Toyota Sienna vs Volkswagen Routan
The Volkswagen Routan is more fuel-efficient at 20 MPG combined, against 19 MPG for the Toyota Sienna. At EPA assumptions that is about $200 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Toyota Sienna | Volkswagen Routan | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 270 | 461 |
| Most reported problem | Body & structure | Electrical system |
| Crashes and fires | 35 and 5 | 7 and 5 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 80,000 miles | 66,000 miles |
| Recalls | 10 | 6 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 19 MPG | 20 MPG |
| City and highway | 17 and 23 | 17 and 25 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $3,550 | $3,350 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 270 complaints for the Toyota Sienna and 461 for the Volkswagen Routan. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 10 for the Toyota Sienna, 6 for the Volkswagen Routan.