2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Volkswagen Taos

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, traditionally not known for its stylish appeal. Toyota's designers gave the Sienna a more SUV-like appearance, starting with a wide grille that emphasized its width and sleek LED headlamp arrays integrated into a panel featuring the Toyota logo. The side profile showcased an assertive stance, with re-engineered sliding side doors that were sculpted to bulge over the rear wheels. Alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches, depending on the trim, added to its visual appeal. From the rear, the Sienna managed to look wide and low, maintaining a sleek appearance. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan but not quite as high as a full-size SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with most controls clustered around the infotainment screen. The center console featured a gear selector lever, multiple cupholders, and a large storage compartment. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding fore and aft for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos, positioned as a compact SUV, aimed to offer simplicity with a touch of sophistication. Available in S, SE, or SEL trims, the Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a choice between front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive. The SEL 4Motion test vehicle stood out with its 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels and Cornflower Blue paint. The Taos sported roof rails, dark gray plastic cladding, and simulated skid plates, fitting right into the SUV club. However, the blacked-out front bumper between the grille and lower air intake was a questionable design choice. Inside, the Taos featured hard, somewhat shiny plastics, but VW provided soft surfaces where it mattered most. The SEL trim level offered two-tone perforated leather with contrast stitching, an upscale dashboard strip, and matching door panel inserts.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors to produce 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The Sienna used an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, while maximizing fuel efficiency, tended to blunt throttle response. The Sienna offered four selectable drive modes: Normal, EV, Eco, and Sport. Handling was significantly improved over previous models, thanks to new front suspension and steering and independent rear trailing arm suspension. The Sienna Hybrid boasted impressive EPA fuel economy numbers, with FWD models achieving 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined, while AWD models were rated at 35/36/35 mpg combined.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The Taos felt powerful enough, but the turbocharger's delayed response and the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission's erratic shifting could be irritating. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission offered smoother driving but was only available with front-wheel drive. The Taos SEL 4Motion in Sport mode provided a more engaging driving experience, aided by P225/45R19 Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires. However, the Taos's ground clearance of 6.6 inches was less than its competitors, limiting its off-road capability. The EPA rated the Taos SEL 4Motion at 28 mpg combined, with real-world testing averaging 27.1 mpg.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, essential for a minivan. It featured a standard third-row 60/40-split bench that stored away easily and a second row that slid up to 25 inches for easy access. The cabin offered 16 cupholders and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, with cargo measurements of 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 101.0 cubic feet behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly tucked under the front seats, not impacting cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and tailgate responded to kick motions, a family-friendly feature.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos boasted an impressively roomy cabin for a compact SUV. The SEL's deeply bolstered seats offered plenty of adjustment options, including eight-way power adjustment and power lumbar support for the driver. The rear seat provided generous legroom and a comfortable cushion. Storage space was plentiful, though the bin under the front center armrest was small. Cargo space varied with the drive system, with FWD models offering 27.9 cubic feet behind the back seat and 65.9 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The 4Motion models had slightly less cargo space, with 24.9 cubic feet and 60.2 cubic feet, respectively. The Taos also featured a center pass-through, ideal for ski trips.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna was packed with technology features, starting with a standard nine-inch touchscreen offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. Connectivity options included a year's trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, a ten-year trial of Service Connect, and a three-month trial of AT&T WiFi Connect. Higher trims offered Qi-compatible charging, a 1500-watt inverter, and a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers. A rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display was available. The driver enjoyed a multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display available on Platinum trims. Limited and Platinum models could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos featured Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with SE and SEL trims upgrading to an 8-inch touchscreen with MIB3 software. All trims included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Car-Net connected services. SE trim added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, voice control, and wireless smartphone charging. The SEL trim included navigation and an eight-speaker BeatsAudio premium sound system. However, the user experience with the MIB3 system was not as smooth as expected, with complex menu navigation and slow software response.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including dynamic radar cruise control, lane-tracing assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, lane-departure alert, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System, with enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart stop technology, was also standard. The Sienna featured 10 airbags and LATCH connectors, with a rear-seat reminder system and a tire pressure monitoring system. Crash-test ratings for the 2021 Sienna were not yet available, but the 2020 model received high marks from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Volkswagen Taos offered IQ Drive safety technologies, standard or available on all trims. The IQ Drive package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Travel Assist and Emergency Assist were also included, with the latter responding to an inactive driver by slowing the vehicle and activating hazard flashers. The Taos SEL added rain-sensing wipers, road sign recognition, and rear parking sensors with automatic braking. The reverse automatic braking feature could be turned off, which was useful for certain driveway configurations. Crash-test ratings for the Taos were not yet available.