2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

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 several generations since its debut in 1998. The latest iteration, launched in 2021, embraced a more SUV-like aesthetic while retaining its minivan identity, thanks to features like sliding side doors. The Sienna's design included a bold front end and cleverly concealed door hinges, contributing to its assertive profile. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin, with ample storage and seating options, including available second-row captain’s chairs and a versatile third-row bench.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan maintained a more traditional SUV appearance, with a design that aged gracefully. The Tiguan was available in several trims, with the SEL R-Line offering a sporty look and 20-inch wheels. Despite its conservative lines, the Tiguan's design was complemented by features like adaptive front lighting and a light bar across the grille. Inside, the Tiguan's cabin was upscale, featuring quality materials and a panoramic sunroof. However, some interior controls, such as touch-sensing steering wheel and climate controls, were criticized for their usability. The Tiguan provided generous passenger and cargo space, with a hands-free power liftgate and adjustable load floor height enhancing its practicality.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was powered by 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 (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, with the latter adding a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The Sienna's electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) contributed to its smooth power delivery and impressive fuel efficiency, with EPA ratings of 36 mpg city/highway/combined for FWD models and 35 mpg for AWD versions. The Sienna's handling was enhanced by the Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform, providing a comfortable and stable ride.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While FWD was standard, the SEL R-Line trim came with VW's 4Motion AWD system, offering various driving modes for different conditions. The Tiguan's EPA rating was 24 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed slightly lower figures. The Tiguan's powertrain was adequate for most driving situations, but some lag and transmission delays were noted. Despite these quirks, the Tiguan's dynamic qualities, such as its stable handling and responsive steering, made it enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second-row seats added flexibility for cargo loading, with measurements of 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. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate, along with ample storage and cupholders, enhanced its family-friendly design.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, with FWD models featuring a standard third-row seat. However, opting for AWD increased cargo capacity, with 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 73.4 cubic feet behind the front seats. The SEL R-Line trim provided comfortable front seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. Despite some ergonomic issues with the dashboard controls, the Tiguan's large rear door openings and generous passenger space made it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. While wireless connectivity for these features was absent, the Sienna offered a range of telematics services and audio options, including a 12-speaker JBL system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system and head-up display were available, enhancing the Sienna's tech offerings.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured digital instrumentation, with an 8-inch display on most trims and a 10.25-inch display on the SEL R-Line. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a nine-speaker Fender sound system. However, the interface was criticized for its complexity and reliance on touch-sensitive controls. Despite these challenges, the Tiguan's tech package was comprehensive, offering a range of connectivity and entertainment options.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received 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, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also included 10 airbags and a rear-seat reminder system, ensuring comprehensive safety for families.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a robust suite of safety features, with standard Front Assist and Side Assist systems. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and semi-autonomous driving capabilities. While the Tiguan's safety technology was praised for its effectiveness, its crash-test ratings were incomplete, with some concerns noted during testing. Despite this, the Tiguan's safety features were considered advanced and reliable.