2022 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas carried over from its 2021 model with only minor modifications, maintaining its presence in the Canadian market with four trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline, and Execline. The Execline trim, which was the top of the line in Canada, featured R-Line design elements, including 21-inch alloy wheels that enhanced its upscale appearance. Despite its bold and appealing exterior, the interior design, while simple and premium in appearance, was let down by the use of low-cost materials, such as hard and shiny plastics, which detracted from the overall quality expected in a vehicle nearing the $60,000 price point.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV styling cues. It featured a macho front end and cleverly re-engineered sliding doors that added to its assertive profile. Inside, the Sienna avoided the typical minivan feel with an uncluttered design and abundant storage options, making it a practical choice for families. The interior offered comfortable seating across all rows, with available second-row captain’s chairs and a spacious third-row bench that folded into the floor for added convenience. The Sienna's design and functionality made it a versatile family vehicle.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-litre V6 engine. The turbocharged engine produced 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, requiring premium fuel for optimal performance. It had a towing capacity of 907 kilograms and a fuel consumption rating of 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The V6 engine, standard on the Execline trim, delivered 276 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. However, its performance was considered leisurely, and the engine's design felt outdated. The Atlas featured various driving modes and an AWD system with Active Control calibrations, but its ride quality was criticized for being busy and noisy.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. It offered FWD as standard, with AWD available on most trims. The Sienna's hybrid system provided impressive fuel efficiency, with ratings of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving for FWD models and slightly higher for AWD models. The Sienna's handling was surprisingly good for a minivan, thanks to its TNGA platform, and it offered a comfortable and smooth ride. The hybrid powertrain and efficient CVT transmission made it an economical choice for families.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas boasted a spacious interior with comfortable seating for seven passengers. It offered generous head and legroom, even in the third row, and a low step-in height for easy access. The Atlas provided ample cargo space, with 583 litres behind the third row, 1,572 litres with the third row folded, and 2,741 litres with the second row down. However, the unlined storage areas caused items to rattle and slide around, creating unwanted noise.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. It offered 949 litres of cargo space behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The Sienna's power-operated sliding doors and liftgate, along with foot-motion triggers, added convenience for families. The interior featured numerous storage cubbies and cupholders, making it a practical choice for family outings.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, featuring an 8-inch display as standard, with a 10.25-inch version available on higher trims. The Atlas offered VW's next-generation MIB3 infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Fender premium audio system on the Execline trim. However, the user experience was marred by slow loading times and cumbersome navigation controls.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While it lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display on higher trims. The Sienna also included a digital rearview mirror and a range of telematics services, enhancing its appeal as a family-friendly vehicle.

The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic post-collision braking, Front Assist, Side Assist, and Rear Traffic Alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. However, the Atlas received only four-star ratings in frontal-impact tests from the NHTSA and did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire-pressure monitoring system, making it a safe choice for families.