Model Year | 2012 | 2009 | |
Model | Toyota RAV4 | Volkswagen Passat | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 104.7 in | 106.7 in | -2 in |
Length | 181.1 in | 188.0 in | -6.9 in |
Width | 71.5 in | 71.7 in | -0.2 in |
Height | 66.3 in | 59.7 in | 6.6 in |
Curb Weight | 3360 lb. | 3512 lb. | -152 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 40.8 in | 38.3 in | 2.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.1 in | 55.7 in | 1.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 53.8 in | 0.0 in | 53.8 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.8 in | 41.4 in | 0.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.7 in | 38.6 in | 1.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.3 in | 54.6 in | 0.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 52.4 in | 0.0 in | 52.4 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.3 in | 37.7 in | 0.6 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 37.2 in | 0.0 in | 37.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 52.6 in | 0.0 in | 52.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 43.3 in | 0.0 in | 43.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 30.0 in | 0.0 in | 30 in |
Total Legroom | 110.1 in (over 3 rows) | 79.1 in (over 2 rows) | 31 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 12.3 ft3 | 35.8 ft3 | -23.5 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 37.2 ft3 | 35.8 | 1.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 73.0 ft3 | 61.7 ft3 | 11.3 ft3 |
2012 Toyota RAV4 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2013 | The first two generations of the Toyota RAVs were much smaller than contemporaneous Honda CR-Vs. More than perhaps any other difference this one probably explains Toyota's lack of segment leadership. The third-generation RAV4, introduced for the 2006 model year, was much larger, and finally about the same size as the Honda. The new RAV4's body is an inch lower, but also a few inches longer. Compared to the CR-V, it's 1.6 inches longer, an inch wider, and 0.7 inches taller. This translates to a slightly roomier interior, and probably the roomiest in the segment unless one includes the boundary-defying Santa Fe Sport, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain. Sitting behind my 5-9 self, I have nearly five inches of knee room in the Honda. Quite good, but I have seven inches in the new RAV4. Beyond sheer space, the RAV4's rear seat cushion is a comfortable height off the floor, and its rear seat back reclines over a relatively wide range. The Honda's rear seat back can be set in only two different positions that aren't far apart. Add a third passenger, though, and the rear seat no longer seems so roomy. My three kids aren't large, but they complained about the amount of room. The reason isn't hard to find: for some reason the new RAV4 only offers 48.8 inches of rear hip room. This is much better than the 43.3 inches in the 2012, but still well short of the 53.3 inches in the CR-V. So, while the RAV4 has the edge in knee room, the Honda easily wins a hip room comparison. see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2012 Toyota RAV4 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2013 | 4dr SUV 176-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The drivers seat has a really long travel - I normally have the seat far back (5'11" with long legs) but I probably had 6 inches of travel further back I could have gone. The seat isn't overadjustable and not too hard to get into a comfortable position. The fake leather is a reasonable facsimile and has heated seats - would have to see how it does in the direct sun. see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2013 | 4dr SUV 176-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seat room is pretty impressive and seating position is nice. Adjustable rake of the rear seat is a nice touch. Appears to have 3 car seat anchors. The rear seat appears to be the same size as, or maybe even larger than the original Highlander / RX300. see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2012 Toyota RAV4 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2012 | 4dr SUV 179-horsepower 2.5L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
I'm about 6'3" and 220lbs so I get cramped on long trips. see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2012 | 4dr SUV 179-horsepower 2.5L I4 4-speed automatic FWD |
I'm about 6'3" and 220lbs so I get cramped on long trips. see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2011 | 4dr SUV 179-horsepower 2.5L I4 4-speed automatic AWD |
back seat is hard, not much leg room see full Toyota RAV4 review |
2009 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Comfortable power seats with power lumbar adjustment. Good side support, and with the tilting/telescoping steering wheel - easy to find a comfortable driving position. Also has easy to use steering wheel controls for the cars stereo/trip computer. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Compared to other sporty wagons (BMW, Subaru) the Passat has about 3" more rear leg room - enough to put my full-size parents and/or friends in the back seat without making them do contortions. Easier to get a child in and out of a rear safety seat, too. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of rear legroom and space for car seats. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Extremely comfortable front drivers seat w/ 12 way electronic adjustment. Able to find perfect driving position. Very little fatigue even after 12 - 14 hours of driving (taking breaks for food / gas of course). Lumbar adjusts both up/down and in/out. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This version of the Passat can easily fit 3 across seating in the rear see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
More than large enough for American size bodies! see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Passat provided more interior space especially in the rear than the Audi A4 see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2009 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
very restrictive space see full Volkswagen Passat review |