2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in a market where minivans were becoming increasingly rare, as many manufacturers shifted focus to SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan segment, evolving the Sienna over the years to blend practicality with a touch of SUV-inspired style. The fourth-generation Sienna, launched in 2021, featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and versatile cabin, with ample storage and seating options, including available second-row captain’s chairs and a third-row bench that folded into the floor for added cargo space.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos was designed to appeal to a broad audience with its stylish and sporty appearance. The Taos SEL trim, in particular, exuded an upscale look with its bold 19-inch alloy wheels and bright blue paint. Inside, the Taos offered a premium feel with leather seats and metallic detailing, resembling a more affordable Audi. Despite its compact size, the Taos provided impressive interior space, making it one of the roomiest small crossover SUVs available. The rear seats were particularly comfortable, with plenty of legroom and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the sense of space.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. This setup offered both front-wheel drive and an optional all-wheel-drive system, which added a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) contributed to its smooth power delivery and impressive fuel efficiency, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD models. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan, thanks to its advanced suspension system, providing a comfortable and stable ride.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The Taos offered both front-wheel drive with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. While the Taos provided a sporty driving experience, its powertrain response was inconsistent, with occasional delays and surges in torque. Despite these quirks, the Taos demonstrated a nimble and stable driving character, especially when equipped with 4Motion AWD and its independent rear suspension. However, its fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 26.8 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, offering a cavernous interior capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second-row seats added flexibility for cargo loading, with cargo space measuring 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101 cubic feet behind the first row. The Sienna also boasted a 3,500-pound towing capacity, making it a versatile family hauler. Power-operated sliding doors and a tailgate with foot-motion triggers added convenience for busy families.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos provided a surprisingly spacious interior for a small SUV, with comfortable seating and ample legroom in the rear. The Taos offered 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 65.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, slightly reduced in 4Motion models. The Taos SEL trim featured premium amenities like leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing comfort and convenience. However, some storage areas were unlined, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was well-equipped with technology, featuring a standard 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The Sienna also included a range of telematics services and a head-up display on Platinum models. However, it lacked wireless smartphone integration, a notable omission in today's tech-savvy market.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos came with standard digital instrumentation, with the SEL trim boasting a 10.25-inch display. Infotainment options ranged from a basic 6.5-inch touchscreen to an 8-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on higher trims. The SEL also featured an eight-speaker Beats Audio system and a native navigation system. However, the user experience was marred by hidden virtual controls and a cumbersome interface, making it less intuitive than desired.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system, enhancing its family-friendly safety credentials.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos improved its safety features, with the S trim now including standard Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The SE trim added VW's IQ.Drive suite, offering advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Taos also featured a post-collision automatic braking system and automatic high-beam headlights. While its crash-test ratings were decent, they were not as high as the Sienna's.