2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year and received an update in 2018. Despite these updates, the 2020 version still felt somewhat dated, with occasional upscale touches. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when closed, a detail that many automakers typically refine. The instrument panel appeared to be from Toyota's 2010 parts bin, but its simplicity made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered a range of trims, from the base L to the Limited Premium, each with varying features like alloy wheels, climate control, and infotainment options. The SE trim was recommended for its power rear liftgate, a crucial feature for families. The Nightshade Edition added a touch of style with dark accents and wheels.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look with a streamlined profile. It was part of VW's EV-specific MEB platform and followed the ID.3 hatchback. The ID.4's design was more crossover-like compared to other EVs, but it didn't quite resemble an SUV. Its interior combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a smartphone aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while the Pro S and 1St Edition models offered leatherette upholstery. The ID.4's interior design aimed to provide a tech-forward experience, though some elements, like the narrow center console, limited storage space for larger items.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 296 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offered a Sport mode for enhanced throttle and shift response, providing stout acceleration. The Sienna's towing capacity was 3,500 pounds, and it came with front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims except the base L. The AWD option was limited to a 7-passenger configuration, which some buyers might prefer despite sacrificing an 8-passenger setup. The Sienna's fuel economy was 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined for FWD, while AWD versions returned 18/24/20. Handling was decent, with a low center of gravity and broad base, but the steering response was twitchy at higher speeds.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It was the first RWD Volkswagen passenger car in the U.S. since the Beetle. An AWD version with 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque arrived later in 2021. The ID.4's RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered increased power and traction. The ID.4 was tuned for comfort, with a smooth ride over bumps but noticeable body roll in corners. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 didn't offer aggressive regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, opting for a more traditional driving experience with friction brakes.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo space, offering 150 cubic feet, surpassing competitors like the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey. However, accessing this space required removing the second-row seats, which could be cumbersome with a bench seat. The third row folded seamlessly into the floor, but getting into the backseat was challenging due to the awkward folding of the second-row seat cushion. Toyota also offered mobility access features, such as the Auto Access Seat, making it easier for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, more than some EV rivals but less than gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk" for extra storage, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the center console, though storage for larger items was limited.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. It also included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. The Limited trim added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Sienna featured Driver Easy Speak, an intercom system that broadcasted the driver's voice to the rear speakers, aiding communication with rear passengers.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4's standard infotainment system included a 10-inch touchscreen, with a 12-inch screen optional, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced traditional switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads were challenging to use without tactile feedback. The ID.4 also featured a natural-language voice-control system and ID.Light, a light strip communicating information to the driver. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

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

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ designation and five stars from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. New features for 2021 included Travel Assist, offering automated lane centering, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver is incapacitated.