Toyota Sienna vs Volkswagen Routan
The Toyota Sienna is more fuel-efficient at 21 MPG combined, against 20 MPG for the Volkswagen Routan. At EPA assumptions that is about $150 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Toyota Sienna | Volkswagen Routan | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 820 | 302 |
| Most reported problem | Air bags | Electrical system |
| Crashes and fires | 49 and 10 | 9 and 4 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 56,000 miles | 69,000 miles |
| Recalls | 14 | 0 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 21 MPG | 20 MPG |
| City and highway | 19 and 24 | 17 and 25 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $3,200 | $3,350 |
| NHTSA overall safety | Not rated |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 820 complaints for the Toyota Sienna and 302 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: 14 for the Toyota Sienna, 0 for the Volkswagen Routan.