2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine the minivan's aesthetic appeal. Toyota's designers gave it an SUV-like appearance with a wide grille and sleek LED headlamp arrays integrated into a panel featuring the Toyota logo. The side profile showcased assertive lines, with re-engineered sliding doors that added a sculpted look. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches filled the arches, enhancing its visual appeal. The rear design maintained a wide and low stance, complemented by Toyota's superb fit and finish.

Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, creating a spacious feel. The seating position was higher than a sedan's, offering a comfortable ride. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with controls clustered around the infotainment screen. The center console featured a gear selector, cup holders, and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows provided ample comfort for adults, with the second row sliding for maximum utility.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan stood out among its rivals with a conservative yet timeless design. The refreshed front styling aligned it with Volkswagen's larger Atlas models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. Redesigned aluminum wheels and new nameplate lettering on the rear liftgate added to its appeal. The R-Line models, especially the SE R-Line Black, offered a sportier look with trendy blacked-out elements.

Inside, the Tiguan SEL R-Line boasted a richer cabin with perforated and piped leather upholstery, new technology, and ambient lighting in 15 colors. The touch-sensing steering wheel and climate controls added sophistication, though they were harder to use. The hard plastic in the lower half of the cabin revealed its mass-market status. Standard keyless entry, push-button start, and heated front seats were notable features, with remote engine starting available from the SE trim.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors producing 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system used a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the design. The Sienna employed an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, blunted throttle response. Four selectable drive modes—Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport—offered varying levels of performance. The new TNGA front suspension and independent rear trailing arm suspension improved handling, and the Sienna achieved impressive fuel economy ratings of 36 mpg combined for FWD models and 35 mpg combined for AWD models.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission transferred power to the front wheels, with VW's 4Motion AWD available. The AWD system could decouple the rear axle to save fuel. Drivers could choose between Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes, with additional Offroad settings for 4Motion models. The Tiguan's MacPherson struts and multi-link independent rear suspension provided a balanced ride, though turbo lag was noticeable. The EPA rated the R-Line with 4Motion at 24 mpg combined, and real-world testing yielded similar results. The Tiguan excelled in normal driving but lacked excitement when pushed.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience, with a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored easily. The second row slid up to 25 inches, facilitating access to the third row. The cabin featured 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, enhancing family-friendliness.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered spaciousness comparable to smaller midsize SUVs. FWD models included a standard third-row seat, while 4Motion models did not. The SEL R-Line featured comfortable leather front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The second row was roomy and comfortable for adults, with rear air conditioning vents and a USB charging port. Touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard added sophistication but were harder to use. Cargo space was generous, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down in 4Motion models.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered a nine-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display available on Platinum models. Remote keyless entry and push-button start were standard, with the Smart Key System on higher trims.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL R-Line boasting a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on all but the base model, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, and SiriusXM 360L. The SEL R-Line added a redesigned navigation system and a nine-speaker Fender premium audio system. Natural voice recognition required a Plus Speech upgrade, which was not active during testing. Car-Net offered Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot plans, with additional features available for a fee. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology. The Sienna had 10 airbags and LATCH connectors, with a rear-seat reminder system. A tire pressure monitoring system and inflator kit were standard, with an optional spare tire. The 2020 Sienna received high safety ratings, but 2021 ratings were not yet available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan featured Front Assist and Side Assist as standard. The IQ Drive collection included Travel Assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and Emergency Assist, which could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The 2021 Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, and the 2022 model's new features could improve its score.