 600 kg
Payload
509 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
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
218 - 306 HP
Power HP
116 - 204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6 - 8.4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
-
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
160 - 225 kW
Power kW
85 - 150 kW
Engine capacity
2,487 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, C
Brand
Toyota
Brand
VW
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.