2020 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2020 Toyota Sienna, part of its third generation, had been around since the 2011 model year. Despite a 2018 update that introduced newer infotainment tech and minor changes, the 2020 version still felt dated. The front doors emitted a hollow "thud" when slammed, indicating a lack of attention to fit and finish. The instrument panel also appeared outdated, resembling parts from Toyota's 2010 lineup. However, this simplicity made the controls user-friendly. The Sienna offered various trims, from the base L with 17-inch alloy wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen to the Limited Premium with leather seats, a JBL audio system, and a DVD entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured clean lines and balanced proportions, giving it a conservative, upscale, and timeless aesthetic. This second-generation model corrected the size issues of its predecessor, offering a roomy interior nearly as spacious as a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento. The Tiguan's interior combined modern geometric forms with a no-nonsense control layout, though it had some hard plastic elements and flimsy steering wheel stalks. The SEL trim, tested with 4Motion AWD, came with a price tag of $35,040, including destination charges.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came equipped 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's FWD version returned 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined, while the AWD version returned 18/24/20. Despite its size, the Sienna handled well, providing a smooth ride and decent cornering abilities. However, its twitchy steering response at higher speeds required constant attention.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 4Motion AWD system was a $1,400 option on most models. The Tiguan's powertrain suffered from turbocharger lag, making it feel breathless during passing maneuvers. The FWD version returned 25 mpg combined, while the AWD version returned 24 mpg. During testing, the AWD Tiguan averaged 22.6 mpg. The Tiguan offered a pleasurable driving experience with light, responsive steering, a compliant ride, and nimble handling, though it struggled with sharper speed bumps and railroad tracks. It was quiet and composed on the highway, making long road trips enjoyable.

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, such as the Auto Access Seat, making the Sienna a practical choice for those needing mobility conversions.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan prioritized comfort with large doors, tall seating hip points, and adjustable front seats for excellent support and visibility. The back seat provided generous legroom and foot space, with air conditioning vents and USB charging ports for passengers. The Tiguan's 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo configurations, with cargo volume ranging from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum capacity of 65.7 to 73.5 cubic feet, depending on the presence of a third-row seat.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna's base L trim featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay. Standard tech included Bluetooth connectivity, five USB ports, and a WiFi hotspot with a 6-month trial. Higher trims like the Limited added navigation and a JBL 10-speaker premium audio system. The Driver Easy Speak intercom system allowed the driver to communicate with rear passengers without raising their voice.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system starting with the SE trim, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, faster processing, and expanded features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi for up to four devices, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The SEL Premium R-Line trim included a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation. However, the standard six-speaker sound system struggled with bass-heavy music, and the voice recognition technology was subpar.

The 2020 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) suite, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, 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 from the NHTSA and top scores from the IIHS, including a Superior rating for its driver-assistance features.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan featured the IQ Drive collection of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The SE trim added adaptive cruise control, while the SEL included lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist. The SEL Premium R-Line featured automatic high-beam headlights and front and rear parking sensors. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS for the SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims, thanks to their high-performing LED headlights.