2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that added newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 Sienna still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel seemed to come from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, though its simplicity made the controls easy to use. The Sienna offered various trims, from the well-equipped base L to the luxurious Limited Premium, with features like a power rear liftgate, leather upholstery, and a DVD entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan, overhauled in 2018, addressed its predecessor's size and price issues. The Tiguan's styling was conservatively German, with clean lines and a horizontal grille. Inside, however, the Tiguan's interior was plain, with dull surfaces and hard black plastic. The focus was on electronics, with an optional digital dashboard and a glass-covered touchscreen infotainment system. The Tiguan's interior design was simple, bordering on boring, but the displays were a highlight.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Sienna offered stout acceleration in normal Drive mode, with a Sport mode for livelier throttle and shift response. It also had a manual mode, useful for its 3,500-pound towing capacity. The Sienna was available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with AWD models limited to a 7-passenger setup. The FWD Sienna returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while AWD versions achieved 18/24/20 mpg. The Sienna handled well for a minivan, with a low center of gravity and broad base, though its twitchy steering required constant attention at higher speeds.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It drove either the front or all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan's powertrain offered snappy throttle response and minimal turbo lag, but it was only moderately quick. The Tiguan's engine was relatively muted, with a deep and refined sound at high revs. The cabin was well insulated from wind noise, though some road noise could filter through on rough surfaces. The Tiguan's handling was impacted by its larger size, with a longer wheelbase making it less nimble. The suspension was soft, ensuring a comfortable ride even on rough roads.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, more than competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which was easier with captain's chairs than a bench seat. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat could be challenging. Toyota also offered mobility access features, like the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing such capabilities.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's practicality started with its second row of seats, which could slide up to seven inches fore and aft, making the third row useful. The third row had enough legroom for shorter adults and was standard on front-drive models, with AWD models offering it as an option. The Tiguan's third row was roomier than many in larger vehicles, with convenient access via a simple latch. The split second row folded flat, providing 65.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row collapsed, and 73.5 cubic feet in two-row models. The Tiguan's wide beam offered plenty of hip and shoulder room in the front seats, and its abundant glass and seating position made it feel roomier than its numbers suggested.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Other standard tech features included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot. Higher trims added features like navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Limited trim also included Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver's voice to the rear speakers.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system, MIB II, was set to be replaced by MIB3 in 2021. The base S trim used a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while SE and higher trims had an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen, praised for its responsiveness and bright graphics. The Tiguan S had a single USB-C port, while higher trims had two USB-A ports and a wireless charging pad. VW's Digital Cockpit, available on top SEL trims, was a customizable digital instrument panel. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, dynamic cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring was optional on lower trims and standard on XLE and Limited trims. The Sienna earned five stars in NHTSA crash testing and top scores from the IIHS, including a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan improved its standard safety package, adding forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance and LED headlights with automatic high beams were reserved for the top SEL trim. VW's Car-Net telematics package connected the vehicle to an owner's smartphone, offering features like remote locking and unlocking, status checks, and vehicle location. The Tiguan earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for SEL Premium models with LED headlights, though most Tiguans had halogen headlights rated poor.