2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2021 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, presenting a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and horizontally arranged LED headlamp arrays gave it a sleek look, while the sculpted sliding side doors and various alloy wheel sizes added to its assertive stance. The rear design managed to look wide and low, maintaining Toyota's high standards of fit and finish. Inside, the Sienna emphasized width with horizontal lines, offering a higher seating position than a sedan but not quite the command seating of a full-size SUV. The dashboard was simple and uncluttered, with most controls clustered on the upper part of the center stack. The center console featured a bridge design, providing a smart storage solution. The second and third rows were comfortable for adults, with the second row sliding fore and aft for maximum utility and comfort.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent, particularly in the new Onyx Edition trim, embraced the trend of blacked-out exterior trim. This trim level featured black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather seats. The Ascent's interior had a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching and metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels. However, the StarTex material tended to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable but unavailable option. The Ascent's styling, especially in the Onyx Edition, gave it a sporty appearance, but the interior comfort was compromised by the material choice.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid was Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that produced a combined 243 horsepower. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trim levels. 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 big news was its impressive fuel economy, 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 Subaru Ascent came equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. A CVT and all-wheel drive were standard, with versions featuring 20-inch wheels achieving an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg combined. The Ascent's flat-four engine layout provided a lower center of gravity for improved handling. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing the Ascent to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance offered more off-roading capability than many competitors. However, the advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement, creating an unsettled driving experience when engaged.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in convenience functions, with 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 featured 16 cupholders (15 with the spare tire option) and ample storage cubbies. The Sienna could carry a full four-by-eight sheet of plywood with the tailgate closed, offering 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space 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, adding to its family-friendly features.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could carry up to eight people with a second-row bench seat, but third-row comfort was limited for taller adults. The Ascent Onyx Edition featured water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second-row seat was easy, thanks to wide rear doors that opened nearly 90 degrees. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down. Versions with the panoramic sunroof had slightly reduced cargo space.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered a nine-inch touchscreen standard across all grades, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, and multiple USB ports. Connectivity features 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 featured a Premium Audio + JBL package with 12 speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with an 11.6-inch display. The driver enjoyed a color multi-information display, with a 10-inch Head-Up Display available on Platinum models. Limited and Platinum trims could upgrade to a digital rearview mirror.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The system's voice recognition technology needed improvement, requiring specific commands for accurate responses. Onyx Edition models used standard stereo speakers, with the optional Harman Kardon premium sound system reserved for higher trims. Additional technology features for the Touring trim included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

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 Sienna featured 10 airbags, LATCH connectors, a rear-seat reminder system, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2020 Sienna received high safety ratings, but 2021 ratings were not yet available.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent earned a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring (available on Premium trim and above), and reverse automatic braking.