2023 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Toyota Sienna stood out in the minivan segment, a category that had seen a decline with the rise of SUVs. Despite this trend, Toyota remained committed to the minivan market, evolving its models over the years. The Sienna, with its fourth-generation debut in 2021, embraced a design that blended SUV aesthetics with traditional minivan functionality. Its exterior featured a bold front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, giving it a more assertive stance. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical cabin, with ample storage solutions and seating configurations that catered to family needs. The interior design avoided the typical minivan feel, providing a comfortable and uncluttered environment for both drivers and passengers.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan maintained its appeal with a design that had evolved from previous updates. Available in various trims, the Tiguan offered a range of exterior and interior colour options, though choices were limited by trim level. The Highline R-Line trim, with its sporty appearance and 20-inch wheels, was particularly striking. Inside, the Tiguan's cabin exuded an upscale feel, with quality materials and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the experience. However, some ergonomic choices, like touch-sensing controls, detracted from usability. Despite these quirks, the Tiguan's spacious interior and thoughtful design elements, such as excellent visibility and easy parking, made it a practical choice for many drivers.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna was powered by a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. This setup, paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT), offered smooth power delivery and impressive fuel efficiency. The Sienna's handling was commendable for a minivan, with minimal body roll and a comfortable ride, thanks to its Toyota Next Generation Architecture (TNGA) platform. Fuel consumption figures were impressive, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined, while AWD variants were slightly higher at 6.7 L/100 km. The Sienna's hybrid system, with its 288-volt nickel metal-hydride battery, was backed by a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the Tiguan came standard with VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, offering various driving modes for different conditions. Fuel economy was less impressive than the Sienna, with R-Line trims averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Tiguan's powertrain had its quirks, such as turbo lag and delayed downshifts, but its dynamic qualities, including excellent tire grip and stable handling, made it enjoyable to drive. The Tiguan's ride was compliant, providing a good balance between comfort and road feel, though some road noise was noticeable in the cabin.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, offering a versatile interior capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. Its sliding second row added flexibility for cargo loading, with measurements of 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna also boasted a 1,585-kilogram towing capacity. Power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, with available foot-motion triggers, added convenience for families on the go.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan provided ample passenger and cargo space, with certain configurations offering a third-row seat. However, opting for AWD increased cargo capacity, with 1,064 litres behind the second row and 2,078 litres behind the front seats. The Tiguan's interior featured comfortable front seats with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. Despite some ergonomic missteps with touch-sensing controls, the Tiguan's spacious rear seat and generous cargo area, complete with an adjustable load floor and handy storage solutions, made it a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. However, it lacked wireless connectivity for these features. The Sienna included a range of telematics services and audio options, with higher trims offering a 12-speaker JBL system and a rear-seat entertainment system. A digital rearview mirror and Smart Key System were available on select trims, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan featured digital instrumentation, with R-Line trims boasting a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a nine-speaker Fender premium sound system. However, the system's user interface introduced unnecessary complexity, with multi-layer processes for simple tasks. Despite these challenges, the Tiguan's technology suite included advanced voice recognition and Car-Net connected services, though some features were not active in the test vehicle.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna earned top safety ratings, with 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 adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. The Sienna also included 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, ensuring comprehensive safety for families.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan excelled in safety features, with standard Front Assist and Side Assist, including forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The IQ.Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and emergency assist, providing semi-autonomous driving capabilities. However, the Tiguan's crash-test ratings were incomplete, with concerns about the driver's door unlatching during a side-impact test. Despite this, the Tiguan's safety technology performed well, offering a refined and trustworthy experience.