2023 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling updates, including a gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper design aimed at improving aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colours were introduced, and the rear VW logo was illuminated. Despite these changes, the ID.4 maintained a distinct EV appearance, lacking the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. However, this was a common trait among many electric vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Bolt EUV. The ID.4 was built on VW’s MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, and shared interior qualities with VW’s gasoline models, offering a minimalist design and quality feel. The base model included leatherette upholstery with recycled fibres, maintaining a high standard even in lower trims.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, available in LE, XLE, XSE, and Limited trims, presented a distinctive look with sleek front and rear fascias and vibrant colour options like deep blue, red, or bronze. LED lighting was standard, with upper trims featuring Bi-LED projector headlamps. The XSE trim added sporty elements such as a black metallic mesh grille and 20-inch dark wheels. Inside, the Sienna offered cloth seats, three-zone climate control, and seating for eight, with the XSE trim replacing the second-row bench with captain’s chairs. The interior design emphasized spaciousness with horizontal lines and satin accents, making it a practical choice for families, despite not being overly luxurious.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model with RWD, while the Pro model retained the 82-kWh pack, available in both RWD and AWD. The single electric motor RWD models delivered 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD version increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery reduced curb weight by 109 kilograms, enhancing acceleration and handling. Despite its acceleration capabilities, the ID.4 allowed too much body roll for spirited driving on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was present but did not support one-pedal driving, offering a more traditional experience for new EV drivers.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna was a hybrid minivan with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing a total of 245 horsepower. AWD models added an electric motor for the rear wheels. While the Sienna included a sport-tuned suspension and Sport mode, it felt sluggish, especially with the CVT, which was noisy during acceleration. The minivan excelled in urban settings with smooth acceleration in Normal or Eco mode, though the brakes were occasionally grabby. The steering was light and accurate, and visibility was excellent, but those seeking more driving excitement might consider alternatives like the Honda Odyssey or Kia Carnival.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided ample interior space, surpassing other affordable EVs in front and rear legroom and headroom. It offered 858 litres of cargo space with rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V in interior space, it was practical for an EV. The ID.4 also had a towing capacity of 1,000 kilograms for RWD and 1,225 kg for AWD models. Interior updates included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage, along with available three-zone climate control.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior functionality, featuring a lower storage pass-through for bulky items and multiple cupholders. The second-row captain’s chairs offered significant legroom but were complex to operate and non-removable, limiting cargo space. The third row was accessible and provided ample legroom when the second row was adjusted. The Sienna included tri-zone climate control, with an additional zone in the XSE trim. The rear liftgate revealed 949 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,860 litres with seats folded, though the third-row seats didn’t lock flush with the floor.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, featuring improved software responsiveness and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system offered sharp graphics and voice recognition, though the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less user-friendly. The ID.Light system provided ambient lighting and navigation cues, though it was easily overlooked during normal driving.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna retained older infotainment technology with a nine-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system included physical buttons for common functions, the backup camera quality was subpar. The Sienna offered a 7-inch digital display in the gauge cluster and optional features like SiriusXM radio and a 12-speaker JBL stereo. USB ports were plentiful, and a 1500-watt inverter was available, though activation required a button near the driver’s seat.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model earned the IIHS’s “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with high scores in crash tests and front crash prevention. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0, which offered adaptive cruise control and lane centring.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. While lane-keeping assist showed some side-to-side movement, the system was easy to control. The Sienna included numerous airbags and reminders for rear passengers. It received a four-star rating from the NHTSA for frontal crash protection and a five-star rating for side crash protection. The IIHS rated it “Good” in crashworthiness but “Average” in front crash prevention.