2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a sophisticated exterior that many considered more premium than its non-European counterparts. The German crossover featured standard LED headlights and taillights, with an illuminated grille light line on the SEL R-Line trim. The model name was centered in all-caps at the rear, accompanied by the classic Volkswagen badge. The base trim was limited to grayscale colors, while higher trims offered more vibrant options like Atlantic Blue and Kings Red Metallic, albeit with specific interior color pairings and additional costs. The interior of the Tiguan varied by trim, with the base S offering heated cloth seats, while the SEL R-Line boasted real leather, front-seat ventilation, and a heated steering wheel.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna, available in multiple trims, maintained its distinctive look with sleek front and rear fascias and a variety of color options, including deep blue, red, and green. LED lighting was standard, with upper trims featuring Bi-LED projector headlamps. The XSE trim, tested for its sporty appeal, included a black metallic mesh grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels. The Woodland Edition offered off-road readiness with roof rails, a tow hitch, and increased ground clearance. The Sienna's interior was designed for family comfort, with standard cloth seats and three-zone climate control, while the XSE trim added leather-trimmed heated and cooled front seats and a leather-trimmed power steering wheel.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with the option for 4Motion all-wheel drive at an additional cost. The AWD version included a larger fuel tank, though it slightly reduced fuel economy. The Tiguan's power delivery was inconsistent, with noticeable lag in turbo and transmission response. The steering was light but somewhat rubbery, while visibility and handling were commendable. The ride was comfortable, though the seating surfaces received mixed reviews from passengers.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 245 horsepower. AWD models included an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. Despite a sport-tuned suspension and Sport mode, the Sienna's performance was sluggish, with a CVT that contributed to a smooth but slow acceleration. The minivan excelled in urban driving, with light and accurate steering and excellent visibility. However, the brakes were occasionally grabby, and the CVT could become noisy. Competing minivans like the Honda Odyssey and Kia Carnival offered more robust V6 engines.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan's interior space varied depending on the drivetrain. FWD models seated seven, while AWD models, including the SEL R-Line, seated five, offering more cargo space. The two-row Tiguan provided 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The three-row configuration reduced cargo space but maintained passenger comfort, with ample headroom and legroom in the first two rows. The third row was tighter, but still more spacious than some competitors. The Tiguan was one of the few compact crossovers to offer a third row.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior functionality, with a lower storage pass-through, multiple cupholders, and a shelf with a wireless charging pad. The second-row captain's chairs offered 25 inches of sliding range, providing up to 40 inches of legroom. However, the seats couldn't be removed, limiting maximum cargo space. The third row was accessible and offered ample legroom when the second row was adjusted. The Sienna featured tri-zone climate control, with an additional zone for the front passenger in the XSE trim. The rear liftgate revealed 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 101 cubic feet with the third row stowed and the second row folded.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan featured haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. However, the physical volume knob was sensitive and challenging to align perfectly. The infotainment system, accessed through an 8-inch touchscreen, had monochromatic graphics that felt out of place in the stylish vehicle. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with the base trim offering a smaller 6.5-inch screen. 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 for audiophiles.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna retained Toyota's older infotainment technology, with a nine-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included physical buttons for common menus, but the backup camera's grainy view was disappointing. The Sienna featured analog gauges with a 7-inch digital display for essential information. A Wi-Fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an optional 12-speaker JBL stereo system were available. The Sienna also offered a rear-camera mirror and an 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment system, though these were not included in the tested model.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan had previously earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and its safety features improved for 2024. The standard IQ.DRIVE suite included adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Additional features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection. Park Distance Control was standard on higher trims, though its Maneuver Braking feature was intrusive.

The 2024 Toyota Sienna came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, offering lane departure alert, automatic emergency braking, road sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The Sienna had numerous airbags, including side curtain airbags for all rows. The NHTSA rated the Sienna with four stars for frontal crash and rollover protection and five stars for side crash protection. The IIHS gave it top scores in crashworthiness but rated its front crash prevention as "Average."