2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed as an electric vehicle from the ground up, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed out to the corners, eschewing the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4's design was part of Volkswagen's EV-specific MEB platform, following the European-market ID.3 hatchback. Despite its SUV-like styling, the ID.4 didn't quite look like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. The interior combined Volkswagen's minimalism with a tech-focused aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cloth seats on the base model.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, continuing from its 2021 redesign, embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling cues. It featured a macho front end, re-engineered door hinges, and a sleek profile with integrated styling details. The Sienna's interior was designed for family convenience, offering ample storage, comfortable seating, and a spacious third-row bench that folded into the floor. The second-row seats slid up to 25 inches, enhancing accessibility to the third row. The Sienna's design aimed to balance practicality with a modern, assertive look, making it a versatile choice for families.

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 marked Volkswagen's return to rear-wheel drive (RWD) in the U.S. market. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, boosting power to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The ID.4's RWD configuration provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered increased power and traction. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sporty performance, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not support one-pedal driving, relying on friction brakes for deceleration.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna continued with its hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with AWD available on all trim levels. The AWD system added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), offering four selectable drive modes. The TNGA platform provided better-than-expected handling for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable highway ride. The Sienna's hybrid system delivered impressive fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery pack was tucked under the front seats, backed by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though its legroom was average for the segment. It provided 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing several EV rivals but falling short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk (frunk), prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious from the driver's seat, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector and a narrow center console with limited storage space. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, enhancing comfort in cold weather.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in cargo capacity and versatility, capable of carrying a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. It offered 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also had a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The 60/40-split third-row bench folded into the floor easily, and each row featured ample storage cubbies and cupholders. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience, making it easy to access the vehicle with hands full.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen (optional 12-inch) featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced most physical controls. While the setup looked modern, it was challenging to use due to the lack of tactile feedback. The ID.4 also included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield that communicated information to the driver. Despite some gimmicky features, the touchscreen was well-positioned with intuitive menus.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. It included multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also provided telematics services, a 1500-watt inverter, and a digital rearview mirror on higher trims. A head-up display was available on Platinum models, enhancing driving safety by projecting key information onto the windshield.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star rating from the NHTSA for the RWD model. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were new additions, enhancing highway driving and driver incapacitation detection.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna also earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a five-star NHTSA rating. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition. The Sienna featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, tire-pressure monitoring, and an inflator kit. A spare tire was available, relocated for safety and convenience.