2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, moving away from the traditional image with its sleek front-end styling reminiscent of a Japanese bullet train. Despite its minivan roots, the Sienna offered a range of trims, from the base LE to the luxurious Platinum, including a special 25th Anniversary Edition. The XLE trim was particularly appealing to value-conscious buyers, featuring standard LED fog lights, power-sliding doors, and a power liftgate. Inside, the Sienna impressed with high-quality materials, such as the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents in the Platinum trim. It accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the eight-seater option available in the LE and XLE trims, offering flexibility for families.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a more premium appearance compared to its non-European rivals, with standard LED headlights and taillights, and an illuminated grille on the SEL R-Line trim. The exterior design was complemented by silver roof rails and a stylish rear end. However, the base Tiguan S was limited to grayscale colors, with more vibrant options available on higher trims. The Tiguan's interior featured heated front seats and cloth upholstery in the base trim, with upgrades like leatherette upholstery and dual-zone climate control in the SE trim. The SEL R-Line offered real leather, front-seat ventilation, and a heated steering wheel, enhancing the overall comfort and luxury.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna, introduced in its fourth generation in 2020, came equipped with a hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two front-mounted electric motors and an additional rear-mounted motor for AWD trims. This setup delivered a combined 245 horsepower, which, while efficient, felt underpowered for the Sienna's size and weight. The CVT transmission contributed to a less-than-ideal driving experience, with lackluster acceleration compared to competitors like the Honda Odyssey. However, the Sienna's chassis and steering were commendable, offering nimble handling and a comfortable ride, especially in city driving. The Sienna featured multiple drive modes, but the Normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Tiguan offered FWD as standard, with the option for AWD at an additional cost. The AWD models featured a slightly larger fuel tank to accommodate the system's impact on fuel economy. The Tiguan's performance was a mixed experience, with inconsistent power delivery and a touchy gas pedal. The steering was light but somewhat rubbery, while visibility and handling were good, making the vehicle feel more maneuverable. The ride was comfortable, though the seating surfaces drew some complaints from passengers.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior storage solutions, with ample space for personal items and a long shelf across the dashboard. The minivan's design made excellent use of space, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 101 cubic feet with seats folded. However, the middle row could not be removed or folded into the floor, unlike some competitors. The second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, with extending ottomans and adjustable tracks, providing genuine legroom for third-row passengers.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, in its two-row configuration, offered 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The three-row version reduced cargo space significantly but maintained decent passenger space. The Tiguan provided ample headroom and legroom for front and second-row passengers, though the third row was tight. Despite its compact crossover classification, the Tiguan was one of the few in its class to offer a third row, making it a practical choice for those needing occasional extra seating.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured an older infotainment interface, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. The system included physical buttons, which some drivers preferred for ease of use. However, the interface felt outdated and required a wired connection for smartphone integration. The 9-inch touchscreen was adequate, and the 12-speaker JBL audio system provided good sound quality.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system included haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. The system relied on monochromatic graphics, accessed through an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line featuring a fully configurable 10.25-inch display. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System was a highlight, offering excellent sound quality.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS for the 2022 model. While competitors offered additional features like intercom systems and rear-seat cameras, the Sienna focused on essential safety technologies.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and for 2024, it included the IQ.DRIVE suite of driver-assistance features as standard. This suite offered adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, lane assist, and more. Additional safety features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning. Park Distance Control was available on higher trims, though some features were found to be intrusive.