2022 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a conservative yet timeless design, distinguishing itself from its competitors with a creased and symmetrical aesthetic. The refreshed front styling aligned it with Volkswagen's larger models, featuring a restyled grille with the new VW logo and standard LED headlights. The Tiguan offered four trim levels in Canada, all with standard 4Motion AWD, and prices ranged from $33,395 to $43,395. The interior of the Highline R-Line trim boasted a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and new technology, although the lower half's hard plastic hinted at its mass-market status.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sienna embraced its minivan identity while incorporating SUV-like styling elements. The Sienna's design included a macho front end and cleverly concealed sliding door channels, contributing to its assertive profile. Inside, the Sienna offered a spacious and practical layout with ample storage, comfortable seating, and a standard third-row bench that folded into the floor. The Sienna's interior was designed to accommodate families, with features like power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate, enhancing convenience for busy parents.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan retained its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system, which could decouple the rear axle to save fuel. The Tiguan offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual, along with Offroad settings. Despite its nimble handling, the Tiguan's performance was somewhat hindered by turbo lag and a modest power output, resulting in a fuel efficiency of 9.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivering a combined 243 horsepower. The Sienna's AWD system added an electric motor for the rear wheels, simplifying the drivetrain. The Sienna's CVT provided smooth power delivery, and its handling was surprisingly agile for a minivan. The Sienna excelled in fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 6.6 L/100 km combined, while AWD models managed 6.7 L/100 km. The hybrid system's battery pack was strategically placed under the front seats, ensuring a low centre of gravity and optimal space utilization.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a spacious interior, comparable to smaller midsize SUVs, with an optional third row. The Highline R-Line trim featured comfortable leather seats with power adjustments and excellent visibility. The second row provided ample headroom and legroom, making it suitable for adults and children alike. However, the switch to touch controls on the steering wheel and dashboard proved challenging to use. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,078 litres available in the two-row configuration.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna excelled in versatility, capable of accommodating a full 4x8 sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed. The sliding second row added flexibility for loading cargo, 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 3,500-pound towing capacity. The power-operated sliding doors and rear liftgate, along with ample storage and cupholders, made the Sienna a practical choice for families.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with standard digital gauges, with the Highline R-Line featuring a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro system. The MIB3 infotainment system, available on most trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, Car-Net connected services, and smartphone mirroring. However, the voice recognition system was disappointing. The Tiguan also offered an available Park Assist system for autonomous parking.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. While wireless smartphone connectivity was absent, the Sienna offered a range of telematics services and a 12-speaker JBL audio system on higher trims. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available, and the digital rearview mirror provided a clear view of the road behind. The Sienna's technology package catered to family needs, with multiple USB ports and optional wireless charging.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan included standard safety features like Front Assist and Side Assist, with available upgrades such as Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in 2021, and the 2022 model's enhancements aimed to improve this score.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Sienna's standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite included adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and automatic emergency braking. The Sienna also featured 10 airbags, multiple LATCH connectors, and a rear-seat reminder system, ensuring comprehensive safety for families.